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NIOA Unveils New Group Structure, Key Appointments

Monday, January 23rd, 2023

Australia’s global munitions company NIOA has today unveiled a corporate reorganisation, together with several key appointments to its future leadership team and a consolidation of its advisory board.

NIOA Australia, NIOA New Zealand, the Australian Missile Corporation, joint venture company, Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions and newly acquired Barrett Firearms now come under the umbrella of the NIOA Group.

The companies include:

• NIOA Australia and NIOA New Zealand which consolidates the defence, law enforcement and sporting markets in those countries as the largest privately-owned supplier of firearms, weapons, munitions and accessories.

• US-based Barrett continues to supply long-range weapons systems to the US military and its allies as well as products to law enforcement agencies and civilian markets.

• The Australian Missile Corporation is the independently operated enterprise partner for the Australian Government’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance enterprise.

• The Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions artillery shell forging plant in Maryborough, Queensland is a joint venture with Rheinmetall of Germany.

Ben James, the new CEO of NIOA Australia and New Zealand, heads up a number of executive appointments announced by NIOA Group CEO Rob Nioa under a corporate restructure.

Group CEO Rob Nioa has simultaneously announced a number of executive appointments:

• Former NIOA Weapons and Munitions General Manager Ben James has been promoted to the position of CEO for NIOA Australia and New Zealand.

• Current NIOA Chief Operating Officer Nigel Everingham to serve as Group Chief Operating Officer.

•Jackson Nioa, formerly Corporate Development Manager for NIOA, becomes Group Chief Financial Officer.

•Lee Goddard continues in his current position as CEO of the Australian Missile Corporation.

•Sam Shallenberger to serve as CEO of Barrett with Bryan K. James the new President.

Under the restructure, the NIOA advisory board and former Australian Missile Corporation board become one NIOA Group board chaired by former Australian Defence Minister the Hon. Christopher Pyne.

The board includes former US Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, the Hon. Ellen Lord, former Australian Government MP, Senator for Victoria and past Parliamentary Secretary of Defence, the Hon. David Feeney, former Australian Army soldier Mark Donaldson VC, US Army Brigadier General (Ret’d) and former Commander Picatinny Arsenal, Alfred Abramson, Dr Ken Anderson, former Chief of the Aerospace Division in the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), and Tom Seymour, CEO of PwC Australia.

The restructure announcement comes on the heels of NIOA’s news last week that it has expanded its global reach with the acquisition of US-based rifle manufacturer and designer Barrett.

Mr Nioa said the family-owned NIOA was at an inflection point as it celebrated 50 years in business.

“This restructure streamlines our operations and sets us up for future growth as we expand geographically, enhance our capabilities and continue to deliver outstanding results for our customers,” Mr Nioa said.

“NIOA has been built on a foundation of hard work, loyalty and a can-do attitude. Those values continue to unite us. As always, wherever we operate our people are our greatest capability.”

The company has also released a new brand line and video reflecting the group-wide purpose while paying homage to its Queensland and Australian heritage.

“Mission Ready” captures the NIOA ethos and comes with an inspiring video launched across the company’s refreshed website and social media channels.

It features Mr Nioa reflecting on the company’s journey – from humble beginnings serving the sporting shooter and rural community to small firearms wholesaler and its extraordinary growth over the past decade as a major defence contractor.

www.nioa.com.au

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on NIOA Unveils New Group Structure, Key Appointments

Edgar Brothers Named Magpul Industries Most Valuable International Partner for 2022

Wednesday, January 18th, 2023

Yesterday on the SHOT Show floor in Las Vegas Edgar Bothers was named Magpul’s Most Valuable International Partner for 2022.

Having worked with Magpul since 2006 EB have seen the company experience tremendous growth through their focus on innovative, game changing products.

Edgar Brothers Director Mike Newman says, “It’s been an honour to promote and supply Magpul products to the UK Market for the last 16 years and we look forward to the next 16 and beyond!”

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, SHOT Show | 1 Comment »

Gentex Corporation Settles Lawsuit with Galvion

Wednesday, January 18th, 2023

CARBONDALE, PA, JANUARY 17, 2023 – On May 17, 2019, Gentex Corporation filed a lawsuit against Galvion in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, Civil Action No. 1:19-cv-00921-MN involving helmet systems with integrated or standalone mounting rails.

Gentex asserted infringement of U.S. Patent No. 7,849,517, titled “Mounting System for Accessories on a Safety Helmet” and issued on December 14, 2010 (“the ’517 Patent”); U.S. Patent No. 7,908,667, titled “Mounting System for Accessories on a Safety Helmet” and issued on March 22, 2011 (“the ’667 Patent”); U.S. Patent No. 9,717,294, titled “Hinged Attachment of Headgear to a Helmet” and issued on August 1, 2017 (“the ’294 Patent”); U.S. Patent No. 10,638,807, titled “Helmet Cover Assembly Having at Least One Mounting Device” and issued on May 5, 2020 (“the ’807 Patent”); U.S. Design Patent No. D750,846, titled “Helmet Mounted Rail” and issued on March 1, 2016 (“the ’846 Patent”); U.S. Design Patent No. D750,847, titled “Helmet Mount” and issued on March 1, 2016 (“the ’847 Patent”).

On June 24, 2022, Gentex and Galvion settled this lawsuit. Among other terms, Galvion obtained a royalty-bearing license to certain Gentex patents for past and future Galvion helmet systems with integrated or standalone mounting rails.

Posted in Advertiser, Helmets, Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on Gentex Corporation Settles Lawsuit with Galvion

Boston Dynamics Joins Persistent Systems Wave Relay Ecosystem

Wednesday, January 18th, 2023

• Persistent Systems networking devices to be sold with robots intended for defense, public safety applications

• Spot® quadruped robot equipped with the Persistent Systems MPU5 is well suited to keep responding teams out of harm’s way during a wide range of potentially hazardous environments and situations

NEW YORK, Jan. 17, 2023 — Persistent Systems, LLC (“Persistent”), a leader in mobile ad hoc networking (MANET) technology, announced today that mobile robotics company Boston Dynamics has joined Persistent’s Wave Relay® Ecosystem.

The Ecosystem is an industry alliance of unmanned system and sensor producers all using the Wave Relay® MANET as their preferred network for command-and-control and communications. As part of its agreement with Boston Dynamics, Persistent will supply the MANET devices used on robots sold to defense, public safety, law enforcement and U.S. federal government customers.

“We are excited to have Boston Dynamics join our Ecosystem,” said Jeremy Hickman, Director of Business Development for Persistent Systems. “We believe that our MANET technology will provide their robots with a high-performance solution that is robust, reliable and scalable—and also enables interoperability with third-party unmanned and sensor platforms.”

Boston Dynamics officials noted that they see the new Ecosystem agreement with Persistent Systems as a way of better positioning the company’s robotic quadruped Spot for industries requiring dedicated, secure communications networks in remote environments.

“We see Spot, operating on a Persistent Systems MANET, being used in many different applications, including subterranean or confined space exploration, unexploded ordnance inspection, suspicious package investigation, hazardous gas detection, search and rescue, and structural inspection,” said Kimberly Chamblin, Director of Partnerships, Public Sector, at Boston Dynamics.

In addition to MANET hardware being physically integrated with Boston Dynamics robots, robotic command-and-control software will be loaded onto Persistent Systems devices so that users can control them via the Persistent Systems Remote Display and Controller (RDC).

“So, not only will you be able to stream sensor data collected by Spot, but you will also be able to control its movement with the RDC,” Hickman said. “This configuration both empowers the users and reduces the need for each unmanned system to have its own unique controller.”

For more information about Persistent’s MANET solutions, visit our website: www.persistentsystems.com.

Posted in Comms, Industry, Press Release, Robotics | Comments Off on Boston Dynamics Joins Persistent Systems Wave Relay Ecosystem

Milliken & Company Partners with MMI Textiles to Offer Tegris Thermoplastic Composites

Wednesday, January 18th, 2023

BROOKLYN, OH – January 13, 2023 – MMI Textiles and Milliken & Company announced today a commercial market partnership that allows MMI to supply Milliken Tegris® Thermoplastic Composite fabric. MMI will be able to offer Tegris® at less than case quantities, effective immediately.

Milliken Tegris® Thermoplastic Composite fabric is designed for heavy-duty, often dangerous work. A breakthrough material that provides excellent protection against fragment, projectile or blast threats, it is engineered specifically for applications that need high stiffness, like plate carriers and belts. The fabric features a lighter total weight than traditional thermoplastics and composites without sacrificing protection.

“We are thrilled to partner with an iconic, global, textile supplier in Milliken and offer their proven Tegris® product line to our vast customer base. Our team looks forward to a growing partnership with Milliken to provide the very best solutions to our warfighters and many other markets that we serve.” Amy Bircher, CEO & Founder of MMI Textiles.

“Being able to offer Tegris® and partner with a leader in the textile industry like Milliken further illustrates MMI’s commitment to provide innovative products to the end customer, especially those that protect our warfighters. We continue to focus and expand our range of products to support customer needs and participate in new market segments.” said Director of Business Development of MMI Textiles, Joey Smith.

Milliken worked closely with MMI to provide a comprehensive education on the product that positions the distributor as an expert on Tegris®. The partnership is uniquely designed to improve customer experience and provide an opportunity for partners to access Tegris® at quantities that were not previously offered.

“Our commitment to the military industry means that we’re always on the lookout for ways to better serve and bring opportunities to advance the market,” said David Smith, president of Milliken’s Textile Business.

“We’re excited to partner with MMI and know they’re an ideal partner to help us ensure that anyone looking to develop the next generation of performance protection has the best materials, like Tegris®, at their disposal,” Bruce LaFlam, vice president of sales and marketing for Government Defense at Milliken.

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, Materials, Press Release | Comments Off on Milliken & Company Partners with MMI Textiles to Offer Tegris Thermoplastic Composites

Capacity Building for Ammunition Production: Foundation Stone Laid at New Rheinmetall Ammunition Factory in Várpalota, Hungary

Wednesday, January 18th, 2023

The foundation stone has been laid for the new Rheinmetall plant in Várpalota, Hungary, where ammunition for various systems will be produced by the joint venture Rheinmetall Hungary Munitions in cooperation with the Hungarian state. Production of 33mm-medium-calibre ammunition for the Lynx infantry fighting vehicle now being manufactured at the Rheinmetall plant in Zalaegerszeg is scheduled to start in 2024.

In a second phase, production capacity will be expanded and the product range widened to include other ammunition types.

A longstanding strategic partner of Hungary, Rhein¬metall AG will then be able to produce ammunition for the Leopard 2 tank and PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer at the Várpalota plant. Both of these systems are used by the Hungarian Army. Part of the production is earmarked for the Hungarian armed forces, with some products destined for export.

Full production capacity will be reached in 2025. In addition, Rheinmetall also plans to conduct R&D in Várpalota.

The Group is thus systematically expanding its ammunition production capacity. It recently announced the acquisition of Spanish ammunition maker Expal, which will double its manufacturing capacity in this domain.

Rheinmetall also produces ammunition in Germany, Italy, Switzerland, South Africa, and Australia.

Rheinmetall is an important partner of Hungary, helping the country to achieve its strategic goals and develop its national defence industry. With this plant, Rheinmetall will be able to meet Hungary’s future ammunition needs as well as the growing demand for ammunition from Germany’s other partner countries. In addition to capital expenditure in Várpalota, Rheinmetall has been investing in extra production capacity and a development centre in Zalaegerszeg, where vehicle systems like the Lynx infantry fighting vehicle are being developed and produced, as well as in Szeged.

Furthermore, Rheinmetall announced in May 2022 that it would set up a joint venture with the 4iG Plc and the Hungarian state-owned company HM Electronics, Logistics and Property Management Plc (HM EI Zrt.) to drive forward the digitalisation of the Hungarian armed forces and selected NATO member states. Rheinmetall thus continues to expand its position in Hungary as a capable partner of the Hungarian armed forces. The core objective of the cooperation is to promote digitalisation of the Hungarian armed forces and other NATO countries in Central and Eastern Europe and to develop and supply the necessary digital equipment.

When it is complete, the factory in Várpalota will employ about 200 people. More workers will be needed as the plant grows.

“We need employees in our team with experience in production, quality assurance, purchasing, warehousing and logistics, plant maintenance and administration. We are also specifically looking for professionals who are trained and experienced in handling explosives and ammunition”, declares plant CEO Michael Krebs.

Posted in Advertiser, Ammo, Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Capacity Building for Ammunition Production: Foundation Stone Laid at New Rheinmetall Ammunition Factory in Várpalota, Hungary

Outdoor Research Partners with Retail Bloom to Launch OR Pro on Amazon

Tuesday, January 17th, 2023

Seattle, Wash. (January 17, 2023) – Outdoor Research (OR), the Seattle-based outdoor and tactical apparel & gear manufacturer is announcing its partnership with Retail Bloom to launch the OR Pro brand on Amazon.

In early 2022, Outdoor Research rebranded its military and tactical business under the OR Pro brand and has seen significant growth over the course of the year. As part of its ongoing growth strategy to expand the brand to a broader range of professional consumers, they have partnered with Retail Bloom, an eCommerce Marketplace Agency to launch OR Pro on Amazon.

Outdoor Research has been working with Retail Bloom for over 3 years, managing the Outdoor Research store on Amazon and they have been an integral part of the OR brand growth on Amazon. As such it was only logical that when OR was looking to launch OR Pro on Amazon they continue to build on the relationship with Retail Bloom.

“With the tremendous success we have had with Retail Bloom in the outdoor industry we were very excited to grow our partnership with them to launch OR Pro on Amazon”, says David Hein, General Manager at Outdoor Research. “With the experience, knowledge and expertise that Retail Bloom brings to the table, we are excited to get the OR Pro brand in front of the Amazon consumer.”

“We are beyond thrilled that Outdoor Research has partnered with Retail Bloom to launch OR Pro on Amazon. The brand resonates with not only the outdoor enthusiast and consumer but with the professional and first responder market. With its over 30-year history of providing US made and off-shore products to the US military and first responders around the world, we now have the ability to provide these products to an even broader range of consumers on Amazon”, says Nicole Reich, Vice President of Sales & Marketing & Co-Founder of Retail Bloom.

Check out all of the new OR Pro and Outdoor Research products at Outdoor Research on Amazon.

Posted in Industry, Press Release | 2 Comments »

SKY-HERO and AARDVARK Announce Release of New Payloads and Accessories

Tuesday, January 17th, 2023

SKY-HERO and AARDVARK have expanded their Tactical Robotics Suite by adding three new accessories and payloads to the current system. A new Tactical Wrist Monitor system, Typhon distraction device payload, and LED/LASER payload have joined the versatile list of equipment in the SKY-HERO Tactical Robotics Suite.

SKY-HERO’s newest accessory, the Tactical Wrist Monitor, allows for the sharing of situational awareness by providing each team member with the ability to view the real-time video streams of up to four different LOKI and SIGYN systems. The monitor features a 2.7-inch, high-res display with individual channel buttons. Team members can switch between the live video feeds of deployed vehicles, even on scrambled channels, without regard for what the pilot is seeing or operating. With a 150-minute run time, wireless scrambled video, and NLOS 150m reception range, the Tactical Wrist Monitor broadens the use of the system’s multiple devices and provides situational awareness for the entire team.

The new Typhon Noise Flash Diversionary Device (NFDD) payload and SKY-HERO LED payloads — designed to provide deceptive diversions to enhance operator safety — have also been added to the Tactical Robotics Suite. These payloads are indispensable tools that facilitate safe entry into hostile environments and distract suspects. Each of these payloads features a plug-and-go design and can operate on both LOKI and SIGYN.

Built in conjunction with Typhon in the UK, the Noise Flash Diversionary Device (NFDD) payload acts as a non-lethal, multi-shot distraction system, capable of producing a 165dB report as either single shots or as a burst. The pilot and other operators can initiate this payload through the SKY-HERO GCS or with SKY-HERO’s new Remote Trigger system.

Built-in conjunction with top SKY-HERO users, the LED payload is a multi-function, selectable payload providing bright white light, colored LEDs, and a designating green laser in a single device. Designed to distract, temporarily disorient, and confuse suspects, the payload’s high-intensity front LEDs can be used as a solid source of bright white or as a disorienting high-intensity strobe. The programmable colored LEDs can be used as a distraction or to indicate the drone is law enforcement. The powerful green laser pointer can designate targets or get suspects’ attention.

The SKY-HERO Tactical Robotics Suite is the world’s most widely used tactical robotics system. It combines the power of the LOKI Mk2 tactical drone, the SIGYN Mk1 ground robot, and integrated payloads to operate from a single GCS. The Tactical Robotics Suite allows teams to scout unknown areas, reduce risk to operators and share situational awareness.

The Tactical Robotics Suite is built by SKY-HERO and sold exclusively in North America by AARDVARK.

Visit aardvarktactical.com/tactical-robotics-suite or contact AARDVARK to learn more about how the complete Tactical Robotics Suite can change the way your team operates.

Posted in Industry, Press Release, UAS | 1 Comment »