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Luxemburg-based Finance Company Compagnie du Développement de l’Eau Acquires Majority Stake in Germany’s Heckler & Koch

Thursday, July 23rd, 2020

Last week, Heckler & Koch announced that Compagnie du Développement de l’Eau, a finance company based in Luxembourg has acquired a majority stake in H&K.

Here is the announcement machine translated from the German original. Please excuse any syntax issues.

Luxembourg financial holding company CDE takes over a majority stake in the traditional weapons manufacturer Heckler & Koch

17.07.2020

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy has given the Compagnie de Développement de l’Eau (CDE) approval to acquire a majority stake in H&K AG. New majority shareholder supports economic recovery and thus guarantees long-term stability. CDE stands by locations and the “Green Country Strategy” and wants to expand Heckler & Koch’s technology leadership.

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) approved the shareholder Compagnie de Développement de l’Eau (CDE) S.A., Luxembourg, to acquire a majority stake in H&K AG on July 15, 2020. The board of H&K AG was informed today that the CDE owns a majority stake in H&K AG.

The CEO of H&K AG, Dr. Jens Bodo Koch says: “We are very interested in clear and stable ownership. With a financially strong, long-term oriented majority owner like CDE, the economic stability of H&K is now guaranteed sustainably. The consolidation course started in 2018 can now be continued consistently. ”

After years of losses, H&K again achieved a profit of EUR 1.6 million in the past year. With a view to the first half of 2020, the Management Board expects a further increase in sales and an improvement in earnings.

900 future-proof and innovative jobs

H&K expressly welcomes the fact that continuity, stability and expansion of the technology leadership of the Oberndorf company enjoy special priority for CDE and that the new majority shareholder supports investments in production and development capacities in Germany in this context. “With CDE’s commitment, a good 900 future-proof and innovative jobs have been secured in Oberndorf,” says CEO Jens Bodo Koch.

CDE has been a H&K shareholder for five years and expressly supports the company’s “Green Country Strategy”. After that, the company only supplies democratic countries, which belong in particular to NATO and / or the EU, and are treated as equal to NATO. It is one of H&K’s corporate principles that weapons belong in the right hands. For H&K, these are soldiers and police officers in democratic countries, who ensure the security and integrity of citizens. They deserve the best equipment for their indispensable and often challenging hard work.

Continuation of the growth and innovation course

With the new majority owner, H&K can continue the growth and innovation course embarked on by the board. The success of this course is already visible. In 2019, the operating profit before taxes (EBITDA) was 30.3 million euros (12.6% of sales), 63 percent higher than in 2018 (18.6 million euros or 8.4% of sales) ). After a successful first half of the year, H&K expects to see profitable growth in 2020 despite the corona pandemic due to its sustainable business policy.

H&K’s return to the profit zone can be attributed on the one hand to a cost reduction program and a significant increase in production efficiency, and on the other to an agreement with the workforce to contribute to the consolidation of the company through additional work while at the same time reducing wages.

The positive development made it possible for H&K to put together an investment package worth 25 million euros, which has been used to modernize production and improve the infrastructure since July 2019 until next year. The company is now operationally profitable enough to manage investments like this from its own cash flow.

The overall outlook for the next few years is also positive. H&K was able to record record orders for the second year in a row. In the current year, the company has started delivering 2,000 medium-range weapons to the Hessian police to protect citizens in the event of terror and amok cases. Also this year, the Bundeswehr special forces will launch the new G95K (HK 416 A7) assault rifle from H&K. This weapon replaces the G36K, which also comes from Oberndorf. H&K’s latest success is the start of delivery of just over 6,000 M110A1 (Squad Designated Marksman Rifle / Rifle Scope / SDMR) precision rifles to the US Army.

We want people to be able to live safely. Our products are designed to protect people in liberal, democratic countries from threats and violence. Heckler & Koch is the leading manufacturer of handguns for the NATO and EU countries and is proud that its assault rifles are standard equipment for many European armed and security forces.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release, weapons | 9 Comments »

DRIFIRE Hires New East Coast Regional Manager

Tuesday, July 21st, 2020

Cleveland, OH – July 21, 2020: John Havill has been hired as the DRIFIRE East Coast Regional Manager for the US military, law enforcement and first responders. His region of responsibility encompasses the eastern half of the United States.

In regards to joining the DRIFIRE military team at National Safety Apparel, John shares that “National Safety Apparel has a time honored history protecting the men and women who built this country. NSA has persevered through the great depression and now in a global pandemic. I joined DRIFIRE to serve as East Coast Regional Manager and to provide the highest quality Berry Amendment compliant USA made products for our military, law enforcement and first responders. When I was fortunate enough to be chosen to join the NSA/DRIFIRE team, I knew that I was now part of a great company, guided by non-wavering core values of family, quality and dedication to all people who work and serve.”

Before joining the DRIFIRE team, John was a firearms and tactics instructor for the Department of Defense (DOD) in the state of Virginia. John graduated over 150 DOD personnel bound for overseas locations. Prior to joining DOD, John held the position of Federal Law Enforcement Sales Manager for Daniel Defense. John’s career path began in Traverse City, Michigan at the age of 19 where he had a successful 26 year career in the United States Coast Guard (USCG).

John retired in 2017 as a highly decorated Senior Chief Gunner’s Mate. John’s military career took him from the lakes of Michigan and Erie, to Alaska and Virginia. John has performed maritime Law Enforcement from Ecuador, throughout the entire Caribbean and the northern waters of Maine.

John was deployed all over the United States with some of his more highlighted deployments being Hurricane Katrina and the US’s largest National Special Security Event – the United Nations General Assembly in NYC.

John is originally from Traverse City, Michigan. He has been married to his amazing wife LeAnn for over 18 years and they have two children, Lauren and Kristin. Last but not least, John doesn’t want to forget to mention his best friend, Boyne the dog.

The Managing Director of Military at DRIFIRE, Markin Dornan, expresses, “I am very pleased that John will be joining National Safety Apparel and our DRIFIRE military team. John has a history of dedication and commitment serving our nation and his family. When you spend time with John you can see that he looks to ensure others get his very best. This is the representation and foundation we are looking for as we continue to build our team. John’s passion for DRIFIRE was apparent and he will be a great advocate for the brand and our company.”

Posted in Industry, Press Release | 3 Comments »

Atlas 46 Opens Store in Hillsboro, Illinois

Sunday, July 19th, 2020

Atlas 46 makes some great clothing and load carriage for the working man. Founded by John Carver, the same guy who created Eagle Industries, Atlas 46 has taken lessons learned from decades of building load carriage for the Warfighter and applied their know-how to the construction worker, skilled tradesman and rancher.

Now, they’ve opened a retail location in Hillsboro, IL with Hardcore Hammers right on Main Street. Check them out if you’re in the area, at 307 South Main Street.

Posted in Industry | 1 Comment »

1791 Gunleather Adds Tactical Gear Distributors

Monday, July 13th, 2020

Wholesaler of Performance Firearms, Ammunition, and Tactical GearMiami, FL, U.S. –1791 Gunleather, an innovative manufacturer of premium handcrafted leather and Kydex® gun holsters, increased dealer assistance with the addition of Tactical Gear Distributors as a new wholesale partner. Tactical Gear Distributors ensures fast and accurate delivery to your store. Whether you need weekly stock replenishments, special orders of unique products, or are working on a large bid, TGD can meet your needs. TGD salespeople are trained to ensure that you are competitive within your market.

“American-made products are always the preference. TGD’s merchandising approach includes the best products that professionals and active product users require. They stock a great assortment of products for the concealed carry, military, and law enforcement markets. That’s why we decided to add TGD.” stated 1791 Gunleather CEO, Ramiro M. Romani.

Retailers interested in obtaining 1791 Gunleather products through Tactical Gear Distributors may call 1(866)529-5575, or visit tacticalgeardistributors.com/become-a-dealer. For information about stocking 1791 Gunleather, contact 1791 Gunleather National Sales Director, Janette Palmer janette@1791gunleather.com. For more details about 1791 Gunleather visit www.1791gunleather.com.

Posted in Holsters, Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on 1791 Gunleather Adds Tactical Gear Distributors

Gentex Corp Acquires Long-Term Distribution Partner Aero Parts Australia

Monday, July 6th, 2020

Carbondale, July 2, 2020. Gentex Corporation, a global leader in personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces, emergency responders, and industrial personnel, announced today that it has acquired Aero Parts Australia Ltd. (APA), leading distributor for commercial air, military and life support equipment within Australia and New Zealand. Gentex is a global leader in providing integrated headborne systems in 140 countries and a key innovation partner in many aircraft platforms including the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

For over 50 years, Gentex has been a supplier of headborne solutions that optimize the performance and safety of the region’s defense and non-defense aviation customers. For more than a decade, Gentex has worked closely with APA as a distributor and local repair resource, supporting the needs of military, state, and civilian customers. This acquisition builds on the strengths of both companies and continues to reinforce a commitment to offering enhanced aftermarket service and broad distribution and service capabilities. The physical presence of Gentex in Australia and New Zealand ensures that customer service and support needs are effectively met.

“With this acquisition, we are able to serve our Australian and New Zealand customers in a more local and direct capacity, bringing the OEM to them,” said Richard Dellar, Chief Commercial Officer of Gentex Corporation, “We’re thrilled to be able to continue to grow the current distribution business, while developing broad aftercare engineering support services, maintenance, and local product customization capabilities. It builds on the existing international footprint, bringing Gentex capabilities to key customers.”

Gentex’s portfolio of air products includes helmets, optical protection, respiratory, and situational awareness solutions. For more information visit, www.gentexcorp.com/industry-solutions/defense/air.

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Gentex Corp Acquires Long-Term Distribution Partner Aero Parts Australia

Everest Adds More Tactical Manufacturers to its Line-Up of Storefronts

Monday, July 6th, 2020

The Woodlands, Texas – June 26, 2020 – Everest, the one-of-a-kind marketplace and e-commerce solution for the outdoors world has announced the addition of several big brands to the Everest family.

“Everest is thrilled to partner with so many emerging brands within the tactical and shooting sports arena,” says Marcus Johnson, EVP of Operations. “We consider it an honor to play a role in growing their e-commerce presence by introducing these brands to new consumers they’ve never been able to reach in the past. We will also provide them with marketing automation tools that will ensure they communicate with these customers through all the steps of the buying journey.”

The latest addition of manufacturer storefronts includes Grind Hard Ammo, Blackhound Optics and Triumph Systems. They join hundreds of other brands in the hunting, shooting sports, fishing, camping and hiking space who have already established storefronts within the Everest marketplace. Consumers can visit their storefronts where they can shop each brands’ products, watch manufacturer videos and more.

“I spend every minute of every day ensuring that I’m producing the best ammo in the market by investing in state- of-the-art equipment, hiring the right people and developing the best marketing strategies,” says Austin Weiss, Owner of Grind Hard Ammo. “Everest strengthens my SEO strategy and increases conversions through their automated marketing platform. I believe in the Everest team and trust that they will contribute significantly in building the Grind Hard Ammo brand.”

The newest storefronts are now live at Everest.com:

www.everest.com/GrindHardAmmo www.everest.com/BlackHoundOptics www.everest.com/TriumphSystems

Posted in Industry, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Spectra Group Business Continuity Plans Withstand the Test

Saturday, July 4th, 2020

Spectra Group (UK) Ltd, the world-leading provider of high-grade information security and communication capabilities, is emerging from the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions confident that their business continuity plans have withstood the considerable challenges faced by the company. Over the last 4 months, Spectra Group has achieved 100% of their sales forecast whilst remaining fully compliant with all Government Guidelines and restrictions.

Throughout the lockdown period, Spectra Group has protected their staff by rapidly implementing IT systems and processes that have enabled the team to work from home, whilst ensuring production and deliveries can continue. Having activated a pre-rehearsed Business Continuity Plan, that included home-working lap-tops for all staff and a rapid switch to Microsoft Teams, Spectra Group experienced a seamless transition to a new way of working. Training for customers, partners and sales representatives continued using virtual methods supported by an accelerated migration to a new VPN endpoint, that was already in the pipeline to maintain compliance with Cyber Essentials.

In the process of manufacturing and delivering significant numbers of SlingShot systems to clients during the lockdown period, Spectra Group has helped sustain jobs across a multitude of companies in their supply chain through the placement of large orders for components, to support production. In terms of customer support, The Network Operations Centre (NOC) was moved to a distributed model to maintain project support and Service Level Agreements (SLAs), with no loss in service.

Spectra Group is best known for its revolutionary Slingshot technology that has become a true game-changer in the world of tactical communications. SlingShot is a unique system that enables UHF and VHF radios to use L-Band Satellite frequency, allowing users to instantly extend the range of their in-service tactical communications equipment to BLOS (Beyond Line of Sight). Conceived and designed to meet demanding Special Forces requirements, SlingShot offers a significant number of benefits for users requiring secure, reliable and robust communications on the move (COTM). Over 3500 SlingShot systems are in operation world-wide in the Manpack, Vehicle, Maritime and Aviation variants.

Simon Davies, CEO of Spectra Group said: “after the initial shock to the system that we all experienced as the lockdown restrictions were rapidly introduced, we got our heads together and moved quickly to implement the changes needed to continue to work, operate and deliver Services to those that continue to keep us safe. I’m exceedingly proud of the fact that we were able to adapt and overcome the challenges we have faced, whilst protecting our staff and all of those around us, supported by our supply chain and partners”. He added: “we’re lucky that we have not been adversely affected by the Covid-19 crisis so far and understanding that this has not been the same for all, I do wish everyone the best as we emerge into the new world and begin to build our lives and businesses back up to and beyond where we were pre-Covid”.

www.spectra-group.co.uk

Posted in COVID-19 Pandemic, Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Spectra Group Business Continuity Plans Withstand the Test

The State of SOLGW

Friday, July 3rd, 2020

What’s going on? What to look for? We will be releasing stripped receivers, but in limited quantities. And, we’re driving forward at an impressive speed…without EVER sacrificing the integrity of the brand. We make fighting rifles. That is our core purpose. When you get a SOLGW product it’s a known quantity and it’ll do what you ask of it. Despite growth or panic.

www.solgw.com

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Industry | 1 Comment »