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AirBoss Defense Group Launched to Support Defense and First Responder Markets

Monday, January 6th, 2020

AirBoss Defense and Critical Solutions International Complete Merger to Create Focused Survivability Solutions Company

LANDOVER, MD (January 6, 2020) – Effective January 1, 2020, AirBoss Defense and Critical Solutions International (CSI) have completed a merger to form a new corporate entity known as AirBoss Defense Group (ADG). This new business has been formed through the spin-off and merger of AirBoss of America Corp.’s AirBoss Defense business and Quebec Rubber Solutions operations with Critical Solutions International, Inc. (“CSI”). CSI is a privately-owned U.S. portfolio company of Sentinel Capital Partners (“Sentinel”).

With the close of this transaction, ADG is now the global leader in survivability for the assured mobility and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) communities. The new company will sustain and grow the overall business of ADG while maintaining the well-defined identities of AirBoss Defense and CSI. ADG is very well positioned for growth with existing customers as well as within prospective new markets.

The founding of ADG creates a new, dedicated survivability solutions company that is strongly positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities arising from the current geopolitical environment. By combining the historical engineering and manufacturing capability of AirBoss Defense with CSI’s proven expertise in global marketing and distribution, ADG is now able to support the global defense and first-responder markets with a powerful combination of excellence in product development, precision manufacturing, thoughtful business development, and focused customer support.

Patrick Callahan will serve as Chief Executive Officer of AirBoss Defense Group. Previously, he was the Chief Executive Officer of Critical Solutions International. Heather Miller, CSI’s Chief Strategy Officer, will continue in this capacity for AirBoss Defense Group. Chris Bitsakakis, the President and COO of AirBoss, will also be the COO of AirBoss Defense Group. ADG will be headquartered in Landover, Maryland. Manufacturing assets will remain in Acton Vale, Quebec and CSI will continue to operate in Charleston, South Carolina. In the coming weeks, the company will finalize a refreshed organizational chart that ensures a balanced transition and efficient future operations.

Patrick Callahan, CEO of AirBoss Defense Group said, “The close of this transaction creates an integrated, dedicated defense player that is well positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities arising from the current geopolitical environment. By combining AirBoss Defense’s strength in manufacturing and engineering design with CSI’s decades of expertise in global marketing and distribution of defense products, we have formed a powerful corporate entity that is well positioned to support our customers throughout the world.”

As a new company, ADG provides a robust platform to expand existing manufacturing capabilities and to diversify an already innovative product portfolio. ADG is committed to retaining and creating new manufacturing and management jobs and is actively seeking talented individuals to join the company.

For more information, please visit www.adg.com.

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Coming Soon – Mission Specific Solutions, LLC & Mission Profile Gear

Saturday, January 4th, 2020

Mission Specific Solutions, LLC just received their Certification as a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small business from the VA & SBA.

They are also launching a Commercial Outdoor & Overland product line, Mission Profile Gear in Q2.

www.ms2-group.com

Posted in Industry, Veterans | 1 Comment »

Blaser USA Transitions to Blaser Group

Thursday, January 2nd, 2020

San Antonio, Texas (January 2, 2020) – Blaser USA, the official U.S. importer for Blaser, Mauser, Sauer, Rigby and Minox, is now operating under the new name of Blaser Group. The name change is a key component in the global branding strategy of the portfolio of companies in the L&O Hunting Group.

“The transition from Blaser USA to Blaser Group reflects a significant milestone in establishing consistent branding around the world. In all key markets, Blaser Group will represent our fine German and English brands” said Jason Evans, CEO of Blaser Group (USA division). “All U.S. consumer brand strategies and business operations will remain unchanged.”

Blaser Group recently added the new Blaser R8 Ultimate and Ultimate Leather to its renowned line of bolt-action rifles. The R8 features a straight-pull action and is among the world’s fastest and most modular hunting rifles.

London gunmaker John Rigby & Company has released a new limited edition ‘W.D.M. Bell’ model of their Highland Stalker rifle, paying homage to adventurer Karamojo Bell. The African big game hunter is celebrated worldwide as an advocate for accurate shot placement using smaller caliber rifles, a technique he perfected by the dissection and study of the skulls of elephants he shot, namely with his .275 Rigby. This limited run of only 50 rifles is the first in Rigby’s new Heritage series and will be offered in .275 Rigby, like Bell’s original rifle.

www.blaser-group.com

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Federal Ammunition Launches “It’s Federal Season” Podcast

Sunday, December 29th, 2019

ANOKA, Minnesota – December 18, 2019 – Federal Ammunition is excited to announce the launching of “It’s Federal Season,” a podcast dedicated to everything ammunition. Federal is coming up on 100 years and there is a ton of information to share that is both entertaining and informational. The first episode will drop on December 19, 2019 and can be downloaded from federalpremium.com/podcast.

“This is an exciting launch and a new marketing tool for our leading ammunition brand,” says Jason Vanderbrink, President of Federal. “Our goal is to entertain, inform, and give insight into our new and existing products that you use in your practice, your hunts, and in your self-defense every day.”

Listeners can expect to learn about new products and promotions but also hear from our many partners in the hunting and shooting industry including conservation leaders, celebrities, competitive shooters, and prominent newsmakers. These conversations are going to be engaging and informative. The podcast will feature a TECH TALK segment where Federal’s engineers or product managers will go in-depth on design and performance of our category leading products and the key differentiators that separate us from the competition.

The initial podcast schedule will be dropping new content each month with the primary host being Jason Vanderbrink, President of Federal. The flexibility of the medium allows Federal to increase frequency when seasons heat up. Look for more information at www.federalpremium.com or where you find your favorite podcasts.

Posted in Ammo, Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on Federal Ammunition Launches “It’s Federal Season” Podcast

DOJ Charges SEG Armor With Wirefraud In Armor Sales To Federal Agencies

Tuesday, December 24th, 2019

Last Friday, the US Department of Justice announced it had filed a federal criminal complaint in Maryland charging Arthur Morgan, age 67, of Lorton, Virginia, on a federal wire fraud charge, in connection with federal contracts to provide helmets, body armor, and other goods to military and other federal entities. The criminal complaint was filed on December 16, 2019 and was unsealed at his initial appearance following his arrest on December 17, 2019. He is the CEO of SEG Armor, who was also named in the charges. If convicted, Morgan faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for wire fraud.

The criminal complaint alleges that Morgan falsely certified that the ballistic vests, helmets, riot gear, and other items he offered for sale were from TAA compliant Hong Kong and the United States. The affidavit alleges that Morgan knew that the items were manufactured and purchased from China. From September 2015 to July 2019, the U.S. Navy and U.S. Department of State were two of at least five federal agencies that placed a total of nine orders with SEG for ballistic vests, helmets, or riot gear, valued at approximately $639,921.11.

Of note to SSD readers, he informed the US Navy that he was manufacturing armor and helmets at a factory here in Virginia. A Navy Acquisition professional at Indian Head ordered helmets from SEG. Naturally, the price was great and they looked just like actual Made in USA helmets. But instead, these counterfeits were made in China. Save a buck and put your troops at risk. Buy the genuine article.

A detention hearing was held last Thursday U.S. District Court in Greenbelt. U.S. Magistrate Judge Gina L. Simms ordered that Morgan be released to a third-party custodian on home confinement, with a special condition that he pay a $75,000 bond. He will be detained until a hearing at 3:30 p.m. today to confirm that Morgan has met his conditions of release.

Posted in Industry | 8 Comments »

Colorado Company, Liteye Systems Expands Manufacturing, Opens 55K Sq Ft Facility

Monday, December 23rd, 2019

US Manufacture of AUDS (Anti-UAV Defense System) Experiences Rapid Growth in Counter Drone Market

Centennial Colorado — Liteye Systems, Inc. the US leader in Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems, announced the opening of a new 55,000 square foot facility in Highfield Business Park, near Centennial Airport, CO to accommodate rapid growth and support increasing manufacturing demands.

In addition to the corporate headquarters in Centennial, CO and UK office, the new facility will bring the company’s office and manufacturing footprint to over 80,000 square feet and supports the company’s growth strategy. Liteye added 21 jobs in 2019 and plans an additional 20 jobs next year.

Liteye, founded by Kenneth Geyer and Tom Scott in January of 2000, is now ranked as one of the leading privately held companies in Colorado. Liteye has over $70M in counter drone contracts with the US DoD and is Combat Proven with over 1000 defeats against enemy drones by ISIS, Taliban and others.

“When Liteye started we designed and manufactured small products, such as Head Mounted Displays and covert thermal cameras,” stated Kenneth Geyer, CEO. “As the company grew and evolved into the counter unmanned systems market, the need for square footage and taller ceilings to house multiple vehicles, trailers and shipping containers on a production line to meet customer demands became necessary.”

“Like most companies, in the beginning we focused mainly on the engineering portion, subcontracting the manufacturing and assembly of our products outside the company. As our military business grew, we brought both those capabilities inside the company to meet MIL-STD requirements and fast delivery times.” Said Thomas Scott, CTO “It started with just one CNC machine and has been growing ever since, where today we have a state-of-the-art machine shop and full production floor.”

www.liteye.com

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Zodiac Milpro Has Just Launched It’s New Website!

Saturday, December 21st, 2019

Visit www.zodiacmilpro.com for more information about our company and our solutions for military and professional users.

Zodiac Milpro is a manufacturer of military inflatable and rigid hull inflatable boats. Well known throughout the world as the definitive Special Forces boat, Zodiac Milpro boats are used by more elite soldiers and sailors than any other craft worldwide.

All Zodiac Milpro inflatable boats destined for the US Military are Berry Amendment compliant and built in Stevensville, MD. Zodiac Milpro also operates factories in Vancouver, British Columbia and Roses, Spain.

Since 1896, Zodiac Milpro has been designing innovative products in the Military and Professional field for “those who work on the water”.

Zodiac Milpro has originated most of the major concepts that have driven the development of the modern inflatable boat since the 1930s. Since those early days, Zodiac Milpro has become the preferred manufacturer of inflatable and semi-rigid boats for Professional and Military applications.

www.zodiacmilpro.com

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Rubber and Plastic Footwear Manufacturers Association Renamed United States Footwear Manufacturers Association and Launches www.USFMA.org

Friday, December 20th, 2019

New Name Reflects Commitment to Fair Trade Policy and U.S. Government Procurement Policy

Washington, D.C. – The Rubber and Plastic Footwear Manufacturers Association (RPFMA) announced that it has changed its name to the United States Footwear Manufacturers (USFMA) to better communicate its mission and its membership. The association also launched a new website, www.USFMA.org, a new logo, a Facebook page and a LinkedIn page.

“The name USFMA sends a clear message that this association is about protecting and growing footwear manufacturing here in the United States,” said USFMA Executive Director Bill McCann. “Our mission is to make sure that our nation’s trade policy supports domestic manufacturing and that footwear purchased with tax dollars is manufactured here. We reject the notion that American workers and factories don’t produce the highest quality boots and shoes for both our military and our nation.”

USFMA supports the domestic footwear industry by promoting fair trade, strong manufacturing policies, and policies that protect the industrial base. Traditionally, the association focused most of its efforts on defending a “protected list” of sensitive items as defined by the United States International Trade Commission (USITC). Moving forward, USFMA will also protect and expand the Berry Amendment and other federal statutes and policies that require our military and other uniformed federal employees to wear domestically manufactured footwear.

“Our new focus on government procurement aligns well with our existing focus on fair trade for footwear. Manufacturers of combat boots and other footwear required for military and government service are not only creating good-paying jobs but are part of our national security. USFMA will fight to create more government opportunities for domestic footwear,” said McCann.

The United States Footwear Manufacturers Association (USFMA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(6) association founded in 1986 to protect and enhance the footwear industry’s manufacturing base in the United States. USFMA members include both domestic footwear manufacturers as well as domestic suppliers. As a whole, the footwear manufacturing industry employs more than 12,000 U.S. workers.

Posted in Boots, Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on Rubber and Plastic Footwear Manufacturers Association Renamed United States Footwear Manufacturers Association and Launches www.USFMA.org