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Archive for the ‘Industry’ Category

Vista Outdoor Announces Acquisition of Stone Glacier

Wednesday, December 29th, 2021

Company expands brand portfolio into packs, camping equipment and technical apparel

ANOKA, Minn., Dec. 28, 2021 — Vista Outdoor Inc. (NYSE: VSTO), a leading global designer, manufacturer and marketer of products in the outdoor sports and recreation markets, today announced the acquisition of Stone Glacier?, a premium brand focused on ultralightweight, performance hunting gear designed for backcountry use. The addition of Stone Glacier to Vista Outdoor’s portfolio of outdoor products and shooting sports brands will allow the company to enter the packs, camping equipment and technical apparel categories with a fast-growing brand and provide a foundation for Vista Outdoor to leverage camping category synergies.

“I am excited to welcome the Stone Glacier team into the Vista Outdoor family,” said Vista Outdoor Chief Executive Officer Chris Metz. “Stone Glacier is an enthusiast brand that is fast-growing, well-managed and a great cultural fit. Our centers of excellence, brand portfolio and distribution network will support Stone Glacier as they reach their next level of awareness, maturity and growth. Stone Glacier enhances our ability to enter and leverage the camping category, which has exploded in popularity over recent years. The acquisition also further bolsters our reputation as the acquirer of choice in the outdoor industry.”

Founded in 2012 by Kurt Racicot, Stone Glacier designs and manufactures the lightest, most durable gear coveted by discerning backcountry adventurers. Based in Bozeman, Mont., with its headquarters surrounded by iconic public lands in Big Sky country, the brand has established itself as the premium preferred choice of backcountry hunters, outfitters and guides throughout the world.

“The future of Stone Glacier is bright. This partnership comes at a great time for our business, and we are excited for the support that Vista Outdoor will provide to accelerate our growth and continue developing industry-leading products,” said Stone Glacier President Jeff Sposito.  “We have been fortunate to build a following of the most dedicated backcountry hunters and it has always been our mission to bring the best products, service and innovations to market. This partnership ensures we will continue to execute on that mission at the highest level.” 

Vista Outdoor used cash on hand and available liquidity under its asset-based revolving credit facility to complete the transaction. Vista Outdoor expects the transaction to be immediately accretive to earnings, excluding transaction and transition costs. Vista Outdoor’s leverage ratio is expected to be below 1.0x at FY 2022 fiscal year end. This is the seventh acquisition in last 16 months for Vista Outdoor, including Remington, HEVI-Shot, Venor, QuietKat, Foresight Sports and Fiber Energy Products.

Reed Smith LLP acted as legal counsel to Vista Outdoor and Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP acted as legal counsel to the sellers in connection with the transaction.  

GSM Outdoors Acquires SOG Specialty Knives

Monday, December 27th, 2021

Irving, TX – GSM Outdoors, a multi-brand manufacturer and technology innovator of specialized hunting and shooting sport accessories, is thrilled to announce the acquisition of SOG Specialty Knives, Inc., one of the most respected tactical and purpose-built knife manufactures in the U.S.

“Since 1986, SOG has been synonymous with austere-duty knives intended to meet the needs of defense professionals,” said Eddie Castro, CEO of GSM Outdoors. “The name is instantly recognized by military, first responders, and blade enthusiasts for their high-quality craftsmanship and reliable performance. Our acquisition of SOG represents an important expansion of the GSM family of brands, and we look forward to taking the brand to that next level of consumer support and product innovation.”

Originally hailed for the company’s combat-inspired fixed-blade knives, SOG has since expanded its knives and specialty tools to include folders, multi-tools, and gear intended for professional use, outdoor recreation, and everyday carry.

“SOG is a prestigious brand among outdoor and tactical retailers nationwide,” said Zach Henderson, GSM’s Vice President of Sales, “and the company enjoys an enthusiastic consumer base. We are understandably excited to add SOG to our portfolio of knife and utility tool companies, including Cold Steel. We look forward to working with our industry partners to further expand the SOG brand across the professional and outdoor consumer segments.”

To see the full line of SOG Specialty Knives & Tools for work, recreation, and everyday applications, visit SOGKnives.com.

If you’d like to check out the entire family of GSM brands, please visit www.gsmoutdoors.com. We look forward to earning and keeping your business!

MATBOCK Sells Shares in Strike Force Beverage, LLC

Tuesday, December 21st, 2021

MATBOCK Completes the Sale of Its Shares in Strike Force Beverage, LLC after MATBOCK’s founders were instrumental in leading Strike Force in the disruption of a $65 billion dollar industry.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., December 17, 2021 (Newswire.com) – A little more than a year after Strike Force Beverage merged into a new entity, MATBOCK and Strike Force have settled the final sale of MATBOCK’s shares.

From 2016, when Strike Force Beverage was founded to December 2019, MATBOCK led the marketing, sales and strategic partnerships. After stepping down from their active roles within the company, MATBOCK retained their seats on the board.

Under MATBOCK’s leadership, Strike Force Beverage saw tremendous growth, landing them deals with 7-11, Coast Guard Exchange, Marine Corps Exchange and many other large and small retail locations. Their true success came from the portability of their liquid energy drink that allowed them to sell globally and even land them in Forbes Magazine. MATBOCK was instrumental in helping Strike Force disrupt a $65 billion dollar industry through this innovation.

The MATBOCK iconic bonefrog gave Strike Force instant credibility and brand awareness, which resonated extremely well with their customers through the years.MATBOCK wishes the Strike Force team much success in the future.

“Thank you to all of our customers and partners over the years,” said Sean Matson, former CoFounder & President of Strike Force Beverage.

MATBOCK’s founders, Sean Matson & Zach Steinbock to serve a different set of customers with their new venture CardoMax. CardoMax is the fastest-growing liquid single-serve supplement company in the country. They offer a full line of supplements like, Energy Intensifier, Immune Booster, Hydration and even Recovery.

For questions reach out to MATBOCK

admin@matbock.com || 833-462-8262 (833-4MATBOC)

Two New Additions To The MMI Team

Monday, December 20th, 2021

Mary Reardon and Will Cromer are joining the MMI team as Vice President of Textile Innovation and National Account Manager respectively. They are both excited to get started and help MMI continue to grow and innovate!

A little bit about Mary:

Mary Reardon is a senior-level professional with extensive knowledge and experience in the textile industry. She has been an employee of Gehring Tricot Corp/Tweave for the last 22 years as General Manager Dying & Finishing and more recently, Vice President of Sales roles. Before Tweave, she worked at Duro Industries as a Dyehouse Manager. Her skills and certifications include fabric development, sales (including commercial and government contract work), manufacturing management, quality control, and color matching.

Reardon’s involvement in the industry includes being a USIFI board member and regional AATCC committee member.

Mary is a graduate of Southeastern MA University where she earned her bachelor’s in Textile Chemistry.

Outside of work, Reardon is a proud mother of her son Logan and pup Nestle. She is a die-hard New England sports fan. For fun, Mary enjoys Broadway shows and music. Also, a good competitive game night with family and friends.

A little bit about Will:

Will Cromer has been an employee of Highland Industries for the last 10 years in purchasing, manufacturing, and product manager roles. His skills and certifications include global procurement, international sales, sales/development management, manufacturing management, and more.

Cromer is a graduate of Western Carolina University where he earned his bachelor’s in Management.

Outside of work, Will is a proud father of two little girls – Brynn and Everly. He is also a dog dad to Mocha. Will is a die-hard UGA football fan. For fun, he enjoys exercising and cooking projects on his Traeger grill. He is also known to kick back with a good cigar and scotch.

Our team is thrilled to have Mary & Will onboard – their experience and knowledge of the industry will be an amazing addition.

www.mmitextiles.com

Summit Coffee Partners With Vacation Races

Friday, December 17th, 2021

December 15, 2021 (Davidson, NC) — Summit Coffee™ and Vacation Races today are thrilled to announce a new national partnership in which Summit will serve as the exclusive coffee partner of all Vacation Races events in 2022. Summit will provide specialty, certified organic coffee for all Vacation Races events, in addition to merchandise, mugs, and other offerings for Vacation Races participants.

Summit intends to activate at several Vacation Races events, including the Zion and Bryce Canyon Ultras; the Grand Circle Trailfest; and the Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon + 5K. Several Summit employees will participate in Vacation Races events as part of the sponsorship. This continues Summit’s push into the outdoors and running communities, buoyed by its Find Your Summit™ lifestyle brand. Summit is an official sponsor of ultramarathon star Courtney Dauwalter, the Official Coffee of the Outdoor Retailer, and a partner for mountaineer Phil Henderson and his Full Circle Everest Expedition.

“Partnering with Vacation Races couldn’t be a better brand fit for Summit and where we’re heading,” said Brian Helfrich, CEO of Summit Coffee. “It’s our intent to become the preferred coffee for runners and outdoors athletes all over the U.S., and we’re excited to find another level on which to engage with them. Personally, I can’t wait to run 100K around Zion with a few thousand folks and share more about the Summit Coffee brand.”

Vacation Races is the undisputed industry leader in National Park half marathons, ultra marathons, trail running festivals, and extended running adventures. Since its inception, the company has worked to develop sustainable event systems to help support and promote the preservation of our public lands. 

“Simply put, this partnership makes sense,” said Salem Stanley, Founder and CEO of Vacation Races. “Summit Coffee is a brand that is focused on sustainability and building community through remarkable hospitality and we look forward to introducing our community to a company that aligns so closely with our own mission and values.”

Summit Coffee is a certified organic roaster and retailer based in North Carolina. Summit has seven open cafés, with six more in development, around the Southeast U.S. For more information, please contact Summit Marketing Manager Leah Middleton (leah@summitcoffee.com).

Viridian Announces Full-Blown Tactical Behind the Scenes Video from Rotor Riot

Friday, December 17th, 2021

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – December 16, 2021 – Viridian Weapon Technologies is proud to announce the release of a candid behind-the-scenes video produced by Rotor Riot, the company behind the drones used in the filming of Viridian’s epic Full-Blown Tactical video. “Professional FPV Cinema – Inside Look on a Big Budget Drone Production” takes viewers through the production process from the perspective of the Rotor Riot pilots who assisted with cinematography and kept the drones operational.

“The team from Rotor Riot is comprised of brilliant pilots,” said Viridian President and CEO Brian Hedeen. “We couldn’t have captured the content that we needed without the skill and expertise of these pilots. From their technical skills with maintenance and repairs, to the willingness to fly directly into the giant fireballs—the skills we saw on display were truly inspirational.”

Rotor Riot is a company that exists to support the professional and recreational needs of First-Person Video (FPV) drone pilots. Complete FPV drones, designed and built to the specifications of Rotor Riot’s team members, are available on Rotor Riot’s website. They also provide parts and service for custom builders.

While FPV drones are an integral part of Rotor Riot’s business, the company also produces dynamic content showcasing the skills of FPV pilots, Rotor Riot team members, and the constantly evolving techniques that pilots can develop with FPV drones.

“Working with Viridian introduces Rotor Riot to a new audience,” Drew Camden, Rotor Riot President and Team Pilot Le Drib, said. “Our core audience and is built of recreational drone pilots and pilots who use these FPV drones for professional cinematography, and a video like this allows them to see how we’re using freestyle skills to capture content for brands that are part of a completely different industry while still pushing the limits of what’s possible.”

For more information on Rotor Riot, check out their YouTube channel, and the Rotor Riot Facebook page. To learn more about Rotor Riots drones and team, visit RotorRiot.com

Viridian’s Full-Blown Tactical video can be seen here.

More information about Viridian weapon-mounted accessories visit ViridianWeaponTech.com.

UVision Further Expands its US Operations with the Establishment of a Production and Training Facility in Stafford County, Virginia

Thursday, December 16th, 2021

The new investment signifies the company’s increased commitment to the United States market and will enable it to meet the growing demand for loitering munitions on an international level

Washington DC, USA December 16th, 2021- UVision Air Ltd., a global leader in aerial loitering munition systems, continues to expand its operations in the US by establishing a production and training facility in Stafford County, Virginia. The company will lease 25,000 square feet of space at the Quantico Corporate Center, where it will fulfill contracts awarded by the US Government and international customers for the manufacture and assembly of loitering munitions. Production of the HERO series of Loitering Munitions will begin at the new production facility in mid-2022.

UVision USA Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of UVision Air Ltd., is playing an integral role in UVision’s ongoing global expansion of operations. By increasing its local production capability within the United States, UVision USA will be able to further improve its high-level, rapid response to US customers and increase supply to international customers – either directly or through government-to-government initiatives – while creating dozens of local job opportunities.

“We are very excited that our new Production and Training Center will be located in the Commonwealth of Virginia,” says Jim Truxel, Chief Executive Officer of UVision USA Corporation. “It is another step in the expansion of UVision USA support and deepening of the commitment to our customers in the US. Situated within a short commuter drive from Richmond, Fredericksburg, Manassas and Arlington, Stafford County gives us access to a large pool of quality talent, aligning with our strategic growth goals. UVision USA will be active in the local community, and we plan to network with the Commonwealth’s academic institutions and local businesses that can supply services and materials for the production of the HERO family of loitering munitions.”

www.uvisionuav.com

OT Defense Issues Letter Explaining Why They’re Sitting SHOT Show Out

Wednesday, December 15th, 2021

Micah Huyett, the owner of OT Defense shared this letter with us and a note explaining “if enough of us small companies did this perhaps the show leader ship would realize they need exhibitors.”