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Ammunition Production Capacity Increasing: Várpalota Ammo Plant Continues to Grow

Thursday, February 1st, 2024

The new Rheinmetall ammunition plant in Várpalota, Hungary, currently being built by the Hungarian holding company N7 on behalf of the joint venture company Rheinmetall Hungary Munitions Zrt., is now poised to expand as planned. The second phase of construction started in January 2024.

The concept for a multi-phase expansion of the plant existed prior to February 2022 and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The project constitutes a strategic Hungarian investment in cooperation with Rheinmetall in response to the shortfall in ammunition already apparent at the time given the anticipated increase in demand in Europe and NATO. Furthermore, it has the added aim of reducing Europe’s dependence on overseas imports.

Just one year ago, the foundation stone was laid in Várpalota for the first part of the new Rheinmetall plant, where the joint venture company Rheinmetall Hungary Munitions Zrt. will in future produce ammunition for various systems. The first expansion phase of the plant will enable production of 30mm medium-calibre ammunition for the Lynx infantry fighting vehicles which will be built by Rheinmetall at its new tank plant in Zalaegerszeg, Hungary. Production starts in 2024.

Now set to begin, the “Várpalota 2.0” expansion will increase the size of the plant by 20 hectares to approximately 120 hectares. The number of employees will grow to up to a total of 200.

In addition, the product range will expand to include new types of ammunition, principally 155mm artillery shells for the PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer and 120mm ammunition for the Leopard 2 main battle tank and its potential follower, the Panther KF51 EVO. Production is slated to begin in early 2026. Furthermore, Rheinmetall also plans to carry out development and acceptance testing at Várpalota.

Part of this strategic expansion of capacity for the production of ammunition in Hungary is also an additional plant for the production of explosives (RDX), which is being built in parallel on the same site and also in a joint venture between Reinmetall and N7. This will also make a major contribution to ensuring the security of supply of this elementary raw material for ammunition production in Europe.

Part of the Várpalota’s output will meet the needs of the Hungarian armed forces, with the rest destined for export.

In addition to the newly built plant operated by Rheinmetall Hungary Munitions Zrt., today Rheinmetall already produces ammunition in Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, South Africa, Australia and the United States.

Posted in Ammo, Industry, International, Press Release | 5 Comments »

YETI Acquires MYSTERY RANCH

Wednesday, January 31st, 2024

Leading global designer and manufacturer of outdoor gear announces agreement to acquire high-performance backpack company

January 31, 2024 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

AUSTIN, Texas–YETI Holdings, Inc. (“YETI”) (NYSE: YETI), a leading premium outdoor brand, today announced it has signed an agreement to acquire MYSTERY RANCH, a premier designer and manufacturer of durable load-bearing backpacks, bags, and pack accessories.

“MYSTERY RANCH packs have earned a global reputation within the most demanding communities by building load-bearing equipment that delivers in the harshest environments. Their ethos, passion and people not only align with the YETI team, but also connect well with our commitment to innovation and our customers,” said Matt Reintjes, President & CEO at YETI. “Their communities, ambassadors and obsession with quality make it a natural fit with YETI.”

Founded in 2006, the original YETI cooler was born out of frustration and passion. YETI has since grown into an industry innovator of premium outdoor gear designed for the hardcore outdoor adventurer, outside enthusiast and everyone in between. Like YETI, MYSTERY RANCH products have been built with durability and performance in mind for over two decades whether for use on the fire line, backcountry or in your everyday adventure.

“YETI’s passion for innovation and the outdoors aligns closely with our founding vision,” said Dana Gleason, Co-Founder of MYSTERY RANCH. “Renée Sippel-Baker, my co-founder, and I know they are a perfect partner to build upon our long history of making the best load-bearing equipment in the world for the most extreme users as well as the everyday mission.”

MYSTERY RANCH and the team will continue to operate out of Bozeman and will work with YETI over the next several months to integrate teams and functions.

For more information about YETI or MYSTERY RANCH, visit yeti.com or mysteryranch.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, Packs, Press Release | 19 Comments »

Gentex Corporation Announces Development Program for Accessory Providers for Ops-Core RAILINK Power and Data ARC Rail System

Tuesday, January 30th, 2024

Integrated Headborne Platform unveils program for development partners.

CARBONDALE, PA, January 30, 2024 – Gentex Corporation, a global leader in personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces, emergency responders, and industrial personnel, announced today that it is launching a development partner program for accessory providers for its patented RAILINK system.

Participants meeting the requirements to enroll in the program will gain access to a royalty-free license to the Interface Control Documents needed to integrate electronic accessories into the RAILINK system.

“RAILINK is capable of powering and integrating a broad range of sensors and information gathering devices” said Rafe Bennett, Vice President of Product Management at Gentex Corporation, “By implementing the development partner program we are able to offer access to RAILINK’s extensive patent portfolio and our ICD on a royalty-free basis to selected companies, enabling them to develop their own interoperable accessories for the RAILINK system. Our intent is to harness ideas from industry and utilizing RAILINK’s capability, rapidly expand the ecosystem of available accessories. This will result in enhancements in the system’s overall capabilities for the end user.”

To learn more about becoming a RAILINK Development Partner and sign up for future RAILINK announcements click www.gentexcorp.com/introducing-railink

Posted in Advertiser, Helmets, Industry, Press Release | 2 Comments »

Matt Campbell Joins SIG SAUER: Vice President, Field Operations

Monday, January 29th, 2024

NEWINGTON, N.H., (January 29, 2024) – SIG SAUER, Inc. is pleased to announce Matt Campbell has joined SIG SAUER, Inc. as Vice President, Field Sales and Operations. In this position Campbell will be responsible for managing all field sales operations and staff supporting local retailers and distribution.

“SIG SAUER is the leader in the shooting, defense, and hunting markets and drives the industry with innovative products and programs that fulfill the needs of our consumers”, said Matt Campbell, Vice President, Field Sales & Operations, SIG SAUER, Inc.. “I look forward to leading the SIG SAUER field team and reinforcing the relationships I’ve developed in this industry over the past 25 years and building new ones. Together we will continue the expansion of the commercial field sales team to respond to demand in the market and grow our commercial footprint.”

Campbell comes to SIG SAUER after serving in various roles at Winchester Ammunition over the past 25 years including experience overseeing global sales to commercial, law enforcement, and military customers. Most recently Matt served as the Vice President of Sales & Marketing. Matt successfully managed a billion-dollar portfolio across the major Winchester brands by leveraging partnerships and developing teams to expand market share resulting in exponential revenue growth. Prior to Winchester, Matt worked in national sales roles for Anheuser-Busch.

“SIG SAUER is experiencing tremendous growth due to the demand for our innovative products and programs across all business units. Matt’s experience with retail customers and distribution, coupled with his proven track record of developing long term strategic partnerships will be an asset to our organization as we grow and our global footprint expands,” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales, SIG SAUER, Inc.

Campbell will split time at the SIG SAUER Headquarters in Newington, New Hampshire and in St. Louis, MO where he will have good access to travel to all customers across the U.S. He will report to Jack Barnes, Senior Vice President, Commercial Sales at SIG SAUER.

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GORE-TEX Defense Fabrics and TOMAHAWK PERFORMANCE Partner to Drive Innovation in Military SOF and Law Enforcement Market

Wednesday, January 24th, 2024

Nashville, TN, January 2024 – Rooted in a deep heritage of military special operations and a comprehensive background in the technical apparel and gear industry, Tomahawk Performance strives to deliver layering systems to enable you to push beyond limits.

“Teaming up with GORE-TEX was essential to providing an innovative next generation of layering systems to enhance user performance, and safety in all weather conditions. With an ever-evolving geo-political conflict map where mission profiles continuously shift, we built Tomahawk Performance to also be more responsive to user requirements through an accelerated product design, development, and commercializing timeline,” said Marc Elbaz, Tomahawk Performance CEO.

GORE-TEX Professional is pleased to partner with manufacturers with the vision to protect the people who protect us, when it matters most. Combined with our best-in-class materials, we believe Tomahawk Performance will be well positioned to serve the SOF community with innovative product solutions.

Tomahawk Performance is proudly launching a series of innovative protective layers featuring best-in-class GORE materials over the coming months. More information to be released on tomahawkperformance.com or connect directly with the team to learn more: Contact@tomahawkperformance.com

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

Dan Olson Appointed to NIOA Group Advisory Board

Monday, January 22nd, 2024

The NIOA Group has announced the appointment of leading United States-based executive Dan Olson to its Advisory Board.

Mr Olson, formerly the Vice President and General Manager of Northrop Grumman’s Weapon Systems Division, joins NIOA as a fulltime adviser with a focus on developing the company’s US strategy.

Experienced US executive Dan Olson has been appointed to the NIOA Group Advisory Board.

His appointment follows NIOA’s recent move into the US Army’s Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey and comes on the first anniversary of the company’s 100 per cent acquisition of Tennessee-based Barrett Firearms.

NIOA Group CEO Rob Nioa said: “We are thrilled to welcome Dan to our Advisory Board.

“As a strategically oriented executive with a proven record of delivering a broad spectrum of advanced military systems, products and services, Dan brings a wealth of knowledge to our Advisory Board that will complement our ambitions at both Picatinny and Barrett as well as in Australia and New Zealand.

“Dan’s leadership style and business acumen align with NIOA’s commitment to delivering outstanding results for our military and commercial customers around the world. We look forward to working with him.”

Mr Olson joins NIOA after a career spanning more than two decades with Northrop Grumman where he developed and led teams recognised for excellence in innovation, continuous business growth and creating longstanding customer relationships.

Most recently Mr Olson led Northrop’s Advanced Weapons Campaign, an enterprise-wide strategy for next-generation weapon systems including advanced high-speed strike missiles, tactical munitions, guided projectiles, missile components, and propulsion for the US and its allies.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business and Economics from Bethel University, Saint Paul, Minnesota and Juris Doctor from Mitchell Hamline Law School of Law in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

“I’m excited to be joining NIOA and look forward to collaborating with my fellow board members, the senior leadership group and the team here in the US,” Mr Olson said.

“Throughout my career I have always endeavoured to deliver sustained growth through commitment to mission, values, investing in people and developing high-performing teams.

“This is a pivotal time for NIOA in its 50-year history and I am honoured to be appointed to the board to help the company on its growth trajectory.”

The NIOA Group’s other US-based Advisory Board members are former Commander Picatinny Arsenal, Brig. Gen. (Ret) Alfred Abramson and former US Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, the Hon. Ellen Lord.

The NIOA Group board is chaired by former Australian Defence Minister the Hon. Christopher Pyne and also includes former Australian Government MP, Senator for Victoria and past Parliamentary Secretary of Defence, the Hon. David Feeney, former Australian Army soldier Mark Donaldson VC and Dr Ken Anderson, former Chief of the Aerospace Division in the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG).

NIOA’s US team includes Doreen Chaplin, who was previously the First Assistant Program Executive Office Ammunition, Daniel Napolitano, who was previously Program Manager Combat Ammunition Systems (CAS) Director of International Programs and Ryan Krantz who joined NIOA last September from Vista Outdoor where he oversaw the outdoor giant’s stable of more than three dozen brands including Remington, Federal and Bushnell.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Dan Olson Appointed to NIOA Group Advisory Board

SIG SAUER Expands Operations in United Kingdom

Saturday, January 20th, 2024

NEWINGTON, N.H., (January 19, 2024) – SIG SAUER, Inc. is pleased to announce an alliance with Accuracy International Limited (AI) to expand the business operations of SIG SAUER in support of the British Armed Forces and law enforcement customers within the United Kingdom.

“As part of our global strategic growth plan, SIG SAUER is solidifying several key partnerships to meet the increased demand for our products in Europe and other NATO countries,” began Ron Cohen, President, SIG SAUER, Inc. “The alliance with Accuracy International affords SIG an expanded presence, greater customer engagement, and new collaboration in the UK to meet the diverse, immediate and future needs of the British military, law enforcement, and other security and defense organizations.”

Accuracy International is a British firearms manufacturer based in Portsmouth, England with products fielded with military units and law enforcement globally.

“The benefits of the partnership with SIG SAUER are clear; our brand reputations are strong, the product lines and customer bases are complementary, and our company cultures are closely aligned,” stated Tom Irwin, AI Director; “SIG will benefit from AI’s extensive UK market expertise and manufacturing and logistical infrastructure to assist in the transition toward a fully independent SIG SAUER UK entity.”

“This strategic partnership signifies our commitment and laser focus on the US-UK defence security relationship and our investment brings new opportunity to the British economy,” Cohen concluded.

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on SIG SAUER Expands Operations in United Kingdom

KGM Technologies Welcomes Firearms Industry Veterans Bill Bracken and Sean Murphy

Friday, January 19th, 2024

Peachtree Corners, GA — January 18, 2024 — KGM Technologies is excited to announce the addition of two accomplished sales and marketing professionals to the team. Bill Bracken joins as the Director of Government Business Development, while Sean Murphy takes on the role of Director of Sales & Marketing. Both hires bring extensive expertise in the firearms industry, further reinforcing KGM Technologies’ commitment to innovation, excellence, and growth.

Bill Bracken is a seasoned business development professional with a deep understanding of government business and international nuances and opportunities. His fifteen years of experience in sales and business development, combined with his passion for products, make him a valuable addition to KGM Technologies. As Director of Government Business Development, Bill will play a pivotal role in identifying and cultivating new business opportunities and partnerships as well as developing government business.

Sean Murphy brings over twelve years of experience in sales, marketing, and training within the firearms and outdoor industry. He has a proven track record of building brand awareness, fostering strong customer relationships, and successful product development and marketing. As Director of Sales & Marketing at KGM Technologies, Sean will lead the company’s initiatives to expand its presence and reach within the marketplace.

Both Bill Bracken and Sean Murphy will work closely with KGM Technologies’ Founder, Kyle Grob, to drive the company’s vision forward. Kyle Grob stated, “We are thrilled to have Sean and Bill join our team. Their wealth of experience and deep industry knowledge will be instrumental in achieving our growth objectives and delivering exceptional products to our customers.”

For more information about KGM Technologies, please visit www.kgm-tech.com.

Visit the KGM Technologies booth at SHOT Show, Booth 74320.

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