SIG MMG 338 Program Series

Archive for the ‘Industry’ Category

Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation To Rebrand as ‘American Outdoor Brands Corp.’

Wednesday, December 14th, 2016

smith-and-wesson-logo_0

Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation shareholders have recently voted to change the company’s name to the exceedingly generic ‘American Outdoor Brands Corp.’ This new name change comes in response to SWHC’s increased efforts to diversify their offerings in the overarching outdoor industry, including their acquisition of companies such as Taylor Brands and UST Brands, companies which specialize in knives and tools and survival equipment, respectively. Unsurprisingly, Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation is not completely abandoning the Smith & Wesson brand, which will continue to operate as its firearms division, while the recently acquired Crimson Trace will form at least part of S&W’s electro-optics division.

The name change comes in to effect starting January 1st, 2017, just in time for SHOT Show.

Below is the official press release from Smith & Wesson announcing the change.

Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation Reports Stockholder Vote Results
Holding Corporation Will Become American Outdoor Brands Corporation

SPRINGFIELD, Mass., Dec. 13, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC), today announced that its stockholders have overwhelmingly approved a change to the holding company’s name from Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation to American Outdoor Brands Corporation. The name change does not impact Smith & Wesson Corp., the name of the company’s firearms division, which has legendary roots dating back to 1852 and will remain unchanged. The name change pertains only to the holding corporation that acquired Smith & Wesson in 2001 and now owns Smith & Wesson Corp., Battenfeld Technologies, Inc., and Crimson Trace Corporation, which represent the company’s firearms, manufacturing services, accessories, and electro-optics divisions.

James Debney, President and Chief Executive Officer of Smith & Wesson, said, “We are excited about the results of today’s stockholder vote. We believe that American Outdoor Brands Corporation is a name that truly represents our broad and growing array of brands and businesses in the shooting, hunting, and rugged outdoor enthusiast markets. Looking ahead, and operating as American Outdoor Brands Corporation, we intend to continue building upon our portfolio, focusing on brands and products that best meet the needs and lifestyle of our target consumers.”

The name change will be effective on or about January 1, 2017, at which time the company will adopt the common stock trading symbol “AOBC” for its NASDAQ stock exchange listing.

www.smith-wesson.com

Tatiana Whitlock Joins Propper Team

Monday, December 12th, 2016

tatiana-whitlock-by-firelance-media

St. Charles, MO — Propper International is proud to announce a partnership with defensive firearms instructor Tatiana Whitlock as a new brand ambassador.

“We are excited to be partnering with Tatiana as she joins our corps of ambassadors,” said John Negrau, Propper’s Director of E-Commerce. “Tatiana brings years of expertise in both firearms instruction and self-defense, and we are pleased she has joined the Propper team.”

Building on personal experience, Tatiana Whitlock formed her own firearms and defensive tactics training company based on the idea that training needs to go beyond the range and into everyday life. Today, she teaches men, women and youth to establish a real-world foundation of firearm skills, safety and situational awareness. A lifelong interest in martial arts resulted in the inevitable introduction to firearms as a means of self and home protection. She is a dedicated student as well as an instructor and travels across the country to train with top names in the industry.

“I’m really excited about becoming Propper’s first female ambassador,” Whitlock said. “Their new line of women’s products works really well with both law enforcement and civilian women who want flattering yet functional tactical apparel.”

###

About Tatiana Whitlock

Tatiana is a mother of two, a firearms instructor, an entrepreneur, writer and Maine Hunters TV Pro-Staffer and host of Trigger Time TV. Her career took a shift five years ago away from plastics manufacturing to pursue a passion for firearms, personal and home defense. She is a dedicated student as well as an instructor and travels the country to training with top names in the industry. She hunts, hikes and fishes Northern New England and is an active GoRuck participant and grad. Tatiana is an NRA BPI, RSO and Refuse to Be a Victim instructor.

www.propper.com/blog/tatiana-whitlock-ambassador

S.O. TECH – 20th Anniversary Video Series – ‘Why We Build’

Monday, December 12th, 2016

S.O. TECH celebrates its 20 Year Anniversary with a 10% Off Sale and the debut of the first video in their series chronicling their experiences building tactical gear. The first episode is titled, “Why We Build” and future installments will touch on the how’s and why’s of product, business and manufacturing development over the years. SOTECH CEO Jim Cragg frequently gives speeches on building a business as part of Vets Corps USA’s efforts to instruct and inspire Veterans interested in starting small businesses. According to Jim, a lot of lessons were learned over 20 years to pass on, and its our duty to help fellow veterans to excel as business owners and community leaders. In early November, Cragg coordinated the Veteran Small Business Conference in Los Angeles at the LA County Patriotic Hall bringing together AUSA and the SBA, for a second year.

And to celebrate 20 years of sewing gear, SOTECH is offering 10% discount on all product found on the website. To take advantage of the 20th Anniversary Sale, enter code: “20year,” sale lasts until January 1st, 2017.

sotechtactical.com

Atlas 46 Opens Storefront

Sunday, December 11th, 2016

Atlas 46 has opened a storefront in Fenton, Missouri.

Seen here is John Carver (Founder of both Atlas 46 and Eagle Industries) and son Brian Carver duirng last week’s the grand opening of the Atlas 46 Retail Store. Atlas 46 takes the same high quality, high function approach to designing and producing equipment for construction workers, mechanics and gun smiths, that John took when he was growing Eagle Industries.

Store Address
400 Biltmore Drive, Suite 520
Fenton, MO 63026

Hours
Mon – Fri: 10am – 6pm
Saturday: 10am – 2pm

www.atlas46.com

HLC Industries Inc. – SHOT Week – Supplier Showcase “Materials For Manufacturers”

Thursday, December 8th, 2016

Attention: Manufacturer Owners • Engineers • Purchasing Agents • R&D Specialists

HLC Industries Inc., will be exhibiting during the SHOT Week’s – Supplier Showcase “Materials For Manufacturers”, and we would like to invite you to our Booth # S2003 to review our Nylon / Woven & Cordura® fabrics range that we provide as an “In-Stock” Program, for the Military / Nylon Tactical and Commercial marketplace. This is a one-day only event on Monday, January 16th ~ 9AM to 5PM (please see below for details and RSVP to attend this important event). The Supplier Showcase will be held the day before the SHOT Show opens. If you aren’t able to attend, we would like to schedule an appointment at your booth, as we will be in attendance during January 17th Tuesday thru 20th Friday. Please contact: peter@hlcindustries.com or 973-525-9191

image001

Monday, January 16, 2017
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Palazzo Ballroom, 5th Floor
Venetian Hotel Meeting Rooms, Las Vegas

RSVP: shotshow.org/rsvp-supplier-showcase

Tactical Command Industries – 20th Anniversary Promotion

Monday, December 5th, 2016

This is an announcement from Tactical Command Industries, a tactical comms company and a brand under Safariland Group, regarding their 20th Anniversary and a special promotional sale they’re running.

logo

Tactical Command Industries, a brand of the Safariland Group, is celebrating our 20th anniversary. Originally founded by a SWAT team officer, TCI has built a business and a reputation for providing first responders, law enforcement, and military personnel rugged and innovative tactical communications accessories. Beginning with the SAS earpiece system, through the Liberator series headset, and finally the MAST antenna relocation kit, TCI continues to offer products developed from end user input and experienced development and design. Following the acquisition by the Safariland Group in 2012, our capability to develop cutting edge products has increased exponentially. The most recent addition is a professionally certified acoustics laboratory that allows our engineers and technicians to conduct in-house acoustic testing and certification.

To celebrate our anniversary we are offering discounts, as much as 30% off, on many items in our inventory, including the venerable TASC headset and the modern TABC3 bone conduction headset. Products can be purchased as a complete kit including a push to talk or as just a stand-alone headset.

Go to: www.safariland.com/our-brands/tci

Select your products and enter the promo code TCI30 in the “Apply Promo Code” field. If there are any questions don’t hesitate to contact TCI Customer Service 800-347-1200, and select TCI.

This celebration will end at the end of December. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to own professional grade communications accessories at a significant discount.

Don’t forget about Shot Show, be sure to visit TCI in the Safariland booth #12762, where we plan to unveil new and exciting product.

Nightforce Optics Designates Frederick Karl to Lead Marketing

Friday, December 2nd, 2016

Nightforce Optics, Inc., has named Frederick Karl as Strategic Marketing Manager. Fred brings with him extensive experience in product development and marketing in multiple categories of products within the outdoor, military and firearms markets.

“We are very pleased to have Fred join Nightforce to lead our marketing team,” said Gordon Myers, Director of Sales and Marketing. “With his experience as a marketer and developer of product ideas, he matches our capability as an organization in bringing innovative products to professionals and consumers alike. We are excited to have him help us build the next stage of Nightforce’s product brand.”

Fred commented, “Nightforce is known as the most dependable and rugged brand in optics; and to be able to bring that message to consumers is fantastic. I am thrilled to be a part of such a committed team that delivers premium product to loyal customers throughout the world.”

Recently with CRKT, as Brand Manager, Fred was instrumental in developing and launching the Ruger Knives program. His background also includes companies like Crimson Trace and Gerber Blades, where he honed his industry experience in marketing, product development, design and strategic planning. He has an excellent blend of experience of working with, and communicating to, military, tactical and hunting customers that are at the core of Nightforce’s brand.

Fred will have responsibility for the Nightforce brand and engaging Nightforce’s high-level consumers domestically and throughout the world. In addition to leading the marketing team he will be responsible for strategic planning, coordinating product launches and supporting the sales team and their customers. Fred commented, “I am looking forward to build on such a formidable product brand and reaching more shooting enthusiasts.”

A graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology in New York with a degree in product design, Fred joins the company with more than twenty years of product development and marketing experience.

www.nightforceoptics.com

Armor Express Announces Two Executive Appointments in Support of the Company’s Federal Law Enforcement Market Expansion Initiatives

Thursday, December 1st, 2016

CENTRAL LAKE, Mich., Nov. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Central Lake Armor Express, Inc. (“Armor Express”), a leading manufacturer and distributor of high-performance body armor solutions, announced today two strategic hires as the Company continues to expand its presence in the Federal Law Enforcement market. These hires follow the Armor Express’ previously announced $94 million Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity contract award with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Joining Armor Express as the new Director of Federal Sales is industry veteran David Jones. He has been brought onboard to lead the Company’s Federal Sales initiatives, which include sales strategy, client management and overall market expansion programs. Mr. Jones joins the Company after a distinguished 20-year career, having most recently served as Sales Director for Saxon Security, Inc. In this position, he was responsible for product marketing and sales, client service and channel management, working with prestigious customers including the U.S. Secret Service, FBI SWAT, FBI Violent Crimes Task Force (VCTF), Amtrak Police Special Operations, HIDTA (U.S. Federal Drug Task Force), and numerous police departments. Previously, Mr. Jones held the position of Sales Manager, Law Enforcement at Hesco Group, where he oversaw sales of hard armor products to both U.S. and Canadian Law Enforcement. Earlier in his career, he was the Business Development Manager at ALM Tech Corporation, responsible for setting sales and distribution strategies and securing strategic partnerships in support of the Company’s Federal, domestic law enforcement and Special Forces business units. Mr. Jones is a graduate of Penn State University, with a B.S. in Finance.

Additionally, the Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Jake Hayes as Federal Sales Manager. He will be responsible for developing and servicing Federal agency contracts and working with the team to expand the Company’s reach. Before assuming this role, Mr. Hayes served as Sales Specialist for the Federal Government market at Code 3, Inc., where he oversaw Government Services Agency (GSA) contracts and worked with procurement agents from various agencies, including the FBI, CIA, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Marshals, DEA, National Park Service, NASA, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and U.S. Air Force. He also held sales management positions with Blue Eagle Investigations, One Call Care Management and Northstar Alarm Services. Mr. Hayes received his B.S. in Marketing from Eastern Illinois University.
Commenting on these appointments and the Company’s continued growth initiatives, Scott Wyatt, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, stated, “On behalf of our team, I would like to welcome both David and Jake to Armor Express. They both bring extensive experience servicing and protecting the Federal law enforcement community and have deep-seated relationships that will serve our Company and our customers well. These hires are especially meaningful given the timing, as we have recently expanded our customer base and are currently developing new body armor systems designed specifically for Federal officers. Knowing agency requirements and being in position to develop solutions that address their specific needs is paramount to our product development initiatives and positions us well for future opportunities.”
As federal agencies across the country seek to advance their capabilities, Armor Express has directed its resources to developing new and enhanced ballistic packages, carrier designs, hard armor plates, and accessories. This incorporates the most innovative technologies and industry best standards to better protect and enable officers to perform their jobs at the most optimal level. Thousands of federal agents nationwide have depended on Armor Express’ solutions, including those from the U.S. Marshals, Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA), U.S. Capitol Police (USCP), Office of Inspector General (OIG), U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. National Park Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.