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Archive for the ‘Industry’ Category

Former Wellco Executives Indicted for ‘Made In USA’ Fraud

Tuesday, September 20th, 2016

On September 13, 2016, a federal grand jury in Greeneville returned an indictment against Vincent Lee Ferguson, 65, of Knoxville, Tenn.; Matthew Lee Ferguson, 40, of Lenoir City, Tenn.; Kerry Joseph Ferguson, 35, of Houston, Texas; Matthew Harrison Martland, 32, of Knoxville, Tenn.; and Stephanie Lynn Kaemmerer, 44, of Knoxville, Tenn., for wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, major fraud against the United States, and smuggling goods into the United States.

They are former employees of Wellco Enterprises, a now defunct footwear manufacturer which sold boots to the US military. Vincent Ferguson was president and CEO from 2006 to 2012, Matthew Ferguson was senior vice president of sales, Kerry Ferguson was marketing director, Matthew Martland was director of distribution and logistics and Stephanie Kaemmerer was inside sales manager and operations manager at Wellco.

Wellco had a rich history in military footwear for over half a century. In fact, their Rosearch business unit held the IP for several direct molded sole systems including the Jungle Boot’s Panama sole and the legendary footprint sole developed experimentally for MACV SOG’s cross border operations. Wellco was bundled with Altama and sold out of Ch 11 bankruptcy to Original SWAT in 2014 to form Original Footwear.

Investigations by Homeland Security, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Air Force Office of Special Investigation, General Services Administration Office of Inspector General, and the Defense Contracts Audit Agency found that Wellco substituted Berry compliant boots with those Made in China in order collect a larger profit from the sale of the boots to the military as well as others, including the public.

If convicted, they all face a term of 20 years in prison as to each wire fraud charge and smuggling charge, and up to 10 years in prison for the charge of major fraud against the United States. Additionally, they face fines of up to $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release as to each count. The indictment also seeks forfeiture of approximately $8.1 million.

Direct Action upgrades website with ‘back-in-stock’ notification sign-up

Friday, September 16th, 2016

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Lawrence Holsworth, Director of US Marketing for Direct Action, published a brief update regarding Direct Action’s website now featuring a ‘back-in-stock’ notification sign-up, which can be read in its entirety below:

At Direct Action, we care as much about providing great customer service as we do about developing and delivering the most advanced tactical gear possible. We know that some of you have found it frustrating to go online to order one of our products, only to discover the size or color you need is temporarily out-of-stock.

So to help improve our customer service, we’ve introduced a back-in-stock notification option that lets you sign up to be automatically alerted when a product has been re-stocked.

The functionality is simple : If the product you want is out of stock, just add your e-mail address in the text box and click the ‘subscribe’ button. When the product is back in stock you will automatically receive an e-mail with a link so you can click through to place your order.

This feature is now in place on both of our online stores at www.directactiongear.com.

OSS Hires Jason Green as Director of Operations

Thursday, September 15th, 2016

Murray, UT – Operators Suppressor Systems LLC (OSS), developers and manufacturers of patented Flow-Through™ suppressor systems for military, law enforcement and sport shooters, announced that Jason Green has joined the company as Director of Operations.

Jason holds an Engineering degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point, with a focus on foreign languages. He also holds an MBA from Arizona State University.

Prior to his industry work, Jason held the rank of Captain, serving as an Armor Officer in the U.S. Army, European Command. As a Tank Platoon Leader, he led the first tank battalion into Kosovo and returned for a second deployment as an Area Support Team Commander.

Jason brings well-rounded industry experience to OSS. Previously, he was a Sales Representative for Johnson & Johnson’s Ethicon Endo-Surgery division, where he built key relationships with surgeons to deliver cutting-edge technology to their practices. He served as a Project Manager and Senior Engineer for Freeport-McMoRan Copper and Gold, spearheading projects in the Southwest. He was a Test Engineer at Yuma Proving Ground, where he managed multiple programs for military combat vehicle platforms. Before joining OSS, he was an Engineer with the Intel Corporation.

“Jason Green brings a wealth of leadership experience, positive energy and focused results to OSS,” said John Spurrier, CEO of OSS. “Jason joins the OSS team of talented, driven, and accomplished engineers, manufacturing, sales, and marketing personnel who are tasked with delivering OSS’s unmatched suppressor quality and performance to our dealers, partners, and customers.”

“I’m excited for the opportunity to leverage my experience at OSS to transform our company into the leading suppressor manufacturer in the industry,” Green, added. “It’s exciting to deliver our product to my fellow armed services personnel, law enforcement, and the commercial market, who realize the benefits of a technologically-superior solution”.

www.osssuppressors.com

Mr. Wesley E. Barbour Jr. (Bo) Joins B.E. Meyers & Co. Inc. as Business Development Manager, Program Plans

Tuesday, September 13th, 2016

August 30th 2016 (Redmond, WA) –
B.E. Meyers & Co. Inc. is proud to announce that Mr. Wesley E. Barbour Jr. (Bo) has joined the team as the company’s Business Development Manager, Program Plans. Bo comes to the company with an extensive background in the capability development of non-lethal and scalable effects weapons.

“We have worked with Mr. Barbour extensively over the last 8 years as a customer, and we are now extremely honored to work with him as a member of the B.E. Meyers & Co. team”, said Matt Meyers, President of B.E. Meyers & Co. Inc. “His intricate knowledge of the program-level processes, first-hand knowledge of the end-users applications, and his passion to support the Warfighter are all phenomenal enhancers to our current efforts”.

From 2013 to the present, he was a Principal Systems Engineer for Science Applications International Corporation where he was responsible for the concept development of Scalable Effects Weapons programs for the US Army and US Special Operations Command.

From 2008 – 2012 Bo was a Business Development Manager and the Director of Capabilities Development at Kongsberg Defense and Protec Systems, managing new product development, marketing and requirements determination for the US Army M151 remote weapons station in used by the Joint Services.

Prior to his employment at Kongsberg, Bo served as the US Army Program Support Officer for non-lethal weapons during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. In this capacity he advocated the development and employment of green veiling glare laser solutions for checkpoints and convoy force protection.

Bo Barbour retired from the U.S. Army as a Lieutenant Colonel of Infantry with 22 and a half years of meritorious service. He served at every level of command and staff from platoon to theater army in a career that took him to Germany, Kuwait, Iraq, and Korea. He is a Distinguished Military Graduate of Campbell University with a B.S. in History, an M.S. in Personnel Management from Troy University, and a M.A. in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College.

Bo currently resides with his family on the oceanfront in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Polaris Hires John Olson as Vice President and General Manager for Polaris Defense

Wednesday, September 7th, 2016

MINNEAPOLIS (September 6, 2016) — Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) today announced the hiring of John M. Olson as Vice President and General Manager for Polaris Defense, effective immediately. Reporting directly to Bob Mack, President, Global Adjacent Markets, Olson will execute complete Polaris Defense P&L responsibility, lead and develop the long term strategy for the organization, and build it into a top supplier of innovative customer solutions to the Department of Defense and other Government agencies.

“John is incredibly accomplished, is highly conversant with cutting-edge technology, and has decades of experience with the Department of Defense, having both worked within that organization and conducted business with it as a contractor. His combination of energy and expertise will be a boon to our Defense business and our company as a whole,” said Scott Wine, Polaris Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Polaris Defense has made strides in recent years and has significant untapped potential. I am confident John is the right person to help us realize it.”

John joins us from Sierra Nevada Corporation, where as Vice President of their Space Systems business he was responsible for space-exploration systems, including the innovative Dream Chaser reusable spacecraft. Altogether, John has 28 years’ experience in DoD/USAF, NASA, and White House public service, including 12 years at the Pentagon, as well as 3 years’ executive leadership in private industry. He is also a veteran with active service in multiple conflicts, including overseas and wartime support during conflicts in the Gulf, Bosnia/Kosovo, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya.

John holds a BS degree in Engineering Science and Mechanical Engineering from the Air Force Academy, dual M.S. degrees in Material Science, Engineering, and Avionics from the University of Illinois, and a Ph.D. in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Auburn University.

www.polaris.com

Mission Ready Announces Letter of Intent to Acquire Wild Things for USD $4.5 Million

Thursday, September 1st, 2016

VANCOUVER, B.C. – September 1, 2016 – Mission Ready Services Inc. (“Mission Ready” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: MRS) is pleased to announce that it signed a Letter of Intent (“LOI”) on August 30, 2016 to acquire Wild Things, LLC (“Wild Things)”) for USD $4.5MM. Founded in 1981, Wild Things is a leading manufacturer of technical outerwear and gear with products currently in the field with every branch of the US Armed Forces.

Under the terms of the LOI, Mission Ready will acquire the business and certain assets of Wild Things, LLC for USD $4.5MM consisting of $3.5MM cash paid on closing of the acquisition (the “Close”) and USD $1MM in Convertible Promissory Notes (each $25,000 Convertible Promissory Note, a “Note”). The Notes mature 2-years from date of issuance and are convertible at $0.10 during the first year subsequent to the Close and $0.15 during the second year. The Notes will bear interest at the United States Applicable Federal Rate at the date of closing, compounded semi-annually, and may be redeemed by Mission Ready before the maturity date upon thirty-day notice to the Note holder. Mission Ready is working with a New York-based investment firm to finalize a commitment of $3.5MM in debt financing to satisfy the cash portion of the purchase price.

Based in Middletown, Rhode Island, Wild Things has been in business for 35 years and produces highly engineered technical garments for the U.S. Military, including Marines, Special Forces, including U.S. Navy Seals and other elite units, Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies, law enforcement, alpinists, explorers, climbers, bikers, campers, hikers, and outdoors enthusiasts worldwide. In addition, Wild Things has sold to military customers in 10 countries. The extensive portfolio of Wild Things products can be viewed on its website at http://www.wildthingsgear.com/

“We believe these companies, when combined, will allow us to become one of the leaders in the industry in designing, manufacturing and providing state of the art products to law enforcement and special forces personnel throughout the world. We have high expectations for the company. Guided by safety and superior technology, its leaders are passionately focused on customers’ physical protection and on building shareholder value” said Jack Wyant, Wild Things director and Managing Director of Blue Chip Venture Company, an investor in Wild Things.

The Wild Things team is led by Ed Schmults who has extensive experience in the outdoor apparel business including Patagonia, and Moonstone Mountain Equipment. Mr. Schmults is the former Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI) and a current Board member for Vera Bradley. Also, he is a former member of the Board of Trustees of National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), an international leadership and outdoor skills school, from 2009 – 2015. Ed served on the board of the Outdoor Industry Association from June of 2013 – August 2015. In addition, Ed serves as a mentor to retiring Special Forces members through his involvement with the Commit Foundation and the Station Foundation.

“This transaction enhances Wild Things ability to serve our customers – military and consumer – by improving our product development, manufacturing and sales capabilities, “says Ed Schmults.

“The entire Wild Things team is excited about the opportunities ahead.”

Rod Reum, CEO of Mission Ready states, “As Mission Ready focuses its business model to become a premier manufacturer, we are excited with the prospect of adding the Wild Things team and business to the Company’s current manufacturing business. The combining of the entities will allow us economies of scale, open new markets and allow access to additional sales channels for both businesses.”

Mission Ready expects to close the acquisition in the fourth quarter of 2016, subject to financing and regulatory approval.

Crye Precision Founders Launch Vantage Arms, LLC Located in Tennesee To Manufacture Six12 Shotgun

Tuesday, August 30th, 2016

Crye Precision founders Caleb Crye and Gregg Thompson have launched new brand Vantage Arms, LLC, to manufacture the Six12 Modular, Rotary Shotgun. They have located to the Nashville, Tennesee area where they will invest $5 million to move into a 22,000-square-foot facility at 1657 Murfreesboro Road.

Gregg Thompson told the Nashville Post, “We couldn’t be more excited to begin this new endeavor in Nashville, it’s absolutely critical to the success of the company that we have the right people at the helm and the right environment to grow. We’ve come to the clear conclusion that Tennessee, and Nashville specifically, offers a top-notch workforce and a climate that is unwavering in its support of innovation.”

The 12 guage Six12 uses a six round rotary magazines like a revolver but which can be removed for loading. The shotgun has been paired with the SilencerCo Salvo 12 shotgun suppressor as seen above. Originally envisioned as a breaching shotgun, the bullpup’s modular design allow it to be configured as a stand-alone weapon or attached to an M4 carbine.

Designed at Crye Precision’s home base at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, the Six12 was unveiled several years ago. However, production at that location was problematic due to regulation. The move to Murfreesboro is a sound one where they plan to hire 100 employees. We wish them well in this new endeavor.

Duro Textiles Closing

Monday, August 29th, 2016

Rumors regarding the future of Duro Textiles have been swirling the cut-and-sew industry since Duro Textiles failed to reopen their doors after their annual Summer break.

Reportedly, Duro sent the Massachusetts Division of Career Services a WARN Act notice (Worker Adjustment Retraining and Notification ) that it would be permanently laying off its 131 person workforce by 15 October and closing the factory, which has been in operation for almost 70 years.

Industry sources I had spoken with informed that a potential buyer had expressed serious interest in the troubled brand, currently managed by investment firm Patriarch Patners.  Unfortunately, that deal hasn’t seemed to materialize. 

This is a major blow to the tactical industry as they have printed specialty camouflage patterns for several brands.  So too will the US Army’s attempts to source royalty-free OCP (Scorpion W2) fabrics be seriously undercut.  

MultiCam patent holder Crye Precision Has been fighting a protracted legal battle with Duro over IP issues with Crye filing an appeal to a court decision earlier this year to dismiss the case. 

We wish all of the laid off textile workers well in their search for new employment. They clothed generation after generation of American service members.