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Industry Veteran Sam White Joins the Armor Express and KDH Defense Systems Board of Directors

Thursday, October 25th, 2018

CENTRAL LAKE, MI and EDEN, NC — October 25, 2018 — Armor Express and KDH Defense Systems (“KDH”), two leading manufacturers of high-performance protective solutions for the U.S. Armed Forces, Federal Government and Law Enforcement communities, are pleased to announce the latest addition to their Board of Directors with the appointment of industry-veteran, Sam White.

Matt Davis, Chairman of the Board of Praesidium, the holding company that owns both Armor Express and KDH stated, “Sam is a proven commodity in our industry and we are all excited to have him join our Board. The insight and experience he has gained over the past 20 years will be a tremendous benefit to our Company and all of our technology partners across the world. His understanding of ballistic science, both hard and soft armor technologies, and strong relationships within the supply chain will be leveraged for one common goal: improving our ability to advance science to save lives.”

Mr. White will continue to serve as Vice President, Applied Science with FirstSpear®, a leading manufacturer of advanced load bearing equipment and armor platforms built for the warfighter and law enforcement professional. Prior to FirstSpear, he served as Senior Executive Vice President of Point Blank Enterprises, Inc., responsible for all facets of Research & Development (“R&D”), Design & Engineering and Business Development, with a focus on advancing supply chain and customer relationships. He also held various leadership positions with Point Blank Enterprises, including President of Point Blank Body Armor and Head of Global Sales. Earlier in his career, Mr. White held various leadership and R&D positions with Armor Holdings and Allied Signal.

“I am honored to become part of the Armor Express and KDH Defense Systems family and look forward to advancing their business in any way that I can,” stated Mr. White. “I have worked with many of their executives throughout my career, and we share the same passion for developing mission-critical, life-saving technologies. I hope to leverage my relationships and experience to support the Board’s vision, while continuing to build FirstSpear’s presence worldwide.”

Tags: Armor Express, KDH Defense Systems, Sam White
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HTC Open House – November 9th

Wednesday, October 24th, 2018

Tags: HTC
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Martinson Files Suit Against North American Rescue for Patent Infringement

Sunday, October 21st, 2018

A lawsuit has been filed by in Delaware District Court Martinson, LLC vs. North American Rescue Holdings LLC and North American Rescue, LLC. alleging patent infringement. Case number 1:2018cv01358* was filed in Delaware District Court on August 31, 2018, with a jury requested by Martinson LLC (the plaintiff).

The lawsuit alleges that North American Rescue’s AGENT Ballistic Vest is a “stitch for stitch” copy of the Martinson ELSA (Emergency Life Saving Armor). Martinson holds two patents for the ELSA, to wit,

“As a result of Martinson’s efforts to protect its intellectual property in the ELSA product, Martinson is the owner of U.S. Patent Nos. 9,737,100 (“the ’100 Patent” [issued August 22, 2017]) and 9,861,145 (“the ’145 Patent” [issued January 9, 2018]), each entitled “Concealable Body Armor and Combination Bag/Vest.”

SSD had initially written about the ELSA during SHOT Show 2014.

The lawsuit reads thusly:

“Upon information and belief, NAR markets and sells a combination bag/vest called the AGENT Ballistic Vest in the United States.

Upon information and belief, the AGENT Ballistic Vest is a stitch-for-stitch copy of both the ’100 Patent and the ’145 Patent.”

The Martinson ELSA can be found online, but the “AGENT RTF Kit, formerly known as ELSA RTF Kit” now returns a 404 response on the NAR website despite being their immediately after the suit was filed.

NAR site on August 31, 2018.

NAR site on 20 October, 2018.

Items matching that description can be seen on retailer sites, however (see Bound Tree and Off Grid Warehouse).

The line of NAR vests as they are currently named and presented can be found here.

The most recent annotation in PACER reads,

SO ORDERED, re 8 STIPULATION TO EXTEND TIME in which defendants North American Rescue, LLC and North American Rescue Holdings, LLC have to answer the Complaint to November 8, 2018 filed by Martinson Industries, LLC, Set/Reset Answer Deadlines: North American Rescue Holdings, LLC answer due 11/8/2018; North American Rescue, LLC answer due 11/8/2018. Signed by Judge Colm F. Connolly on 10/4/2018. (fms) (Entered: 10/04/2018)

SSD reached out to NAR for comment but they politely declined, citing pending litigation. However, considering the same product was found on several sites, it is possible that a third-party vendor is the root cause of the issue.

*1:18-cv-01358-CFC Martinson Industries, LLC v. North American Rescue, LLC et al Colm F. Connolly, presiding

Breach Bang Clear contributed to this report.

Posted in Armor, Industry | 5 Comments »

Wounded Warrior Owned Valor Cycles to Bring Manufacturing and Tour Victory, Back to the US

Sunday, October 21st, 2018

San Antonio based Wounded Warrior, Adam Mattis, is bringing bicycle manufacturing back to the U.S., and aims to reclaim Tour de France glory for the USA.

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, October 17, 2018 –Strategy Consultant, and Wounded Warrior, Adam Mattis, has big goals. How big? Mattis not only intends to manufacture carbon fiber race bicycles in Texas, but he intends to put an American athlete on the podium of Tour de France in 2029, riding one of his bikes.

“We have so many amazing athletes, skilled people, and technological expertise in the US”, says Mattis, “it is borderline lazy to build anywhere else.”

Beyond the great people and knowledge, South Texas also has technological know-how: “..3D printing, small-batch manufacturing, direct-to-consumer customization: the customer has never seen anything like what we’re planning.”

Valor Cycles intends to apply the same skills and principles that Mattis has applied successfully within Fortune 100 companies and startups to the cycling company. In addition to his own knowledge, Mattis has enlisted an all-star cast of advisors to include Ben Verner of Marolina Outdoor, Nick Rowley of Idea Distribution, marketing guru Stef Peterson, innovation phenom Justin Klahn, design visionary Seth Archer, contracting expert Amy Hicks, and others to help keep Valor on track.

“It is all about fast, integrated learning cycles. We won’t get suckered into one design for years on end. We are reinventing the process around carbon manufacturing, we will build amazing product for our customers, and we will care for them like no other.”

Mattis and his team are first focused on reinvigorating America’s passion for road cycling, but they won’t stop there.

“The sky is the limit” says Mattis “I have learned hard lessons through my work as a consultant, and I will apply each one to Valor Cycles. We’re coming after the Tour de France. We are coming after the big, well-known brands, and after we win there, we are coming after full-suspension.”

After the exodus of cycle manufacturing to Asia, it will take impassioned innovators like Mattis and the Valor Cycles team to bring excitement, authenticity, and a competitive American edge back to cycling.

“Yea, it’s going to be hard, but that’s why we’re doing it. Those hard-fought victories are the sweetest of all.” To learn more please visit www.ValorCycles.com.
For investment inquiries, please email: info@valorcycles.com.

Tags: Valor Cycles
Posted in Industry, Press Release | 2 Comments »

Revision Purchases Power Tech Company, Protonex

Thursday, October 18th, 2018

Essex Junction, Vermont (October 18, 2018) – Revision—a world leader in both soldier-worn and platform power solutions— has acquired Protonex Technology Corporation, a subsidiary of Ballard Power Systems. Protonex has deployed thousands of portable power solutions globally, and their products align well with Revision’s Nerv Centr® soldier power solutions.

The Revision® Nerv Centr® Power Management Systems are forward-thinking solutions for a wired battlefront, reducing weight burden and eliminating battery life uncertainty. At right is Nerv CentrSharePack™, an advanced lightweight, conformal lithium-ion power pack that integrates power provision and management into one unit. At left is the Nerv CentrSoloPack™, a rugged, high power density lithium-ionbattery offering high power density and state-of-charge display.

“In Protonex, Revision is acquiring an established player in the soldier power management solutions area. Their specialized product focus—particularly their power managers—perfectly complements Revision’s soldier power portfolio,” said Revision CEO Jonathan Blanshay. “With Protonex we are not simply acquiring their advanced technology, but also their talented workforce and engineering expertise. We will now be in an even better position to realize our vision of integrated power and data solutions to enhance warfighter survivability and lethality. Revision is a growth company that seeks complementary diversification; we’ve demonstrated this with expansion across every dimension of our business, but also through proactive acquisitions—including our purchase of MSA’s helmet business in 2012 and Panacis power systems in 2014. This is not just an opportunity to grow Revision’s power management capabilities; it’s also an ideal moment to invigorate Protonex’s established product lines.”

The Protonex® SPM-622 Squad Power Manager is a tough and compact device which weighs less than a pound and enables military units to optimize power for multiple electronic devices.

In its history, Protonex has innovated in fuel cell design, invented the modern Intelligent Power Manager, and grown to become a leading provider of advanced power solutions for portable, remote, and mobile applications. Protonex’s commitment to providing solutions that overcome energy gaps for military, scientific, and commercial communities will continue.

For the immediate future, Protonex will operate under the Revision name as a stand-alone entity in Southborough, MA, under the continuing stewardship of David Long, General Manager. Current customer contracts and orders will be fulfilled as planned and Revision will take care to minimize disruption for customers and suppliers. Simultaneously, Revision will pursue business opportunities that leverage Protonex technology and know-how to provide increased capabilities and effectiveness to global warfighters.

Tags: Protonex, Revision
Posted in Advertiser, Industry, Power, Press Release | 6 Comments »

Gentex Recognized for Technological Innovations at SAFE Symposium

Tuesday, October 16th, 2018

COB Receives Murray P. Koch Award; Company Invited to Present its Latest Aircrew Technologies

Carbondale, PA, October 11, 2018. Gentex Corporation, a global leader in personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces, emergency responders, and industrial personnel announced today that its Chairman of the Board, Peter Frieder, will be honored with the Murray P. Koch award for significant contributions in the advancement of technology/hardware for safety and survival applications at this year’s SAFE Symposium. The company has also been invited to present its latest technologies for Aircrew, Gentex Wire-Free Communications Earplugs, Mobile 3-D Head Scanning, and True 3DHearing Technology.

Over his forty years at the helm of Gentex Corporation, COB Peter Frieder spearheaded many lifesaving and performance enhancing solutions. Among those being recognized by SAFE include the COMBAT EDGE counter-GLOC (loss of consciousness) system. Developed in partnership with Boeing, these high-performance oxygen masks, counter-pressure vests, and modified helmets for F-15, F-16, and F/A-18 aircrews have been directly credited with saving many lives. “I’m honored to receive the Murray P. Koch award,” said Peter Frieder, COB, Gentex Corporation. “This achievement demonstrates the company’s commitment to advancing lifesaving technologies and celebrates the excellent products our employees have been providing to customers around the globe for over a hundred years.”

Other notable innovations Mr. Frieder is being recognized for include CBRN materials used in defense protective gear; the first full-color aircrew helmet mounted display system; the HGU-55/P and HGU-56/P Helmets; the first powered electret microphones for aircrew; and holograms for laser eye protection products.

During the symposium, the company will also present a few of its latest aircrew technologies: Gentex Wire-Free Communications Earplugs, designed for aircrew requiring double hearing protection and communications; mobile 3-D head scanning, for aircrew helmet sizing and fitting; and True 3DHearing Technology (T3HD), which restores and enhances “natural hearing” of the outside environment for improved situational awareness and robust hearing protection.

Other technologies/products being featured by Gentex at this year’s SAFE Symposium include: the Gentex Mini Dynamic Oxygen Mask Microphone, who’s small profile design allows for greater operator flexibility with microphone placement; Gentex Aircrew Helmet Noise Reduction Technology (AHNR), which is designed to DoD and MoD specifications to reduce noise exposure for aircrew flying in louder aircraft and during longer missions; and the Gentex Low Profile Particulate Respirator, a low-profile, half-mask respirator that offers 99.97% filtration efficiency against a wide range of particulate contaminants encountered by door gunners and other rear aircrew.

Gentex Corporation is the leading supplier of high-performance flight equipment for aircraft maintainers and military, law enforcement, and rescue aircrew worldwide. The company’s comprehensive portfolio of Gentex, ALPHA, and Aegisound products include scalable helmet systems, and advanced hearing protection and communication solutions.

The SAFE Symposium takes place October 15 through 17th in Reno, Nevada. Gentex Corporation’s booth is #204. To attend the Gentex presentations, please visit the SAFE Symposium website. To learn more about Peter Frieder and company’s one hundred years of innovation, visit www.gentexcorp.com/innovation.

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RAMPART is Now a Canadian Distributor for Safariland Products

Monday, October 15th, 2018

OTTAWA, ON – RAMPART International Corp., Canada’s leading supplier of operational equipment to Law Enforcement, Military, and Special Forces operators is thrilled to announce a new partnership with The Safariland Group. Safariland is a leading global provider of safety and survivability products designed for Law Enforcement, Military, professional, and outdoor markets.

“The entire RAMPART team is very excited to be working with The Safariland Group in Canada,” said RAMPART President Mike Klein. “Safariland’s unmatched selection of brands and thousands of product options will allow RAMPART to better serve our end users with some of the world’s finest equipment. RAMPART is well-known in Canada for our exceptional service, dedication to the end users and premier brands; we could not ask for a better partner. The Safariland Group’s commitment to their customers is an exceptional example in our industry; we are very proud to have been chosen as their newest partner.”

Scott McLean, Safariland Vice President of International Sales, said, “We are very pleased to have RAMPART join the Safariland team as we expand our distribution network in Canada. RAMPART’s keen awareness and understanding of Military and Public Safety user requirements align perfectly with Safariland’s mission to help save lives by providing exceptional products and support to those who serve. We look forward to a highly successful partnership with Rampart in support of our Canadian growth strategies.”

RAMPART will also be offering test and evaluation products to end users combined with specialized product training to ensure maximum exposure for Safariland products.

Safariland products will be available to agencies starting October 15th, 2018. Select products will be available online and through the SHIELD program over the coming weeks.

For more information about RAMPART, visit www.rampartcorp.com

Tags: Rampart Corp, Safariland
Posted in Holsters, Industry, International, Press Release | 1 Comment »

B.E. Meyers & Co. Exhibiting at ANG WEPTAC 2018 in Darley Defense Suite

Friday, October 12th, 2018

B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. will be exhibiting at the Air National Guard Weapons and Tactics show (ANG WEPTAC) on October 16-17, 2018, at the Darley Defense Suite in the Double Tree Hotel in Tuscon, AZ. The company will be showcasing its innovative technologies engineered to improve the capabilities of the modern warfighter, such as the high-power NIR/VIS MAWL®-DA (Modular Advanced Weapon Laser – Direct Action). They will also be displaying their IZLID® series of IR and SWIR laser pointers/illuminators; the BOARS®-M2 optics and accessories rail for the M2 platform; and the GLARE RECOIL® Escalation of Force system for Ocular Interruption and Hail and Warning.

Show attendees are invited to visit the B.E. Meyers & Co. booth to learn more about their Defense Systems and speak with a company representative. To schedule a meeting with a member of the B.E. Meyers & Co. Team, please contact info@bemeyers.com.

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