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Archive for the ‘Industry’ Category

Raine Inc To Open New Manufacturing Center

Friday, March 21st, 2014

20MAR14 – What has been in the works for nearly a year is taking shape for Raine Inc. The addition of Scott Mello one year ago began the ball rolling for Raine Inc to look at a new state of the art manufacturing operation. With much deliberation, forethought, and careful consideration, Raine has decided Mayaguez, Puerto Rico will be the new home for these operations. Having previously ran Eagle Industries manufacturing operations in Mayaguez and collaborating with other companies on multiple manufacturing projects, Scott’s decision on the location came pretty easily.

Simply put, Raine has been growing considerably, and with that growth, relationships and programs are expanding simultaneously. With that advancement began a need for space and personnel capable of handling the expansion quickly, while increasing quality and production volume at the same time. The answer was simple in that the available personnel were a large factor in the decision making process. The skills of the people are what make Mayaguez a great tactical gear manufacturing area; they’ve been doing it for years. Their speed, accuracy, attention to detail, and quality put them at the top of the list in Raine Inc’s opinion. Something that we have found that is really exciting is that even though Scott hasn’t been operating there in a couple of years, the fondness and mutual respect has led many of Scott’s former staff and operators back to him. Scott is very excited to once again be part of these wonderful folk’s lives, and Raine Inc is excited to build its new relationship with them as well.

Our new facility, which is approximately 24,000 square feet, is located in the same industrial park that has housed multiple heavyweights in the tactical gear manufacturing industry before. Raine Inc has undertaken a very lengthy renovation of the facility and it is shaping up to be an outstanding place to work and make great kit. Construction is estimated to be completed in early April, and the new Raine PR will ramp up operations to start laying stitches end of April.

www.raineinc.com

Robby Johnson to Join SIG SAUER

Friday, March 21st, 2014

A very reliable source gave us a heads up that Robby Johnson has resigned from Remington Defense and is accepting a position at SIG SAUER. Robby is a former Sniper with the 75th Ranger Regiment and also served in the Army Marksmanship Unit. He has been instrumental in many of Remington Defense’s successful programs over the past few years.

Here is some video of Robby in action at the 2010 Rocky Mountain 3-Gun event.

CONGRATS!

Darley Defense – Special Operation Equipment Expo

Friday, March 14th, 2014

Darley Defense SOE Expo 2014 SSD

Darley Defense is hosting the Special Operational Equipment Expo at the Embassy Suites in Fayetteville, NC. Over 60 vendors will be displaying wares at the show. The show will be open April 15-16, 2014.

Also, the Darley Defense 2014 catalog is available for download from their website at www.darleydefense.com/defense-catalog.

www.darleydefense.com

FGI CEO Calls GDSI Announcement of Intent to Buy “Publicity Stunt” – But Was It?

Wednesday, March 12th, 2014

Responding to yesterday’s press release by Global Digital Solutions of their intent to offer $1.082 Bn cash for Remington Outdoor Company, Freedom Group Inc CEO George Kollitides issued an internal memo to employees calling the announcement a “publicity stunt”. The memo was obtained by Grandview Outdoors and published in part on their site.

“A small, unknown investment entity publicly announced its desire to acquire the Remington Outdoor Company,” the memo obtained by Grand View Outdoors says. “If this wasn’t disruptive to our employees and customers, we would not acknowledge the news and recognize it for what it is: a publicity stunt from an agenda-driven group with no credible financing options.”

There are a few interesting point to ponder.

First, that’s a lot of cash for a relatively unknown company and their technology thrust areas aren’t exactly mainstream firearms. Leaving me scratching my head last night when I initially read the press release. Corrected PR states cash and common stock.

Second, GDSI claims to have filed a Form 8-K and announced an Unsolicited Letter of Intent to Acquire Remington Outdoor Company (aka Freedom Group) for $1.082 Billion. You don’t play around with the SEC. So if GDSI did file it, it means they have to mean it, or face trouble. And if they didn’t file it, they may get in hot water over saying they did.

Third, the GDSI announcement went out via PRnewswire and was picked up by the main stream media. This didn’t go out like an industry rumor. The GDSI CEO actually went on record about financial issues. Lying about this is something the SEC doesn’t take lightly.

Finally, the sections of the internal Remington memo we have seen, never says GDSI’s claim is untrue. Rather, it calls the announcement a “publicity stunt”. The info that is out there wasn’t released officially but leaked to a firearms centric site and not the main stream media. That’s pretty interesting considering last we had heard the whole kit and caboodle was for sale and Kollitides was working with some other Remington employees to raise the cash to purchase it themselves. Maybe someone spoke too soon? Of course, sometimes filing time is filing time.

All we have to go on is what has been leaked. So far, we haven’t seen any definitive statement to the public from Remington/FGI regarding the situation. This leaves serious analysts questioning the entire situation and leads me to believe someone is being less than truthful. The question is, which party?

UPDATE – PRnewswire has issued a correction of yesterday’s press release at the request of GDSI.

In the news release, Global Digital Solutions Files Form 8-K, Announces Unsolicited Letter of Intent to Acquire Remington Outdoor Company, with Estimated Annual Sales of $1.25 Billion and a Purchase Price of Approximately $1.082 Billion, issued 11-Mar-2014 by Global Digital Solutions, Inc. over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that the first paragraph, second sentence, should read “GDSI has made an unsolicited offer to purchase Freedom for $1.082 billion in cash and shares of GDSI’s common stock,” rather than “GDSI has made an unsolicited offer to purchase freedom for $1.082 billion in cash,” as issued inadvertently.”

Read the SEC filing here secfilings.nasdaq.com. Interesting. It was an unanswered, unsolicited proposal but I would have expected FGI to disavow this as an unacceptable offer at this point.

Finally, Someone Is Buying Freedom Group

Wednesday, March 12th, 2014

CNN reports via PR Newswire that Global Digital Solutions has filed a Form 8-K and announced an Unsolicited Letter of Intent to Acquire Remington Outdoor Company (aka Freedom Group) for $1.082 Billion.

Richard J. Sullivan, GDSI’s Chairman and CEO, commented on this move as well as two additional acquisitions.

“The GDSI team is extremely excited and confident about all three of these proposed acquisitions. There are powerful synergies between Freedom and the two other companies that will fuel our future growth along with the transformation of the cyber arms industry. Cyber-based technologies, coupled with enhanced digital product development and distribution, will be key factors in achieving results that could match – and probably even exceed – what we were able to produce at Digital Angel Corp and Applied Digital Solutions (“Applied”). At Applied, we saw our market capitalization reach $2.5 billion, roughly five times revenue and nearly 25 times EBITDA.”

GDSI is an interesting company to say the least, specializing in “cyber arms” and tracking. For instance, they patented the first-ever FDA-approved, human-implantable RFID tags that continue to be used by several foreign militaries as well as an implantable GPS tracking system for sheep and Gatekeeper, a small arms safety system. It offers, “Encrypted, password-protected, digital, trigger-locking capability;Secure, real-time online tracking; and Encrypted, cloud-enabled databases.” Are you rolling your eyes as much as I am yet?

CEO Sullivan discusses Gatekeeper in this quote:

“Our team plans to drive unprecedented consolidation and convergence in the cyber arms arena at least in part through the acquisition strategy outlined in our Form 8-K filing and elsewhere. We’ll also do this by leveraging technologies like GDSI Gatekeeper, which we announced on January 23, 2014. Gatekeeper represents a revolutionary suite of technology-enhanced services that offer personalized, digital small arms safety and security solutions in commercial and military-related markets.

I can already see the headlines on the tinfoil hat sites.

TSSi Awarded Second Consecutive Five-Year, Multi-Million Dollar Contract From Defense Logistics Agency

Tuesday, March 11th, 2014

This is the first of what I expect will be many announcements of the winners of the Special Operational Equipment Tailored Logistics Support (TLS) Program. Now, there are two additional companies under contract bringing the total to six. They are TSSi, ADS Inc, Darley Defense and Source One along with new vendors Quantico Tactical and Federal Resources Supply.

I’ve known TSSi owner Bill Strang for over 20 years. During all that time he’s run a great company that offers service at a value. I know this is something dear to him based on his years of military service. Congrats!

Harrisonburg, Virginia, March 10, 2014 – The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support, Philadelphia, announced on March 7, 2014 that TSSi (Tactical & Survival Specialties, Inc.), of Harrisonburg, Virginia has again been awarded the Special Operational Equipment Tailored Logistics Support (TLS) Program contract. The TLS contract is a five-year contract (two-year base period and three one-year options) that provides logistical support to military commands, federal agencies, and other authorized customers worldwide. TSSi was awarded their original TLS contract in 2009. In addition to TSSi, DLA awarded contracts to five other government contractors. The total estimated contract value to all awardees is four billion dollars over the potential five year contract period.

In order to best serve the end-user, TSSi expanded its workforce and created a department solely dedicated to managing the TLS contract following the initial contract award in February 2009. TSSi’s President/CEO, Bill Strang, commented, “We are proud of the support we have provided the Defense Logistics Agency over the past five years on the TLS contract. DLA has an extremely important mission of providing support to the nation’s warfighters, and they require industry partners who understand the daily challenges faced by the DLA team as well as the needs of their customers. These are the same customers TSSi has been supporting since we were founded nearly 35 years ago. Award of this follow-on contract confirms that we have continued to make improvements to our customer service over the past five years. We have placed an emphasis on going the extra mile to meet the equipment needs and delivery requirements of DLA and our military customers.”

The TLS Program contract expands the procurement options available to federal agencies and military units, streamlines the procurement process, reduces the Government’s warehousing and logistics requirements, and provides rapid response to urgent military requirements. Rebecca Curry, TSSi’s Director of Contract Management for the TLS contract, said, “DLA looks for industry partners who can deliver a quality product, at the best value to the warfighter, on time, every time. With those goals in mind, TSSi has focused on continuous improvement in the service provided to DLA and its customers. This new iteration of the TLS contract will receive the same high level of dedication from the TSSi staff.”

In 2011, TSSi was awarded the DLA Outstanding Readiness Support Award. According to the citation from DLA, TSSi was presented this award for the “…personalized service and specialty products that meet the fulfillment of the day-to-day needs of our customers. They utilize creative sourcing on difficult to obtain products and they accomplish the tasks with a ‘try harder’ attitude.” The TSSi staff is pleased to have the opportunity to continue serving the special operations community with exceptional customer service and dependability through the TLS Program.

Harrisonburg, Virginia, March 10, 2014. The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support, Philadelphia, announced on March 7, 2014 that TSSi (Tactical & Survival Specialties, Inc.), of Harrisonburg, Virginia has again been awarded the Special Operational Equipment Tailored Logistics Support (TLS) Program contract. The TLS contract is a five-year contract (two-year base period and three one-year options) that provides logistical support to military commands, federal agencies, and other authorized customers worldwide. TSSi was awarded their original TLS contract in 2009. In addition to TSSi, DLA awarded contracts to five other government contractors. The total estimated contract value to all awardees is four billion dollars over the potential five year contract period.

In order to best serve the end-user, TSSi expanded its workforce and created a department solely dedicated to managing the TLS contract following the initial contract award in February 2009. TSSi’s President/CEO, Bill Strang, commented, “We are proud of the support we have provided the Defense Logistics Agency over the past five years on the TLS contract. DLA has an extremely important mission of providing support to the nation’s warfighters, and they require industry partners who understand the daily challenges faced by the DLA team as well as the needs of their customers. These are the same customers TSSi has been supporting since we were founded nearly 35 years ago. Award of this follow-on contract confirms that we have continued to make improvements to our customer service over the past five years. We have placed an emphasis on going the extra mile to meet the equipment needs and delivery requirements of DLA and our military customers.”

The TLS Program contract expands the procurement options available to federal agencies and military units, streamlines the procurement process, reduces the Government’s warehousing and logistics requirements, and provides rapid response to urgent military requirements. Rebecca Curry, TSSi’s Director of Contract Management for the TLS contract, said, “DLA looks for industry partners who can deliver a quality product, at the best value to the warfighter, on time, every time. With those goals in mind, TSSi has focused on continuous improvement in the service provided to DLA and its customers. This new iteration of the TLS contract will receive the same high level of dedication from the TSSi staff.”

In 2011, TSSi was awarded the DLA Outstanding Readiness Support Award. According to the citation from DLA, TSSi was presented this award for the “…personalized service and specialty products that meet the fulfillment of the day-to-day needs of our customers. They utilize creative sourcing on difficult to obtain products and they accomplish the tasks with a ‘try harder’ attitude.” The TSSi staff is pleased to have the opportunity to continue serving the special operations community with exceptional customer service and dependability through the TLS Program.

Harrisonburg, Virginia, March 10, 2014. The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support, Philadelphia, announced on March 7, 2014 that TSSi (Tactical & Survival Specialties, Inc.), of Harrisonburg, Virginia has again been awarded the Special Operational Equipment Tailored Logistics Support (TLS) Program contract. The TLS contract is a five-year contract (two-year base period and three one-year options) that provides logistical support to military commands, federal agencies, and other authorized customers worldwide. TSSi was awarded their original TLS contract in 2009. In addition to TSSi, DLA awarded contracts to five other government contractors. The total estimated contract value to all awardees is four billion dollars over the potential five year contract period.

In order to best serve the end-user, TSSi expanded its workforce and created a department solely dedicated to managing the TLS contract following the initial contract award in February 2009. TSSi’s President/CEO, Bill Strang, commented, “We are proud of the support we have provided the Defense Logistics Agency over the past five years on the TLS contract. DLA has an extremely important mission of providing support to the nation’s warfighters, and they require industry partners who understand the daily challenges faced by the DLA team as well as the needs of their customers. These are the same customers TSSi has been supporting since we were founded nearly 35 years ago. Award of this follow-on contract confirms that we have continued to make improvements to our customer service over the past five years. We have placed an emphasis on going the extra mile to meet the equipment needs and delivery requirements of DLA and our military customers.”

The TLS Program contract expands the procurement options available to federal agencies and military units, streamlines the procurement process, reduces the Government’s warehousing and logistics requirements, and provides rapid response to urgent military requirements. Rebecca Curry, TSSi’s Director of Contract Management for the TLS contract, said, “DLA looks for industry partners who can deliver a quality product, at the best value to the warfighter, on time, every time. With those goals in mind, TSSi has focused on continuous improvement in the service provided to DLA and its customers. This new iteration of the TLS contract will receive the same high level of dedication from the TSSi staff.”

In 2011, TSSi was awarded the DLA Outstanding Readiness Support Award. According to the citation from DLA, TSSi was presented this award for the “…personalized service and specialty products that meet the fulfillment of the day-to-day needs of our customers. They utilize creative sourcing on difficult to obtain products and they accomplish the tasks with a ‘try harder’ attitude.” The TSSi staff is pleased to have the opportunity to continue serving the special operations community with exceptional customer service and dependability through the TLS Program.

www.tssi-ops.com

Wes Whitlock Steps Down from Rogue Gunfighter

Monday, March 10th, 2014

I received this statement from one of Rogue Gunfighter’s founders, Wes Whitlock.

I am stepping away from Rogue Gunfighter, LLC as VP and will no longer have any dealings with this company. I will focus my efforts and time on my family, Rogue American Apparel (RAA) and my protective detail duties. I want to thank everyone who supported me and my efforts in building RG and giving it the exposure it now has.

Regards from Texas.

Wes Whitlock President/Founder RAA
“Live With Integrity”

Granite Gear, LLC Announces Strategic Alliance With FELLFAB

Thursday, March 6th, 2014

This is some pretty cool news from two great companies.

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada and Two Harbors, Minnesota – March 5, 2014 – Granite Gear has partnered with Canadian manufacturing and engineering company, FELLFAB®, to bring their cutting-edge tactical and outdoor gear to the Canadian market.

FELLFAB® President Eric Taylor and Granite Gear CEO Bryan Kinsley jointly announced the partnership, in which Granite Gear will grant FELLFAB® sole licensure to make, manufacture and sell their Load Carriage Systems in Canada. Granite Gear and FELLFAB® will combine technologies to jointly design and develop the Load Carriage Systems for use by the Canadian Military and other organizations in need of tactical gear.

As part of the agreement, FELLFAB® has been appointed the exclusive representative and dealer for Granite Gear tactical products in Canada. By combining FELLFAB®’s manufacturing scale, engineering excellence and project management expertise with Granite Gear’s award winning, cutting-edge excellence in design and construction of backpacks and tactical equipment, both companies believe that they can offer customers a highest quality, Canadian-made product that can continue to meet evolving tactical equipment needs.

www.granitegearstore.com

www.fellfab.com