Tactical Tailor has a new billboard design up around JBLM. Check out the great brands they offer at their retail shop.
Archive for the ‘Industry’ Category
Tactical Tailor Billboard
Wednesday, July 25th, 2012SSD Visits LC Industries
Tuesday, July 24th, 2012If you are in the military or employed by the federal government then you have almost daily contact with LC Industries. Begun in 1936 by the Durham Lions Club, LC Industries employs about 400 legally blind workers in 12 states. They manufacture over 2000 products, many of which you will recognize. In fact, regardless of what type of unit or organization you belong to, everyone relies on the same basic commodities to get the job done. From file folders to flatware, LC Industries products provide a positive impact on the lives of our troops.
During our recent visit to LC Industries’ primary facility in Durham, North Carolina we were afforded an opportunity to tour the production floor and get a behind the scenes look at what makes LC Industries tick.
First and foremost, it’s their employees. At each work station you’ll see name plates for each of the workers. What is amazing is that next to each name is the number of years they have been with LC Industries. it’s not uncommon to see employees who’ve been on the job for 20, 30, or even 40 years. This means that it’s a very well trained work force. To provide testimony to that assertion, we noticed this sign. 692 days without accident. Fantastic!
You’d be amazed at what LC Industries manufactures. We came across this machine producing salt and sugar packets for use in MREs.
In another area, we noticed a large stock of series 5200 Master Locks in various stashes of production. Everybody uses those locks. We are told that Master Lock has moved production of several models used extensively by DoD back to the US from Mexico and entrusted this endeavor to LCI. It’s a perfect fit for their work force, with repetitive assembly operations of various parts. This is a big success story for Master Lock, LCI and the troops who will be using quality, American made products.
In another area workers were manufacturing mattresses that would be used by troops at nearby Fort Bragg. LCI has developed a process to reclaim old mattresses by burning away the materials which leaves a sterilized coil and frame. After inspection many can be remanufactured. This green initiative saves resources and money not to mention critical landfill space.
LCI purchased Tactical Assault Gear in 2010. Their raw materials are stored at their Durham facility and pre-cut materials kits are assembled there based on the bills of material for various products and shipped to their sewing facilities for final assembly.
They put their Gerber cutter to good use.
Next, we visited the Integrated Custom Design Center.
Here, they showcase the tactical products offered in the Base level LCI stores. You’ll notice many familiar brands.
This space also houses their prototype facility. There was a lot going on and hopefully we’ll be asked to unveil some of those products once they are ready.
Its amazing how many products we saw in production on the floor. Over and over again we kept saying, “I remember using those.” Also, it’s great to see Americans manufacturing products. That’s the lifeblood that built this country.
The visit to LC Industries was very impressive and we look forward to seeing new products from Tactical Assault Gear soon.
Grey Ghost Gear to Introduce Karrimor SF to the US
Monday, July 23rd, 2012Grey Ghost Gear will soon be introducing Karrimor SF to the US with products of both UK- and US-origin. Tactical Tailor will manufacture the Berry compliant packs and LBE, which Grey Ghost will distribute.
Grey Ghost is a ‘boutique’ manufacturer of tactical gear based in Idaho. Karrimor SF is a serious European brand dating back to just after World War II with the large move towards post-war outdoor rec. The SF line has been around since 1995 and is well known in Commonwealth military circles.
It’s really exciting for me to be able to share this with you as it has literally been in the works for the past year. During last Summer Outdoor Retailer the two companies met and saw an instant fit. Call it kismet or just plain old hard work, but the two struck a deal that benefits all. Finally, we will be able to purchase Karrimor SF’s designs here in he US and if we’re lucky, maybe even see a few new ones.
The Grey Ghost/Karrimor packs will be available in the industry standard camouflage patterns you would expect and possibly a few you don’t.
You’ll be able to buy the Karrimor SF it at www.greyghostgear.com; watch for news on when it will be released on their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/greyghostgear. Karrimor SF is on line at karrimorsf.com.
Innovative Technology Summit
Monday, July 23rd, 2012The Innovative Technology Summit (ITS) is a single day event (21 Aug 2012) which brings together members from DoD and Industry into an environment which promotes collaboration to solve capability gaps and build working relationships. Attendees will hear briefings from current DoD Subject Matter Experts and will be encouraged to openly discuss current and future program requirements, converse about innovative technologies, and build working relationships.
The ITS will be held at the Washington Nationals Ballpark Conference Center. The briefings will begin at 0800 and go to 1730. Right after there will be a Social Event which will be hosted at the ballpark, in a Club room during the Nationals vs. Braves ballgame (approx 1830-2200).
Speakers at the ITS will include:
Phil Perconti – Director, NVESD Science & Technology Division
Col R.C. Schutz IV – Director, Counter IED Div USMC Warfighting Lab
Mike Doney – Deputy Product Manager, FLIR – Ft Belvoir VA
Brett Bagwell Ph. D. – Optics SME Sandia Labs / USSOCOM
Pete Gould – USASOC CDD SGM (Ret) – Combat Applications SME
Chris Beck – USN SEAL (Ret) DoD RRTO (Rapid Reaction Technology Office)
Jason Auxier Ph.D. – Naval Research Lab – Optical Sensor Systems
Marty Jackson – Advanced Technology Integrator, USMC Intelligence Programs
Ralph Teague – Georgia Tech / SENSIAC Program Office
Dr Jinendra Ranka – DARPA Program Manager Strategic Technology Office (STO)
TBD (PEO Soldier or USSOCOM S&T or Army Research Lab)
Proceeds from ITS 2012 will be donated to Special Operations Warrior Foundation with the presentation taking place during the event.
I’m Not Sure What’s Going on in Chesterfield But Thus Far, I’m Not Impressed
Monday, July 23rd, 2012Early Friday morning a monster gunned down innocent moviegoers in Aurora, Colorado. You might ask what that has to do with Chesterfield, Missouri and normally so would we. But, Chesterfield, Missouri based TacticalGear.com thrust themselves into the middle of this act.
You see, the perpetrator of this heinous crime is said to have purchased a Blackhawk! vest, 2 pouches and a knife from them in early July, according to their records. In fact, that info is ALL over the news. It seems a bit off to make such a big deal over that. A vest, knife, and two pouches? This isn’t like it’s the weapon.
Already, it was starting to look like someone going beyond being a cooperative citizen to looking for some publicity. But then, it got worse.
We’ve been very supportive of TacticalGear.com in the past but the comments made by COO Andrew Hoefener during a recent interview by KMOV were pretty unimpressive. He started out the interview just fine, explaining that TacticalGear.com is proud to support Law Enforcement, but then it got weird. He said, “If any additional scrutiny needs to be paid, it’s probably to ammunition sourcing online and firearms and how those are purchased.” What the hell is he talking about? And, does he even have any idea what he means when he says that? What is this guy thinking?
Optimer Brands Announces CEO Search
Friday, July 20th, 2012Optimer Brands, which includes DRIFIRE, makers of FR fabric technologies, is looking for a new CEO after Steven Scheyer recently announced his intent to step down.
Following continued significant growth in sales and product innovation over the past two and a half years, today Optimer Brands announced it has appointed a new Vice Chairman and is launching a search for a new Chief Executive Officer.
CEO Steven Scheyer has been named Vice Chairman, and continues as CEO during the search. After the new CEO joins, he remains as Vice Chairman and a key executive, owner and board member of the Company. This transition is part of the Company’s long-term succession plan that was put into place when Steven joined in 2010, and a strategic move to continue driving its growth and success into the company’s next phase.
Optimer Brands is the Company behind the DRIFIRE brand of flame resistant fabrics and flame resistant workwear, which has grown dramatically in the military and industrial sectors. Optimer has also achieved impressive growth with drirelease, patented fabric technology that enables brands to create unique apparel that dries four times faster than cotton, has everlasting wicking and odor control, and maintains the look and feel of natural fibers.
The Company has expanded beyond garments and fabrics into high performance finished goods. It has also developed broader reach beyond the military into the utility and the oil and gas sectors. Due to this complexity, Optimer aims to identify a CEO with a successful track record in operations and process.
“We have been very pleased with the Company’s growth over the past two and a half years, and are excited to be able to move to the next level in our growth plan. The current leadership team of CEO Steven Scheyer and Chairman Harvey Weinberg has grown Optimer Brands into the best financial position it has ever been in,” said Eric Becker, Senior Managing Director with private equity firm Sterling Partners. “With this new CEO, Sterling is reinvesting in the Company by bringing additional skills, experience and senior level expertise.”
“This focus on operations and process is the logical next step in the evolution of Optimer Brands,” said Scheyer. “We are confident this strategy is the right one for our continued future success.”
Weinberg added, “This transition has been planned since the beginning, and comes at a time of success and momentum for Optimer Brands. Our Company and our team have never been stronger.”
The search begins immediately, with the goal to secure the new CEO before the end of the year. Interested candidates should contact Nikki Bondi at executive search firm Advantage Partners.
Über Group to Rep Kill Cliff to Tactical Industry
Friday, July 20th, 2012
While I was perusing the new Arc’teryx LEAF lineup yesterday with the Über SOF team I was tossed a can of Kill Cliff. I said, “Cool, I love this stuff. Too bad you can’t buy it anywhere around here. Did Baker stop by?” The reply surprised me. I was told that I’d be able to get it from GSS Gear here in the Tidewater and when I am in Fayetteville, I’d be able to get it from Grey Group. And, this is really awesome, that Über Group is now representing Kill Cliff in the tactical community. In fact, they are looking at bringing it to more and more locations.
Kill Cliff was developed by a former Navy SEAL as a post workout recovery drink that is low calorie, is anti-inflammatory to aid in recovery and tastes great. It’s become very popular in fitness and shooting circles.
To get Kill Cliff at your range or shop contact ubergroup.net.
Combat Medical Systems Buys Z-Medica Out – Remains Exclusive Government Distributor of Combat Gauze
Tuesday, July 17th, 2012Combat Medical Systems (CMS) extended its distribution agreement for Combat Gauze, the Department of Defense (DoD) approved hemostatic, as a part of its buyout of former partner Z-Medica Corporation’s ownership interest in the company effective June 21, 2012.
CMS, will remain the exclusive government distributor of the Combat Gauze line through 2014.
To date, Combat Gauze has been fielded to every service member in the DoD. It is authorized in every Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK), Combat Life Saver and medic/corpsman medical bag.
According to a recent DoD Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) survey, in 1,895 documented battlefield uses of Combat Gauze, 90.7 percent of respondents agreed/strongly agreed that Combat Gauze was “effective at stopping severe external bleeding.”
“CMS and Z-Medica worked closely to field Combat Gauze, one of our first service-wide successes,” said Corey Russ, president and founder of CMS. The development of Combat Gauze offers the medic a simple, cost-effective hemostatic product to treat severe external bleeding, especially in areas where a tourniquet cannot be applied. “The buyout will let CMS further focus on being a veteran-owned, DoD medical solutions provider.”
The buyout brings about a new phase of growth that will allow CMS to quickly develop new product lines and further enhance its relationship with DoD and law enforcement agencies.
“As we expand our reach around the world, all our efforts are, always have been, to simplify tactical medicine and deliver our products to our nation’s warfighters and first responders,” Russ said.
Combat Medical Systems, founded in 2008, is headquartered in Fayetteville, NC.
