Archive for the ‘Industry’ Category
Kryptek Revamps Website
Friday, June 29th, 2012Source Hydration Announces New Australian Distributor
Wednesday, June 27th, 2012Source Hydration has announced that Sport Outdoor Leisure Australia (SOLA) has been appointed the distributor of the Source range of products in Australia and New Zealand. SOLA will be distributing Source’s Tactical line to retailers in addition to its outdoor recreation hydration and footwear lines. CrossFire Australia will continue working in close cooperation with SOLA to represent Source to Australian MOD clients.
SOLA’s press release reads:
“SOLA will, with effect from 1 September 2012, become the Australian and New Zealand Distributor of the Source range of products. Source is a world leader in Hydration Systems, Hiking Sandals, Socks and Travel accessories supplying the outdoor recreational market, and industrial and military markets in over 25 countries on all continents. Founded in 1989, Source has been a ground breaker in its categories worldwide for over 20 years.
Source has a significant research and manufacturing capability and is committed to the ongoing development of innovative outdoor products for world markets. Both SOLA and Source share a passion and commitment to the environment and social responsibility programs.
SOLA, has over the past decade, established a high level of expertise and intellectual property in the hydration space. It is confident that by partnering with Source it will bring competitive, new and exciting products to its various market segments.”
SOLA, in addition to Source is the Australian distributor for Bianchi, Netti, Fox, Fizik, Selle Royal, Brooks, ESS and Allen.
Great news for ANZACs looking for hydration options.
Revision Military R&D
Wednesday, June 27th, 2012Revision Military Announces Purchase of MSA’s North American Helmet Business
Saturday, June 23rd, 2012Remember way back at the end of March when we told you that MSA was selling their Vermont-based helmet business to someone? Well, we’ve been sitting on our hand for months waiting to tell you that it was Revision all along. Its odd that they announced something this big after 5PM on a Friday. That’s why you’re reading it Saturday. Doesn’t matter who ought it, MSA was smart to unload it. That factory manufactures aramid helmets and both Army and Marine Corps are moving toward polyethylene helmets for the future.
Revision Military has announced the purchase of MSA’s North American ballistic helmet business. The purchase includes the acquisition of MSA’s U.S.-based helmet manufacturing equipment and operations located in Newport, Vermont. The former MSA facility, which specializes in large-scale production of aramid helmets for military and law enforcement, is a complement to Revision’s existing Composite Center of Excellence which outputs highly-specialized, polyethylene composite helmet shells. Having both manufacturing capabilities will enable Revision to meet current aramid helmet program requirements while also aiding customers in their quest for lighter weight, higher performance head protection solutions.
“MSA has proven itself to be a trusted helmet supplier to the U.S. Army with the right people and the right facilities to deliver first-rate, best-value helmet shells,” said Jonathan Blanshay, CEO of Revision. “We are pleased to welcome the approximately 45 Newport-based employees to the Revision family as we expand our offering of leading-edge soldier systems equipment to military customers worldwide.”
Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont commented: “Revision Military has proven they know how to design, manufacture and deliver state-of-the-art soldier protective systems for customers across the globe. I am pleased to see a firm with such skill and experience taking over helmet production for our American soldiers and soldiers across the globe.”
Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin shared in the enthusiasm over Revision’s purchase of the North American helmet manufacturing facility: “This is great news for the city of Newport and the state of Vermont, adding jobs and strengthening the economy. Most importantly, Revision’s announcement is important for our soldiers, who depend on Revision products to keep them safe in the line of duty. We look forward to a continued strong partnership with Jonathan Blanshay and Revision Military.”
Revision has committed orders from the US Army to deliver approximately 100,000 helmets over the 12 months following the acquisition. Additionally, Revision will fulfill the balance of an outstanding contract for 6,000 CG634 helmets to the Canadian DND while continuing to develop current and future helmet business with law enforcement agencies.
This acquisition, coupled with Revision’s extensive international experience is expected to be instrumental in meeting demands for aramid helmets on a global scale. Importantly, being able to manufacture and deliver ACH helmets—the platform upon which Revision’s Batlskin Modular Head Protection System is carried—will allow Revision to deliver completely integrated and fully modular head and face protection packages to its North American and global customers.
Donald Wright Joins Gerber Military Team
Friday, June 22nd, 2012Donald Wright has joined the Gerber military team concentrating on Institutional/Government Sales. Based out of the Tidewater of Virginia he will be working Navy, USMC, and USAF along with some tactical retail. Congrats!
Vuzix Completes Sale of its Tactical Display Group for $8.5 Million
Tuesday, June 19th, 2012Yesterday, Vuzix announced the completion of the sale of its business assets which comprised the Company’s Tactical Display Group. They are well known for the development and manufacture of individual displays used in a variety of programs.
Essentially, TDG is purchasing itself from Vuzix for $8.5 Million plus possible and the two firms have agreed to a 10 year non-compete with a possible $2.5 Million earn-out provision if certain conditions are met within the next year. However, the non-compete isn’t absolute. According to Market Watch, “TDG LLC has agreed to become the exclusive authorized reseller of the Company’s existing and new video eyewear products into the global Military and Defense markets. Additionally Vuzix is still allowed to perform its historically successful engineering services work on its new waveguide based video eyewear technology directly for customers within the Military and Defense markets. Any new products that the Company creates under its permitted ongoing engineering services and research programs with the US Government and other Defense organizations worldwide are to be exclusively marketed by the TDG LLC in the Military and Defense markets, unless the TDG LLC elects to have Vuzix do the same.”
All-in-all it looks like a great deal for Vuzix and a not-so-great deal for TDG. Interesting, considering over the past few years, it seems as most of the heavy lifting has been accomplished by the TDG business unit. Notice that the most lucrative elements of the business seem to remain the property of Vuzix. Additionally, none of the company’s ‘key personnel’ will be leaving to the new TDG but rather will remain with Vuzix. In fact, about a year ago, industry insiders predicted such an action as a means to save Vuzix at the cost of TDG. It will be interesting to see how TDG fairs over the next few years as defense spending radically changes.
SERKET
Monday, June 18th, 2012
Relative industry newcomer SERKET specializes in Berry compliant tactical clothing, particularly FR solutions. Already, they have a wide variety of base layer products available.
Additionally, you may recall that SERKET partnered with the World War II Foundation to support the Richard Winters Leadership Monument in Normandy, France.
Rumor Has It – BFG and VelSyst Team Up
Monday, June 18th, 2012We have it from a pretty good source that a really cool announcement is coming soon from Blue Force Gear and Velocity Systems regarding their technologies.
Look for more details here soon.
