Visit GORE-TEX at AUSA

Archive for the ‘Industry’ Category

Pacific Safety Products – Always A Bridesmaid, Never a Bride

Wednesday, May 16th, 2012

We’ve mentioned various takeovers concerning Canadian armor producer Pacific Safety Products in the past including their recent announcement of a reverse takeover bid for Armor Works Canada. Unfortunately, it looks like that one fell through as well according to a press release on PSP’s website. It states, “that the letter of intent with ArmorWorks Enterprises LLC to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of ArmorWorks Enterprises Canada, ULC in a reverse take-over transaction (the “Transaction”) has been terminated.” Additionally, the release says, “The board of directors of the Company has exercised its option to terminate the Company’s contract with its Executive Chairman, Daniel Marks, upon 30 day’s notice.” They are also working to “create a separation between the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer roles…”

Looks like PSP is getting their house in order.

John Felushko Joins Blue Force Gear

Monday, May 14th, 2012

Blue Force Gear announced today that John Felushko will join the company as Product Line Manager, reporting to Blue Force Gear CEO Ashley Burnsed. Felushko comes to Blue Force Gear from Canadian outdoor brand Arc’Teryx LEAF, where he has been Business Unit Coordinator since 2008. He will be responsible for Blue Force Gear’s product strategy and the expansion of retail presence in domestic and global markets.

“Our passion is building game-changing products for the world’s best customers and John shares our vision for the future like no one else we’ve met,” said Ashley Burnsed, Blue Force Gear’s CEO. “His exceptional experience bolsters our commitment to deliver the best products and we are thrilled to have him join our team.”

Before joining Arc’Teryx, Felushko’s background includes extensive outdoor retailing experience with companies including The Expedition Shoppe and Bushtukah Great Outdoor Gear where he gained valuable insights into improving the customer experience with high performance outdoor equipment. Among other International travels, he taught English in Istanbul Turkey and holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in Political Science from Carleton University with concentration in International Relations.

Congrats to Blue Force Gear and John!

www.blueforcegear.com

US Patriot Expands West to Oklahoma and Texs

Monday, May 14th, 2012

US Patriot was established in the year 2000 by military veterans. Since then, it’s operations have grown to retail locations outside of Fort Jackson, SC, Fort Stewart, GA, Fort Sill, OK, Fort Sam Houston, TX and Kings Mountain, NC. The newest stores are located in San Antonio, TX (Fort Sam Houston, Randolph AFB & Lackland AFB) and Lawton, OK (Fort Sill home of Field Artillery and Air Defense).

The Fort Sill, OK store sets itself apart with its very own “man cave”. Soldiers can relax in gaming chairs and play a variety of Xbox games. Additionally, on Graduation and Family Day, soldiers in uniform and their families can enjoy a free beverage of choice. Finally, some US Patriot locations, including Fort Jackson and Fort Stewart, have on-site embroidery/alterations and a barber shop.

www.uspatriottactical.com.

GEN McChrystal on Design, Execution, and Leadership

Tuesday, May 8th, 2012

When the Pope talks, we listen, and you should too. Here, Retired General Stanley McChrystal talks the American experience regarding design, execution, and leadership courtesy of Fast Company. This video was recorded at their recent Innovation Uncensored conference.

Velocity Systems Introduces Desert Digital

Tuesday, May 8th, 2012

Velocity Systems has added Desert Digital as a color option for its products. After fielding phone calls and requests for the pattern over the last couple of years, Velocity Systems ordered up an entire lot of material of 500D Cordura as well as all the trimmings. Grey Group is currently stocking product, available for purchase and shipment. The new color is not reflected on the current Velocity Systems website, but look for a new Velocity website late this spring. If you have any questions give them a call at (703) 707-6280 or contact them via email at info@velsyst.com.

velsyst.com

PrimaLoft, Inc and Prudential Capital Group announce purchase of PrimaLoft from Albany International Corp

Friday, May 4th, 2012

PrimaLoft, Inc, recently announced that it had executed an agreement to purchase the PrimaLoft products business from parent Albany International Corp. PrimaLoft is the world leader in high performance insulations and yarns used in leading outdoor and fashion brands, home furnishings, work wear and military applications.

The purchase of PrimaLoft is being led by Michael Joyce, former President of Albany International Corp’s Applied Technology Group, and the PrimaLoft senior management team. The purchase of the PrimaLoft business is supported by Prudential Capital Group, which has had a 20-year relationship with Albany International Corp Prudential Capital Partners, sponsored by Prudential Capital Group, has provided the financing.

“This is an incredible opportunity for the future of PrimaLoft and I am excited to again work with PrimaLoft and the management team,” stated Michael Joyce, who will become president and chief executive officer of PrimaLoft, Inc. “PrimaLoft has grown to become the world leader in performance insulations and yarns. This move will enable PrimaLoft to continue to grow by making the necessary investments in the brand to maintain its leadership position in the marketplace.” 

www.primaloft.com

Point Blank Enterprises And Protective Products Enterprises Complete Merger Combined Companies Operating As Point Blank Enterprises

Friday, May 4th, 2012

Point Blank Enterprises, Inc., announced that it has finalized its merger with Protective Products Enterprises, LLC. Both companies are owned by affiliates of Sun Capital Partners, a leading private investment firm specializing in leveraged buyouts and investments in market-leading companies.

Point Blank Enterprises, Inc. has become the parent company and is now the operating owner of well-known and trusted global brands, including Point Blank Body Armor, PACA Body Armor, Protective Products and Paraclete. The Company will produce ballistics and soft armor designs, both concealable and tactical, at its manufacturing facilities in Pompano Beach, Fla., and Sunrise, Fla.

The Company also disclosed today that it has obtained new financing from Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., with the funds to be used for general working purposes and to drive innovation in new designs for the Company’s end markets.

“For the past six months, we have been working diligently to integrate all aspects of our businesses – including sales and marketing, manufacturing, R&D, finance, and IT – to better serve our global customers,” said Jim Henderson, Chief Executive Officer of Point Blank Enterprises, Inc. “We’ve made significant inroads and much of the integration is completed. We continue to win new awards, both domestically and abroad, and the changes we’re implementing now will allow us to further shorten our industry-leading delivery times, while continuing to provide our customers with the industry’s best and safest products. We look forward to building upon the heritage of Point Blank, PACA, Protective Products and Paraclete for years to come.”
www.pointblankenterprises.com .

For more information, please visit www.SunCapPart.com .

Details on Safariland Purchase

Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012

The BAE press release.

ARLINGTON, Va., May 02, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) — BAE Systems announced today that it has reached an agreement for the sale of its Ontario, California-based Safariland, LLC business to a newly formed acquisition vehicle affiliated with Kanders & Company, Inc.

Safariland, which has been part of BAE Systems since the 2007 acquisition of Armor Holdings, Inc., is a leading manufacturer and well recognized brand of innovative, high-quality protective products for law enforcement and security customers worldwide. The business employs approximately 1,700 people who work in the United States and Mexico at five locations in Ontario, California; Jacksonville, Florida; Pittsfield, Massachusetts; Casper, Wyoming; and Tijuana, Mexico.

“This proposed sale is another step in our ongoing plan to streamline our organization and further align the business portfolio with our strategy,” said Frank V. Pope, president of BAE Systems, Inc.’s Land & Armaments sector. “We believe that this sale is in the best interests of BAE Systems as well as the Safariland business.”

The proposed sale is conditional, among other things, upon receiving certain regulatory approvals, and is expected to close during the second or third quarter of 2012.