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Laura Burgess Marketing (LBM) Announces Ashley Burgess Gall as President

Saturday, April 5th, 2025

Ashley Burgess Gall will take over the leadership role at the 22-year-old PR and marketing firm, while founder Laura Burgess will take on an advisory role.

Ashley Burgess Gall, President, LBM

Laura Burgess, Founder, LBM

Saint Augustine, Fla. (April 202) – Laura Burgess Marketing (LBM), public relations and marketing communications for the law enforcement, public safety, military, outdoor, shooting sports, hunting, boating, fishing, and forensic communities, is proud to announce the well-deserved promotion of Ashley Burgess Gall to President. Laura Burgess, founder of the company in 2003, will be taking the role of advisor, providing Gall with assistance during this transition phase.

Throughout her sixteen-year career with LBM, Gall has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s strategic direction. She originally joined LBM to introduce social media as a key marketing tool for the industry but quickly expanded her expertise to encompass public relations, media strategy, brand positioning, and content development. Over the years, she has led comprehensive marketing campaigns, managed client communications, written for industry publications, and presented on PR and marketing strategies at industry-leading events such as the NAUMD Convention and SHOT Show. Her leadership, strategic vision, and deep understanding of the industry have been instrumental in LBM’s continued success.

“Ashley came aboard LBM just as the tide was incoming on social media. With her business school degree and several years working within the digital industry, she was an instant positive addition to the LBM team,” Burgess stated. “She has continued to demonstrate she is ready for this leadership role by assuming direct managerial relationships with all our clients, guiding their public relations and marketing projects. I cannot tell you how proud I am to have her take the reins of our family business and make it her own.”

“As I step into this new role, I am honored to carry forward the legacy that Laura has built,” said Gall. “LBM has always been about more than just marketing—it’s about building lasting relationships, amplifying our clients’ voices, and staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving industry. I look forward to continuing our tradition of excellence while bringing fresh ideas and strategies to the table.”

Over the next several months, the www.lauraburgess.com website will undergo updating to reflect the transition. Burgess will continue to work with Gall as she steps into her new role.

Posted in Industry, Press Release | 2 Comments »

CHPWS Appoints GW Ayers as VP of Sales and Marketing

Saturday, April 5th, 2025

C&H Precision (CHPWS), an industry-leading designer and manufacturer of precision optics, optics adapter plates, and pistol slide milling upgrades, is pleased to announce the appointment of GW Ayers as Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

In this role, Ayers will lead the company’s strategic sales initiatives and marketing efforts, leveraging his extensive background in the defense and firearms industries to drive growth and expand market reach.

CHPWS manufactures RDS adapter plates, does custom slide milling, and, of course, sells a variety of optics and sights for various weapon platforms.

Ayers, a native of rural Virginia, served 22 years in the U.S. Army before transitioning to the defense industry. After working for a leading manufacturer for several years, he moved into the firearms sector. During his tenure there, he oversaw the construction and development of several high-end retail stores and shooting ranges, as well as the development and mentoring of their staff and instructors.

SFC Ayers (US Army, Ret) during an operation during the winter of ’05 in MNCI-North. Ayers served as the senior enlisted advisor to an Iraqi Army battalion. The Tal Afar AO went all the way to Sinjar and the Syrian border (including the border crossing at Rabia).

“I am honored to have the opportunity to join C&H Precision,” said GW Ayers, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for C&H Precision. “This company has built a reputation for excellence, and I’m excited to contribute to its continued growth. I look forward to providing top-tier products and service to the most discerning customers in the world.”

Ayers, seen here with HH-6 Mrs. Anittra Ayers, is a member of the III Armored Corps Sgt. Audie Murphy Club as well as the Honorable Order of St. George. He continues to serve today, as the CEO of a charity for transitioning homeless veterans.

Buck Holly, Owner of C&H Precision, expressed his enthusiasm for Ayers’s addition to the leadership team.

CHPWS founder Bucky Holly standing with GW outside the new 50,000 square foot C and H Precision facility in Richmond Hill, Georgia.

“GW brings a unique combination of military, retail, and industry experience that will be instrumental in driving our brand forward. His leadership and customer-first mindset align perfectly with our mission, and we are excited to have him on board.”

Connect with GW Ayers.

Learn more about CHPWS.

Read some C&H Precision history.

Posted in Industry | 1 Comment »

Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin Host International Summit Showcasing Long Range Precision Fires GMARS Launcher

Tuesday, April 1st, 2025

Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin, partners in the Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System (GMARS) program, hosted a summit for international customers in Europe. The event brought together military leaders, industry experts, and defense professionals from 14 nations to discuss the latest developments with the two-pod launcher system as well as long range precision fires. Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin will also host a live firing event to demonstrate GMARS capability this summer.

LTG (R) Ben Hodges, former Commander of US Army Europe, delivered the keynote address sharing insights on the challenges and opportunities on the modern battlefield. Customers attended factory tour and presentations on the GMARS launcher, its capabilities and the range of munitions available, including the precision-guided munitions from Lockheed Martin.

Discussions on interoperability, a key focus of the summit, shared how GMARS can integrate with NATO systems, such as HIMARS and M270, to provide a comprehensive and flexible long range precision fires capability. The GMARS launcher, based on the Rheinmetall HX3 vehicle, offers a high degree of mobility, survivability and versatility, making it an ideal solution for military forces operating in a rapidly changing environment.

The event also included a networking session, providing attendees with the opportunity to engage with industry experts, military leaders, and peers to discuss their specific requirements and challenges.

“We were pleased to showcase the capabilities of the GMARS launcher at the summit with our partner Lockheed Martin,” said Dr. Björn Bernhard, Head of Rheinmetall’s Vehicle Systems Division. “This event provided a unique opportunity for European customers to learn more about the system, its benefits, and how it can support their long range precision fire requirements.”

“Lockheed Martin is committed to delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers,” said Paula Hartley, vice president and General Manager of Tactical Missiles at Lockheed Martin. “The GMARS program is a prime example of this commitment, and we were pleased to discuss its capabilities and benefits with customers at the summit.”

For more information on the GMARS program, please visit: www.rheinmetall.com/en/products/tactical-wheeled-vehicles/wheeled-armoured-vehicles/gmars

Posted in Fires, Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin Host International Summit Showcasing Long Range Precision Fires GMARS Launcher

Galvion’s European Production Hub in Poland ais Declared Fully Operational

Tuesday, April 1st, 2025

Galvion, a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative head systems, power and data management solutions, and integrated soldier systems, has announced that their European Production Hub in Poland is now fully operational. The facility represents a major investment that has significantly strengthened Galvion’s regional support and service strategy. With both production and support capabilities fully operational, Galvion is now able to serve their widespread European and NATO customers from a geographically aligned centre of excellence.

First announced in September 2023 and driven by Galvion’s ongoing successes in NATO and the wider European regions, the new facility is based in Gdansk. Production has been running for close to a month, with Galvion’s flagship Caiman® helmets as the inaugural systems coming off the production line in preparation for shipment to a key customer in Northern Europe. With this major milestone, the facility is officially declared as operational. Galvion plans to follow this announcement with a formal VIP opening ceremony in June.

Following recent consecutive program awards from key European nations, including a NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) framework contract, Galvion is expecting to have close to 2 million helmets in service across NATO and other European countries by the end of 2026. Galvion’s new Gdansk facility houses helmet finishing and assembly capabilities, in addition to critical support, maintenance, refurbishment, upgrade and training operations. The Gdansk location was chosen following a comprehensive search and assessment period, and the functionality of the facility is expected to expand through 2026 and beyond, supporting Galvion’s full product and solutions portfolio. Galvion’s existing core facilities in Canada and the USA will continue to design, develop, manufacture and service domestic, regional, and key global programs, customers, production and support requirements.

Todd Stirtzinger, CEO at Galvion said: “We are committed to responsible regional operations in order to serve our global customer base in the most efficient way possible. Having the ability to both produce and support helmet systems in Europe is a big step for us and for our NATO customers, as we continue to receive orders through the NSPA framework contract and beyond.” Stirtzinger added: “Our investment project here has been built from the ground up, requiring support, coordination and collaboration across Galvion, not to mention a network of local and national partners in Poland. It is really gratifying for our entire team to see the first Caiman helmets coming off the production line. Special thanks go to our Polish team for their relentless dedication as well as to everyone else who has helped make this such a success.”

Posted in Helmets, Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Galvion’s European Production Hub in Poland ais Declared Fully Operational

Leonardo DRS to Develop Prototype Next-Generation Weapons Control System for U.S. Army M109A7 Paladin

Sunday, March 30th, 2025

ARLINGTON, Va. — Leonardo DRS, Inc. (NASDAQ: DRS) announced today that it has received a prototype project award by the U.S. Army to modernize the Paladin Electric Servo Amplifier (PESA) electric weapon control system for the M109A7 Paladin self-propelled howitzer. The OTA award is worth $16.9 million.

The PESA is a critical technology to the operation of the M109A7. Under the project award Leonardo DRS will develop a next-generation prototype with current electrical technology to improve the producibility and maintainability of the line replaceable units and enable the continued operation of the vehicle with no degradation to current capabilities.

“Paladin is a mission critical combat system, and our agility and leading-edge capabilities ensure our U.S. Army partner has the necessary capabilities to support our warfighters for the long term,” said Denny Crumley, senior vice president and general manager of the Leonardo DRS Land Electronics business unit. “We are thrilled to be providing this next generation of technology to the Army’s M109A7 Paladin combat vehicle.

Leonardo DRS is a leading designer, developer, and integrator of sophisticated electrical, electromechanical and electronic systems, subsystems, and assemblies across the U.S. military. The work on PESA is another example of providing best-of-breed technology and capability to deliver on a wide range of customer needs from electrical power, network computing, and advanced sensing.

Posted in Contracts, Fires, Industry, Optics, Press Release | Comments Off on Leonardo DRS to Develop Prototype Next-Generation Weapons Control System for U.S. Army M109A7 Paladin

Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing Celebrates 40th Anniversary

Saturday, March 29th, 2025

NAPLES, Fla. – March 24, 2025 – Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing, a leading premium firearms retailer, is proud to announce its 40th anniversary. Over its four decades in business, Cole Fine Guns has established and upheld a strong reputation for providing top-quality firearms and exceptional customer service.

Rich Cole, founder of Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing, grew up knowing he wanted to be a gunsmith. After working for Beretta USA and apprenticing in Gardone Val Trompia, Italy, Cole took his years of expertise and knowledge and established Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing in 1985. Since then, he has developed a team of experienced technicians devoted to the highest quality custom shotguns. Cole Fine Guns now has three locations in Naples, Fla., Harpswell, Maine and San Antonio, Texas, each dedicated to exceptional technical service and customer service.

“We are so excited to celebrate 40 years of business. This milestone is truly a testament to the relationships we’ve built with our customers over the years and their trust in our dedication to quality and craftsmanship” said Rich Cole, Owner of Cole Gunsmithing. “It has always been our mission to provide top-quality firearms and customer service, which has been made possible by our team of highly skilled gunsmiths. We look forward to continuing the tradition of excellence in the firearms industry.”

The family-owned company takes pride in their legacy of providing European shotguns and accessories to discerning enthusiasts. Cole’s collection boasts many iconic brands, including Beretta, Perazzi, Rizzini, Zoli, Blaser, Syren, Fabarm, Benelli, Caesar Guerini and TSK. Not only a certified Beretta service and warranty center, but Cole is the #1 Beretta Premium Shotgun Dealer worldwide. As a qualified provider, Cole is certified to sell and work with a long list of premium brands and offers a wide array of exclusive firearms.

Committed to servicing what they sell, Cole Fine Guns is a full-service dealer service center and continues to support customers long after assisting them in finding the perfect firearm. Cole Gunsmithing teams take a thorough, personalized approach to help customers select the best fit. Its highly experienced team of factory authorized gunsmiths carefully evaluate every individual’s needs, preferences and goals to identify the ideal firearm for them. The process is designed with the simple objective of achieving the best performance and experience for shooters. This customer service, along with a team of gunsmiths with more than 100 years of combined shotgun expertise, sets Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing’s craftsmanship apart from other providers.

For more information about the premium firearms offered by Cole Fine Guns, visit www.colefineguns.com or contact the sales team at (800) 650-2653.

Posted in Firearms, Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing Celebrates 40th Anniversary

SpearUAV Announces Completion of a Significant Funding Round Led by Deep Insight Venture Fund

Tuesday, March 25th, 2025

Investment to support the expansion of production capabilities in Israel and future global operations

24 March 2025, Israel – SpearUAV, a leading developer of autonomous, AI-based encapsulated loitering combat systems, announces the successful completion of a significant funding round led by Deep Insight venture fund. The round also included participation from existingand new private investors, marking a major milestone in the company’s continued growth.

This investment follows a period of accelerated expansion, with SpearUAV securing major defense contracts and scaling its operations to meet increasing global demand. The funding will enable the company to establish a new production line in Israel, while also supporting future expansion plans in the United States, including the eventual launch of a dedicated production facility.

“SpearUAV has demonstrated an exceptional ability to address evolving operational needs with its cutting-edge technology,” said Dr. Eyal Kishon, Chairman of DeepInsight “At Deep Insight, we specialize in elevating technology companies, and we recognize that SpearUAV possesses a unique combination of foundational capabilities, innovative technologies, and a disruptive market approach that sets it apart from existing solutions. We are excited to support SpearUAV’s continued innovation and global expansion and confident that our partnership will producesignificant success in the defense sector.”

“SpearUAV has experienced rapid growth over the past year, driven by increased demand for our cutting-edge VIPER family of loitering weapon systems supporting combat vehicles, infantry forces, submarines and naval vessels,” said Yiftach Kleinman, CEO of SpearUAV. “Since the company was founded by Gadi Kuperman, Spear has attracted interest from high-profile private investors and strategic investors. The currentinvestment round, led by Deep Insight, a sophisticated venture fund, which is led by highly experienced leadership, reflects the confidence of our partners in our technology and vision. Expanding our production capabilities in Israel is a critical step to meeting global demand, and we are also laying the groundwork for future operations in the U.S. to further strengthen our international presence and partnerships. We are proud to be part of Deep Insight’s portfolio.”

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

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Industry Leaders Unite to Form RTS Textiles Group Ltd

Tuesday, March 25th, 2025

(Adlington, United Kingdom): In a strategic move designed to align their long-term vision, RTS Textiles Ltd (RTS) announced is bringing together all of its operations and joint venture partners under one unified entity, RTS Textiles Group Ltd (RTS Group). This newly formed global powerhouse in the workwear and protective textiles markets will be led by RTS, with minority shareholdings held by TMG – Acabamentos Têxteis S.A. (TMG) and Sapphire Textile Mills Limited (STM).

KE5A4X aerial view of Carrington Workwear factory at Adlington, Lancashire, UK

Effective 24th March 2025, this merger marks the next logical step in a partnership that has developed over years of collaboration between RTS, TMG and STM. Initially starting as supply chain partners, in 2017 TMG and RTS entered into a joint venture as MGC in Portugal, and in 2021 STM and RTS entered into a strategic partnership under CTI in Asia. This new integrated strategic merger will further enhance the combined strength of all three companies. The merger will offer greater innovation and operational efficiency, positioning RTS Textiles Group as a leading force in the market.

The group will encompass RTS’ wholly owned brands and operations, including Carrington Textiles, Pincroft and Alltex, as well as full ownership of CTI, MGC and Melchior. The current management team at RTS will continue to lead the new entity, ensuring continuity and maintaining strong customer relationships.

Leveraging Expertise and Resources

The merger brings together the unique strengths of each organisation:

RTS: Known for high-performance flame-retardant (FR) fabrics for the PPE sector and rotary screen-printed fabrics for the military market.

TMG: Experts in weaving, dyeing and finishing high-quality fabrics, serving a wide variety of applications in the workwear sector.

STM: Specialises in vertical integration, with a focus on spinning, weaving, dyeing and finishing workwear textiles.

With over 275 years of combined textile manufacturing experience, RTS Textiles Group is uniquely positioned to offer comprehensive global solutions, meeting the diverse and evolving needs of customers worldwide. The group’s manufacturing excellence spans three key centres, ensuring the highest standards across production, innovation and service.

A Vision for the Future

“We are thrilled to announce this transformative merger, which will reshape the future of RTS, TMG and STM,” said John Vareldzis, CEO of RTS Textiles Limited. “By combining our expertise and resources, we are creating a dynamic and innovative entity that will set new standards in our industry, enabling us to better serve our customers and accelerate our growth.”

Meanwhile, TMG’s Board Member Manuel Gonçalves stated: “This merger represents a pivotal moment for our industry and for all our partners. By uniting the expertise, heritage, and innovation of RTS, TMG and STM, we are establishing a stronger foundation for growth and delivering unmatched value to our customers worldwide. Our shared vision for excellence and commitment to pushing boundaries in textile manufacturing will ensure that RTS Textiles Group sets the benchmark for quality, sustainability and innovation in workwear and protective textiles.”

Nabeel Abdullah, Sapphire Textile Mills Limited’s COO added: “At STM, we are delighted to embark on this new chapter with RTS Textiles Group and TMG. This strategic partnership brings a new era of collaboration, innovation and growth, creating a fully integrated textile powerhouse that enhances efficiency, drives innovation and meets the demands of an evolving global market. Together, we are positioned to redefine industry standards and deliver exceptional value to our customers.”

Benefits of the Merger

The RTS Textiles Group merger will generate significant benefits, including:

Increased Innovation: The combined resources and expertise will accelerate the development of cutting-edge fabric solutions tailored to market needs.

Expanded Market Reach: The new group will broaden its market presence, serving customers across a variety of sectors and regions.

Enhanced Customer Experience: Customers will enjoy an expanded range of services, streamlined processes and improved global delivery capabilities.

The leadership teams of RTS Textiles, TMG and STM are committed to ensuring a seamless integration, maintaining high service standards and upholding strong customer relationships. Importantly, there will be no changes to ongoing projects or existing customer engagements.

For more information about the RTS group of brands, visit www.rtstextiles.com

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