Archive for the ‘Industry’ Category
Inside Wilson Combat
Saturday, October 13th, 2012Mission Ready Services Acquires No-Contact LLC
Friday, October 12th, 2012Mission Ready Services Inc announced today that they have acquired a 100% interest in No-Contact, LLC a research and development company focused on wearable technologies synthesizing advanced textiles with electronics and computation for personal protection and safety.
No-Contact’s technology is really cool. In January of 2010 we described it as “the stungun you wear“.
Founded by Adam Whiton, a PhD candidate from MIT, and apparel engineer Yolita Nugent, No-Contact’s proprietary technology known as Electro Muscular Disruption technology (“EMD”), was originally envisioned to protect women from sexual assault but security personnel and law enforcement officers soon realized it could also be used protect them when confronted with close-quarter assault situations. It delivers a high-voltage but low-amperage charge to deter, but not seriously injure, an attacker. They’ve worked out the kinks. It won’t affect the wearer thanks to a shock and waterproof barrier.
“We are excited to welcome Adam Whiton and Yolita Nugent to Mission Ready and feel that their expertise will be instrumental in the Company’s many research and developments projects moving forward. This acquisition furthers our Mission to offer unrivaled products and services in the global defense, security and first-responder markets,” said Rod Reum, President & CEO of Mission Ready.
No-Contact brings a great deal of expertise in integrating electronics with clothing. The implications are huge for the military and law enforcement markets as well as for consumers.
Double Tap Firearms Announces Production Delays
Thursday, October 11th, 2012We just received this press release from Double Tap Firearms’ public relations agency, Laura Burgess Marketing. It’s an unfortunate announcement as we thought the Double Tap pistol was a cool, modern version of the derringer. Additionally, FirstSpear, working in conjunction with developer Ray Kahout, had produced some great accessories for the firearm. Hope he gets this thing moving again soon.
To our valued customers:
As the inventor of the DoubleTap pistol and owner of the design and utility patents, along with other intellectual property including the DoubleTap name, I am issuing this press release to inform our loyal customers of the current status of the production of this new innovative pistol.
Since we introduced the DoubleTap Tactical Pocket Pistol in November of last year, we have been overwhelmed by the industry reception; the popularity confirmed by literally tens of thousands of orders placed by consumers to their dealers, through our distributor partners.
Unfortunately, with the deepest regret, today I announce that we have terminated our relationship with HEIZER DEFENSE, our manufacturing partner, due to their inability to manufacture the DoubleTap pistol. I cannot comment further on this subject at this time, under advice from legal counsel, due to pending litigation.
It is our intention to immediately license the design to a leading firearms manufacturer or to align with another manufacturing source to produce the DoubleTap. We intend to accomplish this as quickly as possible to satisfy the huge demand for the DoubleTap pistol. I will make a further announcement as soon as we have established a new manufacturing agreement.
Please visit our new website www.doubletapfirearmsllc.com for news updates.
Sincerely,
Raymond B. Kohout
Inventor, DoubleTap
Agilite Introduces Custom Design Services
Thursday, October 11th, 2012Israeli gear manufacturer Agilite has made a rather interesting announcement. They are launching a custom design service. No details yet on what their new “Rapid Design, Fielding and Deployment” process is going to look like but we are certainly interested. It’s an interesting time. Budgets are tight and it would seem that the prudent thing to do would be to streamline to a set number of designs and mass produce using lean manufacturing techniques. But, we are seeing a shift in how we consume. The days of one-size-fits-all is in the rearview mirror and companies in the commercial market are beginning to offer customization options. This is the press release hitting the wire later today.
JERUSALEM, Israel. October 11th 2012 – Agilite has just announced the debut of its new custom design capabilities for military, law enforcement, rescue and firefighting organizations and individuals worldwide.
The firm, which began on the foundation of designing and manufacturing tactical gear for Israeli Special Operations units with its Rapid Design, Fielding and Deployment (RDFD) technique is now offering prototyping, custom design projects and consultation for tactical, duty, rescue and firefighting gear. Whether you need a new type of rescue harness or a customized, more ergonomic plate carrier, Agilite’s enlarged custom facility will be able to cater for its cliets needs.
“There’s just no comparisen between off-the-shelf gear and being able to have gear customized for you and your unit’s exact needs. The secret to the high level of gear in the Israeli military has always been the presence of tactical design studios within all of its elite units that custom design on a daily basis for their operators. We’re taking that capability, expanding it and offering it to non-Israeli clients as well. “ says Eli Freedman, Head of Design for Agilite who, like Agilite’s other designers, spent years designing gear within the IDF after having served as a Paratrooper.
Since Agilite’s expansion into the international marketplace in 2010 requests for new and different types of gear that works with very different equipment, terrain needs have skyrocketed. Agilite now supplies it’s innovative gear across the globe and has a client list that includes the US Army, The US Marines and Border Patrol, UK and other Special Forces, Law enforcement, Search and Rescue and Firefighting organizations worldwide.
“In a changing climate, we see a need for less quantity and more quality gear. It doesn’t get better than to be able to have your unit’s gear tailored with the help of professionals who’ve designed for some of the world’s best for years.” Said Elie Isaacson, Agilite’s Director of Strategic Development. “There are a lot of units and operators out there who have always had ideas about how to improve their gear but haven’t had a way to put them into action-we plan to fill that gap.”
For more information on Agilite custom design, or to arrange a meeting with Agilite at SHOT show 2013, email us at custom@agilitegear.com or call 703-659-0572.
Arc’teryx Announces New Management Team Members
Thursday, October 11th, 2012Arc’teryx announced that Jon Hoerauf and Adam Ketcheson are coming on board filling recently opened vacancies in heir senior management. Below is the official press release.
Vancouver’s Arc’teryx Equipment today appointed two new additions to its Global Sales & Marketing teams. Filling positions to support the brand’s current growth, Jon Hoerauf has been named the company’s new VP/Senior Director of Global Commercial Sales and Adam Ketcheson as its newly appointed VP/Senior Director of Global Marketing & B2C. Here’s the full press release:
Veterans of the outdoor and snowsports industries, both Hoerauf and Ketcheson bring a host of skills and experience to the burgeoning company and add to the brand’s already highly talented pool of design, sales, and marketing professionals.
“Both Adam and Jon are extremely talented in the activities and industries we represent, with a comprehensive understanding of our core business and the marketplace,” said Vincent Wauters, General Manager of Arc’teryx. “Their professionalism and work ethic is a great compliment to our mission here at Arc’teryx.
No stranger to the outdoor world, Jon Hoerauf brings with him a solid history of working with key accounts and sales teams as the former Global Product Director for the The North Face Summit Series. In his new role, Hoerauf will oversee Arc’teryx’s global commercial sales strategy and planning, corporate sales, Arc’teryx LEAF, sales planning and dealer services, as well as the brand’s increasing business development across the three regions of the Americas, Europe, the
Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific.
“I’m honored to get the chance to join Arc’teryx,” said Hoerauf. “This is a brand that has been built on a rock solid foundation of product innovation excellence and delivering the best consumer product experience possible. The Arc’teryx brand is about constant evolution and we’re looking to continue the growth with our global wholesale partners by leveraging innovative product launches and extensions into adjacent outdoor classification businesses.”
Adam Ketcheson joins Arc’teryx with over 10 years of experience in sales & marketing with The North Face. In this new position, Ketcheson’s primary responsibilities will be to reinforce and grow global awareness for the brand, while also working to build a closer consumer connection through all channels.
“I am excited to join the foremost global product innovator in the outdoor industry” Said Ketcheson. “Arc’teryx has set the standard for protecting the world’s elite climbers, skiers and outdoor enthusiasts. I’m looking forward to helping the brand engage with consumers as we continue to grow brand awareness and reach more athletes around the world.”
Hoerauf and Ketcheson will be based at the company’s headquarters in North Vancouver BC.
Chris Kyle Joins Kryptek as Pro Staff
Thursday, October 11th, 2012
Kryptek recently announced that Chris Kyle, former Navy SEAL and author of “American Sniper : An Autobiography” has joined them as a pro staff member. Kryptek is not only one of four finalists for the US Army Camouflage Improvement Effort but they have also released a high end clothing line for hunters and outdoorsmen.
DBT Launches Facebook Page
Wednesday, October 10th, 2012
Diamondback Tactical has launched a new Facebook page where followers can check out the latest DBT news, view new product information and interact with 5 industry experts for info on their products.
“Our aim is to build a community of like users, in whom we can provide resources and answers to regarding the industry as a whole, and as it pertains to our company,” says Angela Milligan, Director of Marketing for Diamondback Tactical. “The greatest external resource to our company is our operators. We learn about our business by taking an interest in what they think, feel and know. Facebook is the perfect social media platform to foster this type of interaction.”
Find them at www.facebook.com/DBTUSA
A Look Inside 5.11’s Purchase of Beyond
Friday, October 5th, 2012After 5.11 Tactical announced yesterday that they were purchasing Beyond Tactical industry started to talk. Conjecture swirled. Some people freaked out, others scoffed at the news. I, am very upbeat about the idea.
Here’s a few facts for you to digest –
-Rick Elder is well known for his many years of Government service both as an Army officer in the 75th Ranger Regt as well as an APM at Natick supporting SOCOM. He has also done a great job over the last couple of years at Smith Elite.
-Beyond will operate as a separate division of 5.11 Tactical, and 5.11 will expand Beyond’s infrastructure in the Seattle area. Beyond isn’t moving and will continue their customization approach to product development.
-Beyond brings both outdoor and tactical Berry compliant clothing to 5.11 but will operate as a separate entity.
-Scott Jones isn’t going anywhere. He’ll stay on board as Chief Designer.
I can also say that, based on discussions with Elder, as this progresses Beyond plans to embrace its customers as the highlight of its message, not the byproduct. Echoing this sentiment, Rick Elder related, “I am personally excited to relaunch a business that develops solutions for extreme users within both the outdoor and tactical channels of trade. Beyond is going to focus here for a simple reason, these customers have the best problems, and we want to solve them.”
I’ve known both Rick Elder and Scott Jones for many years and they are dedicated to their elite customer. Scott embodied that position when he founded Beyond. Now as Chief Designer he plans to continue his work commenting, “I am excited to have the help and support of the 5.11 team. To be able to get back to what I love most, my family, and designing apparel for Beyond has been on my mind for some time. I’m proud of what Beyond has become, and look forward to see just how successful it can be.”
I would also say that it took a lot of courage for 5.11 to make this happen. There is a lot of concern in the market from both Beyond and 5.11’s traditional customers, concerned about what this will mean. I’ll say that this move will allow Beyond to grow in new ways. It also further indicates Tom Davin, CEO of 5.11 vision to continue to improve the brand. You have to remember that Davin was a Recon Marine and he brings a certain level of expectation. I’ve been watching 5.11 since he took the helm and I see constant improvement. Tom Davin provided us with this statement, “At 5.11 we describe ourselves as ‘Innovators who make purpose-built gear for the most demanding missions.’ Beyond is an incredible fit for 5.11 as Scott Jones has built a unique, focused capability with the Beyond product and brand. We’re delighted to invest in Beyond’s continued growth.”
It’s exciting news and I can’t wait to see what’s coming from Beyond 2.0.
tactical.beyondclothing.com
www.511tactical.com
