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Archive for the ‘Industry’ Category

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

DroneShield Reaffirms Support for ADF Drone Racing Team at Avalon Australian International Airshow 2025

Monday, March 24th, 2025

DroneShield, a global leader in counter-drone solutions, proudly reaffirms its support for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Drone Racing Team at the upcoming Avalon Australian International Airshow 2025. This continued collaboration further strengthens the partnership between DroneShield and Australia’s foremost military drone operators, fostering innovation in both drone and counter-drone technologies.

Building on the successful engagement with the ADF Drone Racing Association, DroneShield’s sponsorship at Avalon 2025 will go beyond traditional support, focusing on hands-on collaboration, including DroneShield drone pilot participation in the ADF Drone Racing Team’s activities at Avalon Airshow, further enhancing cross-domain expertise and fostering innovation in real-time drone engagements.

“The ADF Drone Racing Team represents the pinnacle of high-performance drone operations, and we are excited to continue our support at Avalon 2025,” said Oleg Vornik, CEO and Managing Director of DroneShield.

“This partnership is more than just sponsorship; it’s about shaping the future of drone warfare by merging expertise from both offensive and defensive drone technologies.”

Image: ADF Drone Racing Team with DroneShield team. Source: Australian Army Drone Racing Team (Facebook)

Wing Commander Keirin Joyce, President of the ADF Drone Racing Association, welcomed the continued collaboration.

“The partnership between the ADF Drone Racing Team and DroneShield is invaluable in pushing the boundaries of what drones can do – both in competition and on the battlefield. By testing cutting-edge counter-drone technologies against some of the most skilled drone operators in Defence, we create a unique development loop that strengthens Australia’s overall defence capabilities.”

The Avalon Australian International Airshow remains a premier event for showcasing advancements in aviation, defence, and aerospace technologies. This public event also plays a crucial role in inspiring the next generation of STEM enthusiasts, offering an opportunity to witness cutting-edge technology in action. DroneShield looks forward to engaging with industry partners, Defence stakeholders, and drone technology enthusiasts to demonstrate the latest developments in counter-drone capabilities.

NIOA Group and Barrett Welcome Announcement on Tennessee Development

Friday, March 21st, 2025

The NIOA Group has announced plans for a new state-of-the-art facility for its Tennessee-based subsidiary Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc that is set to redefine excellence in weapon systems manufacturing while delivering jobs growth.

The announcement was made formally by the Department of Tennessee Economic and Community Development (TNECD) earlier today.


CAPTION: An artist’s impression of Stage 1 of the planned Barrett Manufacturing & Technology Campus in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

The $US 76.4 million campus-style industrial precinct, to be known as the Barrett Manufacturing & Technology Campus (BMTC), will be capable of designing, developing, manufacturing, testing, sustaining and distributing Barrett’s expanding range of world-class products.

It will be constructed on a 170-acre greenfield site in the company’s Murfreesboro TN heartland and less than a mile from the current base at which Barrett has become a global leader.

The expansion will double the Barrett workforce over the next five years and enable the company to meet growing worldwide demand for its commercial and defence products.

The facility is planned to open in early 2027.

The announcement was made by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter, Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc and NIOA Group.

“We thank the Department of Tennessee Economic and Community Development for their vision and for their shared enthusiasm in this growth opportunity in our State,” Barrett CEO Bryan James said.

“This is a significant investment in growing Barrett’s capabilities for the future while underscoring our long-term commitment to the company’s Murfreesboro, Tennessee heartland.

“The BMTC will be an internationally recognised headquarters of firearms excellence, advancing our manufacturing and research capabilities as well as revolutionising our product offerings.”

Mr Rob Nioa, the CEO of Barrett Firearms’ parent company NIOA Group, said: “We are thrilled to announce the expansion of Barrett’s operations in Murfreesboro and look forward to the positive impact this project will have on the local economy and beyond.

“The BMTC will serve as our primary firearms manufacturing site globally and demonstrates our commitment as a major American manufacturer catering to both the commercial and military markets.”

The BMTC will be capable of designing, developing, manufacturing, testing, sustaining and distributing:

– Commercial firearms of all types

– Advanced military small arms

– Specialist ammunition of various natures

The design focuses on creating a cutting-edge campus-style environment that integrates corporate headquarters, R&D capabilities, manufacturing, secure warehouse and logistics hub. 

Stage 1 of the BMTC, with a total floor area of approximately 250,000 square feet, features an on-site cafeteria, multi-use auditorium, conference and training rooms, outdoor meeting areas, and R&D facilities including state-of-the-art testing ranges and laboratory space.

U.S. Patriot and Galls Announce Grand Opening of New Marietta Store Location

Thursday, March 20th, 2025

A new destination for Military and First Responder gear, now featuring a full-service sew center for all custom uniform needs.

Lexington, KY (February 2025) – U.S. Patriot, a GALLS® company and the nation’s largest supplier of military and related high-performance gear for professionals, , is proud to announce the grand opening of its newest store in Marietta, Georgia. This new location, a combined U.S. Patriot and Galls store, will officially open its doors on March 25, 2025, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at 1395 South Marietta Pkwy SE, Building 200, Suite 220, Marietta, GA 30067. The Marietta location will feature a full-service sew center, allowing patrons to customize their uniforms and gear on-site, enhancing convenience and efficiency for military personnel and first responders. To celebrate the grand opening, the first 100 customers will receive free SWAG. Food will be available as well.

“We are excited to expand our footprint with the Marietta store,” said Josh Sandhaus, VP of Operations at U.S. Patriot. “This location is a perfect representation of the synergy between U.S. Patriot and Galls, bringing together the best in military, law enforcement, and first responder gear under one roof. With the addition of a full-service sew center, we are making it even easier for professionals to get the customized uniforms and equipment they need to serve with confidence. Additionally, this new location is a great way for our company to continue supporting the military community, including the dedicated service members at Dobbins Air Force Base, by providing them with the gear and resources they need to perform their duties effectively.”

The Marietta store will carry a wide range of high-quality tactical gear, uniforms, footwear, and accessories from trusted brands. Whether preparing for deployment, training, or everyday service, customers can expect top-tier products and exceptional service tailored to their needs.

Members of the media are invited to the grand opening where they can learn more about how U.S. Patriot and Galls are supporting military personnel, first responders, and professionals in the field. To RSVP or for media inquiries, please contact Hunter Wood, Director of Military Special Projects, at Wood-Hunter@galls.com.

For more information on U.S. Patriot and its commitment to veterans and military professionals, please visit www.uspatriot.com

Mach Industries Announces Mach Propulsion, New Jet Engine Factory to Fuel the Future of Unmanned Defense Technology

Thursday, March 20th, 2025

Advancing National Security with High-Performance Propulsion Technology

Huntington Beach, California– March 20th, 2025 — Mach Industries, a leader in advanced defense manufacturing, today announced the launch of Mach Propulsion, a new division dedicated to the development and production of high-performance propulsion systems. Along with this expansion, the company is constructing a state-of-the-art jet engine facility to position Mach Industries as a major U.S. supplier of critical subcomponents for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other defense technologies.

Set to begin construction later this year, the Mach Propulsion facility will introduce a vertically integrated, scalable solution for jet engine manufacturing, with a planned capacity of 12,000 engines annually. Designed to accelerate the advancement of next-generation propulsion technologies, the plant will support both Mach Industries’ proprietary platforms and a broader ecosystem from other manufacturers. Additionally, through rapid prototyping and testing, the site will harness Mach Industries’ iterative approach to expedite the design, testing and mass manufacturing of propulsion technologies.

Mach Industries has partnered with German manufacturer JetCat to supply propulsion systems for its Strategic Strike contract, recently awarded by the Army Application Lab, while Mach Propulsion will specialize in higher-thrust class engines with both enhanced durability and reusability. This initiative aims to complement JetCat’s offerings while expanding Mach Industries’ capabilities and product portfolio. Jeremy Klyde will lead the new division as General Manager. A seasoned expert in microturbine engine design and manufacturing, Klyde previously served as director of propulsion at Anduril Industries and held key leadership roles at Volvo and Lockheed Martin. His extensive experience in advanced propulsion systems will play a crucial role in the division’s growth and rollout of new engine models. As part of Mach Propulsion’s launch, Klyde will focus on building a high-caliber team, with plans to hire more than 30 engineers.

“Mach Industries is setting the standard for America’s future defense base by tackling critical gaps in our nation’s munitions supply chain. With the defense industry’s current deprioritization of essential components like engines and warheads, Mach Industries is stepping up to create the next generation of propulsion technology and strengthen our competitive edge,” said Klyde, General Manager of Mach Propulsion. “Mach’s commitment to ensure the U.S. defense ecosystem has access to advanced capabilities is exactly the forward-thinking strategy needed to secure national defense for the future.”By establishing this development of micro-jet engines, Mach is strategically positioned to be the primary engine provider for the next generation of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Its goal is to deliver advanced propulsion technologies that support a range of critical military applications, including vertical-takeoff and landing (VTOL) systems, cruise missiles, and other high- performance vehicles.

“The creation of this factory represents a major leap forward in our readiness for scale conflict,” said Ethan Thornton, CEO and founder of Mach Industries. “Current micro-jet engine facilities are already operating at full capacity, even during peacetime. The United States needs to rapidly and efficiently prepare itself to produce weapons of the future at unprecedented scale, and we’re honored to be a major part of that solution.”

Savox Communications Initiates Cooperation Deal with a Northern European Customer for Advanced Audio and Intercom Command System

Wednesday, March 19th, 2025

Savox Communications, a global leader in mission-critical communications and hearing protection solutions, proudly announces the commencement of cooperation with northern European customer.

Under this multi-million-level cooperation deal, Savox will provide mounted audio systems to a Northern European customer. This agreement also sets the foundation for future collaboration and potential expansions in the region.

The scope of the cooperation includes the delivery of the Savox IMP Intercom system for integration into existing military vehicle ?eets. The Savox IMP system is an advanced, digital intercom solution designed for use on both land and sea platforms. Engineered for the most demanding environments, the system is highly scalable, allowing seamless expansion from small con?gurations to large, complex installations, ensuring effective communication across all vehicle categories.

A key highlight of this cooperation is the rapid development and deployment of new features based on the end-user’s requirements. This demonstrates Savox’s core values of trust, innovation, teamwork, and perseverance. By working closely with the end-user, Savox has been able to tailor its solutions to meet real operational challenges efficiently and effectively.

The Savox IMP System streamlines both internal and external communications, facilitating seamless interactions among vehicle crew members and command structures. Its ability to enable multiple talk groups and secure access levels ensures optimal situational awareness and control at all times.

“We are honored by the trust placed in Savox,” said Janne Pöllänen, SVP Head of Global Sales and Business Development at Savox Communications.

“This order is a proof of the close cooperation established from the very beginning and re?ects our commitment to delivering innovative, mission-critical solutions tailored to the evolving needs of modern defense and security forces. At Savox, we prioritize understanding our customers’ needs and continuously learning from them, fostering a foundation of mutual trust and reliable cooperation. We look forward to further strengthening this partnership in the future.”

For further information about Savox and its range of advanced communication solutions, please visit www.savox.com.

Jacobite Solutions – Back on Track

Wednesday, March 19th, 2025

Following a couple years of sickness and recovery, Jacobite Solutions has moved into a new shop in their home town of Aberdeen, Scotland.

Bigger Space, Bigger Projects-

The new space not only features a better space for JS branded kit, but also a more elaborate display for their TUFF DUGZ brand of heavy-duty dog equipment, as well as more space for their ever growing offering of surplus/pre-owned kit.

But the new premises isn’t just a shop, having more space to work means Jacobite Solutions now has room to work on bigger, more substantial projects.

“I’ve always wanted to push more into the equipment manufacturing side of things, but never really had the space to do so. Now, with the new shop, it not only gives greater shelf space that also lets customers come in and browse, but also space for me to really lay out projects, both product and R&D wise.” -Rob, Director of Jacobite Solutions

S.E.R.E Kit updates-

One of the things JS is best known for (aside from the memes) is its offering of S.E.R.E kit. With the new shop, what plans does JS have for this area this year?

“In terms of S.E.R.E kit, this year will be solely focused on re-visiting the current line-up, seeing where things can be improved or perhaps even designed altogether. The S.E.R.Espace has been really busy the past couple of years, with all the ongoings in Europe and the Middle East. Now the mad rush for kit has settled, I can finally sit down and pick at ideasthat I never got around to before I became ill.”

What else is to come?-

With a new found health and momentum, what else does Jacobite Solutions have in the pipeline?

“This year will certainly busy. Outside of the S.E.R.E kit, our belts have proven popular, especially with local Law Enforcement, so there’ll certainly be more to come in that area. There’s also our brand of heavy-duty dog accessories that’s really starting to mature now, both in terms of the off-the-shelf stuff and the custom work. Of course, we’ll still continue to offer our 3D printing and repairs service, as well as all the other custom work we do and our surplus/pre-owned kit catalogue is also growing more and more, so it’s really a war on all fronts this year that may even involve employing someone and, with the way things are going, potentially a bigger space. Obviously, considering not too long ago I was near death in hospital with an illness that has taken me almost 2 years to return to some kind of normal, it’s been crazy how things have grown and I don’t think I’ll get over just how supportive and understanding both my customers and others in the community have been.”

Jacobite Solutions can now be found on Summerhill Drive, Aberdeen, Scotland. They ship internationally and offer both off-the-shelf and custom work, as well as consultancy services.

jacobitesolutions.com

Cubic Participates in Cope North ‘25 Multi-Domain Exercise

Tuesday, March 18th, 2025

Providing “truth in training” to trilateral air interoperability operations with U.S., Japan and Australia

SAN DIEGO – March 17, 2025 – Cubic’s Advanced Training Solutions (ATS) team delivered 4th and 5th generation Air Combat Maneuver Instrumentation (ACMI) systems, with Simplified, Planning, Execution, Analysis, Reconstruction (SPEAR) Common Data Model (CDM), to Cope North’s annual training exercise held in Guam.

“Our solutions introduce a new era in training, enabling posture and deterrence, exponentially increasing warfighter readiness.” said Paul Averna, VP and GM, ATS for Cubic. “The successful mission integrated a blended environment of F-35 P5 Internal Subsystem (IS), ACMI pods, ground stations and SPEAR, delivering a fully operational, high fidelity tracking of three F-35 partners and three variants of 4th gen fighters from three U.S. services for the first time ever. We’re grateful to participate in this critically valuable exercise and we look forward to many more years at Cope North.”

Cubic is a recognized industry leader in Air Combat Training (ACT) designs and delivers solutions to support 4th and 5th generation aircraft training. The F-35 P5 IS provides high fidelity, encrypted Time Space Position Information (TSPI) for live monitoring and post mission review for accurate and efficient reconstruction. Cubic’s ACMI pods incorporate advanced GPS technology, allowing pilots to train anywhere at any time over land and sea, enabling training missions to be conducted without reliance on fixed range infrastructure. In 2025, Cubic will field the next evolution of ACMI, P5 System Security Update (SSU), encrypting the ACMI pod data for true interoperability between 4th and 5th gen fighters. All training data is ingested in SPEAR, during and after the mission, for enhanced data visualization and analysis to provide “speed to insight” to significantly improve combat effectiveness. SPEAR delivers a complete reconstruction of “when, how and what” happened, allowing the participants to spend the majority of their debrief time on the analysis of “why” it happened.