Archive for the ‘Industry’ Category
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.
Sneak Peek – Haley Strategic Partners – Disruptive Industries Day Four
Friday, June 15th, 2012UTM will leave a mark…
Look for additional coverage of the culmination of HSP’s Disruptive Industries next week, here on SSD.
Haley Strategic Partners – Disruptive Industries Day Three
Thursday, June 14th, 2012Disruptive Industries is a unique, invitation-only event bringing together industry, military, and law enforcement. It is designed to teach, inspire, build relationships, open communications and create new channels for innovation in the defense sector. Every experience has been devised to accomplish each of these tasks in one way or another, from training classes to meals as well as other organized social events.
We’ve already experienced two days of shooting, physical conditioning, and associated tactical training. Oddly enough, day 3 kicked off much like day 2, with another ass kicking from former Russian Spetznaz operator Saulius “Sonny” Puzikas. Except, this time, he really did kick our asses. During the various demonstrations of Systema hand to hand, pretty much every one of us got a chance to take a blow or two from Sonny. Naturally, we got to knock each other around a little as well. The training was no nonsense and focused on staying out of a grapple and incapacitating your aggressor. All in all, it was fantastic.
Next up were classes on surreptitious entry and restraint escape by Bryan Black of ITS Tactical. After lunch we ran through various room clearing drills. Scenarios focused on PSD work but the lessons could be applied to multiple scenarios.
As I mentioned earlier, D1 is very much about fostering innovation and relationships. One of the best things about Disruptive Industries is the opportunity to network and cross-talk. This includes all participants. Everyone has learned from our esteemed instructors and I’d hazard to guess that they have picked up a few things from us as well. Additionally, Mil and LE have been able to compare notes and share experiences with each other as well as interact with the industry reps. For the industry folks, this experience has been invaluable. In some cases, different companies have been able to discuss collaborations and, in every case, industry has gained knowledge from the interaction with military and LE attendees.
It’s been great working with the military and LE members as well as HSP’s industry partners HSGI, G-Code Holsters, Impact Weapons Components, Arc’teryx LEAF, Outdoor Research, US Palm, B5 Systems, Emissive Energy/Inforce, UTM, Rifle Dynamics, Dark Mountain Research, PNW Ammunition and Kill Cliff as well as media reps from ITS Tactical.
Don’t forget, ITS Tactical is also on hand so make sure you visit their site for additional photos. Look for the simultaneous release of an AAR from both of us soon. Until then, enjoy our serialized look at HSP’s Disruptive Industries.
