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Archive for the ‘Press Release’ Category

MMI Textiles Names Jeff Papalia Vice President

Monday, January 6th, 2020

WESTLAKE, OH – [01/06/2020] – MMI Textiles Inc., a global diversified supplier of industrial and custom fabrics and textile components with military and tactical, medical, commercial and apparel expertise, has named Jeff Papalia, Vice President for MMI Textiles.  Jeff will be strategically located in North Carolina and will start with MMI on January 13, 2020.

Papalia was selected for this new position to help MMI Textiles excel operationally as the company continues its significant growth. Papalia will report directly to president Amy Bircher, and the company’s directors – Nick Rivera, Director of Operations, Shawn McCollum, Director of Sales, and Debbie Grant, Director of Marketing and Business Services – will report to Papalia.

His 30-year tenure in the apparel cut and sew textile industry includes overseeing military and government contracts produced by 30 National Industries for the Blind affiliated not-for-profit-agencies, as well as directing quality and sourcing for the Jones New York/Jones Apparel Group and served as Vice-President of Manufacturing for Jo-Ann Apparel. Papalia currently serves as the IFAI Military Board Vice Chair and served as a SEAMS Association Board of Director member from 2011-2018.

“Jeff’s exceptional experience and knowledge in the cut and sew textile industry, including the manufacturing and general management of retail and military apparel and gear makes him ideally suited to help us foster the mission we have to be the most solution-oriented textile supplier to our diverse customer base,” said Amy Bircher, President and Founder of MMI Textiles.

“At MMI we take very seriously the core values and culture we have built over the past two decades; Jeff emulates all the traits and characteristics we look for in any new hire, assuring us that he is the right choice for this position,” said Bircher. “We look forward to his energy, his mindset and his leadership on the MMI team to achieve our immediate and long-term goals.”

“I am excited and inspired by MMI Textiles’ strong reputation as a premier supplier to the textile marketplace with a wide range of products for an equally wide range of industries and applications,” said Papalia. “And I am truly eager to be tasked with further growing the company’s capabilities, reputation and impact in the marketplace.”

Papalia most recently served with National Industries for the Blind (NIB). He joined NIB in 2006 as Senior Textile Engineer and was promoted in 2017 to Program Manager, Textiles. Previously, Papalia served as Director of Quality and Sourcing for the Jones New York/Jones Apparel Group Western Hemisphere locations. Papalia is Certified in Six Sigma Yellow Belt, Leading The Way Management Training, TruCost Engineering and Basics to Federal Contracting. Jeff holds his Bachelor of Science Degree in Apparel Management from the Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science.

mmitextiles.com

AirBoss Defense Group Launched to Support Defense and First Responder Markets

Monday, January 6th, 2020

AirBoss Defense and Critical Solutions International Complete Merger to Create Focused Survivability Solutions Company

LANDOVER, MD (January 6, 2020) – Effective January 1, 2020, AirBoss Defense and Critical Solutions International (CSI) have completed a merger to form a new corporate entity known as AirBoss Defense Group (ADG). This new business has been formed through the spin-off and merger of AirBoss of America Corp.’s AirBoss Defense business and Quebec Rubber Solutions operations with Critical Solutions International, Inc. (“CSI”).  CSI is a privately-owned U.S. portfolio company of Sentinel Capital Partners (“Sentinel”).

With the close of this transaction, ADG is now the global leader in survivability for the assured mobility and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) communities. The new company will sustain and grow the overall business of ADG while maintaining the well-defined identities of AirBoss Defense and CSI. ADG is very well positioned for growth with existing customers as well as within prospective new markets.

The founding of ADG creates a new, dedicated survivability solutions company that is strongly positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities arising from the current geopolitical environment.  By combining the historical engineering and manufacturing capability of AirBoss Defense with CSI’s proven expertise in global marketing and distribution, ADG is now able to support the global defense and first-responder markets with a powerful combination of excellence in product development, precision manufacturing, thoughtful business development, and focused customer support.

Patrick Callahan will serve as Chief Executive Officer of AirBoss Defense Group. Previously, he was the Chief Executive Officer of Critical Solutions International. Heather Miller, CSI’s Chief Strategy Officer, will continue in this capacity for AirBoss Defense Group. Chris Bitsakakis, the President and COO of AirBoss, will also be the COO of AirBoss Defense Group. ADG will be headquartered in Landover, Maryland. Manufacturing assets will remain in Acton Vale, Quebec and CSI will continue to operate in Charleston, South Carolina. In the coming weeks, the company will finalize a refreshed organizational chart that ensures a balanced transition and efficient future operations.

Patrick Callahan, CEO of AirBoss Defense Group said, “The close of this transaction creates an integrated, dedicated defense player that is well positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities arising from the current geopolitical environment. By combining AirBoss Defense’s strength in manufacturing and engineering design with CSI’s decades of expertise in global marketing and distribution of defense products, we have formed a powerful corporate entity that is well positioned to support our customers throughout the world.”

As a new company, ADG provides a robust platform to expand existing manufacturing capabilities and to diversify an already innovative product portfolio.  ADG is committed to retaining and creating new manufacturing and management jobs and is actively seeking talented individuals to join the company.

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

Savage Arms Introduces Its First Semi-Automatic Shotgun: RENEGAUGE

Friday, January 3rd, 2020

WESTFIELD, Massachusetts – January 3, 2020 – Savage Arms, makers of the most trusted hunting and target rifles in the United States, is proud to introduce RENEGAUGE. The new American-made semiautomatic 12 gauge shotguns are built for field use, offer hunters and competitors a new standard for both fit and function, and include several patented parts and designs—including the Dual Regulating Inline Valve (D.R.I.V.) gas system.

“RENEGAUGE is unlike any other semi-automatic shotgun, and demonstrates our commitment to innovate as an independent company,” said Al Kasper, President and CEO. “This project has been in the works for years because we wanted to enter a new category in a big way. The team in place now did an amazing job getting this to the finish line. Hunters and shooters are going to be amazed with the fit, feel, function and versatility of this shotgun. And it’s a platform we can and will build on—so look for more in the very near future.”

RENEGAUGE has been tested to the extreme—both in the field and in the lab. Everything in the design is intentional and has a purpose. RENEGAUGE looks different because it is—and it brings American-made performance to a new level. The shotgun functions and cycles light loads and magnum field loads with unbelievable consistency and reliability. Avid wing shooters will love the way it swings, competitors will find it at home on the range, and hunters will trust it in the nastiest of conditions.

The D.R.I.V. system provides RENEGAGUE with the unparalleled ability to regulate the gas that cycles the shotgun’s action. Both low-brass target shells and Magnum hunting shells will cycle the action with the same reliability and without any adjustment from the shooter.

This functionality is complimented by how easy RENEGAUGE is to fit to the shooter. From comb height to length of pull, RENEGAUGE can be adjusted to ensure every aspect of its ergonomics matches its user’s needs.

Features:
• D.R.I.V. gas system
• Adjustable stock for length of pull, comb height, drop and cast
• One-piece, chrome plated action bar assembly
• Chrome plated reciprocating components
• Stock rod buffer to reduce felt recoil
• Fluted barrel with melonite finish
• Carbon steel ventilated rib with
red fiberoptic sight
• Competition-ready easy loading magazine port
• Oversized controls
• 3 interchangeable flush mount choke tubes (Beretta/Benelli) – IC, M, F
• Hard-sided carrying case

Learn more at www.savagearms.com.

Pro-Shot Products Acquires KleenBore

Friday, January 3rd, 2020

Acquisition Adds Legendary Firearms Cleaning brand to Pro-Shot Products offering.

Transaction Enhances Pro-Shot’s Presence in Military, Law Enforcement, and Commercial markets worldwide.

TAYLORVILLE, Illinois, January 2, 2020 /Press Release/ — Today, Pro-Shot Products, Inc. announced it has acquired KleenBore, a leading provider of firearms cleaning kits, rods, and accessories from Safariland, LLC.  Since 1977, KleenBore is well-known globally for its quality gun care and maintenance products.   The brand offers cleaning systems and kits for small arms from .177 to 40mm.  With more than 200 products including cleaning kits, rods, tactical cleaning kits, brushes, jags, mops, and other fine accessories, KleenBore offers a full line of firearm cleaning solutions. 

The completed transaction enhances Pro-Shot’s position within the firearms cleaning and maintenance category, complementing its already wide and diverse Pro-Shot brand of products.  With KleenBore’s strong heritage and background in military and law enforcement markets, it will strengthen the product development pipeline of quality user-friendly products additionally in these markets. 

“The Kleenbore transaction aligns with Pro-Shot’s growth strategy led by our families entrepreneurial management team.  This famous legendary brand will strengthen our position at the forefront of the gun care market.  Further, our team’s vast knowledge, distribution network, and sales and marketing expertise in the gun care market will bring new innovative gun care solutions along with revitalizing exclusive KleenBore products that have been famous over the years.  Acquiring KleenBore strengthens our leadership position in the gun care category.  It also allows us to enter the military and law enforcement markets with the brand’s effective multi-product, and multi-channel strategy, said Pro-Shot Chief Executive Officer John Damarin.”

KleenBore will be a part of the world’s largest upcoming outdoor trade show, the Shot Show, held in Las Vegas from January21-24, 2020 and be located at Pro-Shot booth# 1030.  All former and current customers are encouraged to visit us as well as contact us at the following information.    Phone: 800-477-7922 / 217-824-9133

For more information visit www.proshotproducts.com or www.proshotdefense.com.

Email: service@proshotproducts.com

AmmoSquared Inc. Launches Crowdfund to Revolutionize the Ammunition Industry

Thursday, January 2nd, 2020

No industry is immune to digital disruption… not even ammunition.

Boise, Idaho (December 2019)  AmmoSquared Inc. is on a mission to change the way 94 million gun owners think about and manage ammunition by combining the physical world of ammunition with the convenience of online digital management.

According to the company, by starting off digital, ammunition becomes more convenient to purchase, store, exchange, manage, and ultimately, own.

CEO of AmmoSquared Inc, Dan Morton, explained, “Our vision of the future is that every gun owner in America will soon have two forms of ammunition: physical, that they store in their house and take to the range, and digital, which is accumulating in the background, easily exchangeable, and deliverable on demand.”

The company’s existing business model, which was launched in 2015, already offers a unique ammunition subscription service designed to help customers stay stocked up on ammo, but according to Morton, that is just phase one of AmmoSquared’s long term vision.

“Currently customers can purchase ammunition in small amounts via a reoccurring subscription,” Morton continued. “It doesn’t matter whether they are buying one box or one round at a time, it all goes into their digital inventory and accumulates until the customer is ready for delivery. This subscription-based model is just the first phase of our vision.”

AmmoSquared is looking at the future of ammunition and has recently begun raising capital to build a next-generation digital ammunition exchange. Chris Corriveau, CTO of AmmoSquared, added, “Our ultimate goal is to build a true ‘Digital Ammunition Exchange’ where individuals can purchase, store, exchange, and sell ammunition with just a few clicks online. This way, every gun owner has a backup supply of ammunition in a ‘digital’ format that is easily exchangeable and available whenever they need it. Ammunition holders will also be able to trade into, or out of, different calibers in order to take advantage of price changes in the ammunition market.”

Morton and Corriveau predict this will create a market-based leveling mechanism to smooth out the sometimes-dramatic price and availability swings in ammunition that increase during the political election cycle.

To raise capital, the company is issuing Series Seed Preferred Shares to accredited and non-accredited investors through equity crowdfunding portal Wefunder.

“We wanted to give everyone an opportunity to join us and invest in the future of ammunition. Most folks are not accredited investors so it was important to choose an equity crowdfunding platform where anyone with as little as $100 could become a shareholder in AmmoSquared. There are also great gun related perks available for those who can invest $500 or more,” Morton said.

While there are a handful of public companies in the firearms industry such as Sturm, Ruger and Company, American Outdoor Brands, and Olin Corp (Winchester), the ability to invest in a disruptive tech startup in this industry is rare to non-existent – especially for the smaller investor.

Investors in AmmoSquared have a unique opportunity to own part of an ammunition company, drive innovation in the industry, and support the 2nd Amendment.

For investment information visit:  wefunder.com/ammosquared

Blaser USA Transitions to Blaser Group

Thursday, January 2nd, 2020

San Antonio, Texas (January 2, 2020) – Blaser USA, the official U.S. importer for Blaser, Mauser, Sauer, Rigby and Minox, is now operating under the new name of Blaser Group.   The name change is a key component in the global branding strategy of the portfolio of companies in the L&O Hunting Group.

“The transition from Blaser USA to Blaser Group reflects a significant milestone in establishing consistent branding around the world. In all key markets, Blaser Group will represent our fine German and English brands” said Jason Evans, CEO of Blaser Group (USA division). “All U.S. consumer brand strategies and business operations will remain unchanged.”

Blaser Group recently added the new Blaser R8 Ultimate and Ultimate Leather to its renowned line of bolt-action rifles.  The R8 features a straight-pull action and is among the world’s fastest and most modular hunting rifles. 

London gunmaker John Rigby & Company has released a new limited edition ‘W.D.M. Bell’ model of their Highland Stalker rifle, paying homage to adventurer Karamojo Bell.  The African big game hunter is celebrated worldwide as an advocate for accurate shot placement using smaller caliber rifles, a technique he perfected by the dissection and study of the skulls of elephants he shot, namely with his .275 Rigby.  This limited run of only 50 rifles is the first in Rigby’s new Heritage series and will be offered in .275 Rigby, like Bell’s original rifle.

www.blaser-group.com

Westchester County Police Selects GRD MLAD2 Weapon Lasers

Thursday, January 2nd, 2020

“GRD Global Response Defense (formerly DI Optical) is proud to announce Westchester County Police after extensive evaluation adopts GRD MLAD2 IR/Visible weapon lasers for use by the elite SRT and support teams. Westchester County is the most populous county of New York north of NYC and covers 450sq miles. MLAD2 lasers will increase mission critical capabilities of SRT/CST officers in the course of tactical operations.”

For more information please contact :
Champ Yi
Director of Military & L.E. Sales
champ@diopticalusa.com

Still Making History: Colt Releases Updated Python

Wednesday, January 1st, 2020

WEST HARTFORD, CONN., (January 1, 2020) – After years of research and development, Colt releases a refined and upgraded Colt Python. The legendary double-action revolver, which originally debuted in 1955, returns in stainless steel in 4.25” and 6” barrel lengths.  

“We know the Colt Python is one of the most beloved and collected firearms in American history, and its re-release has long been demanded by enthusiasts,” said Justin Baldini, Product Director at Colt.  “We took our time on R&D – we needed to be sure the look and performance of this redesign lived up to its legendary name and kept its impeccable reputation for quality and accuracy. This new Python lives up to the legend in every way.”

The Colt Product Innovation Team refined the design of the new Colt Python and performed rigorous testing, ensuring it meets the demands of shooters and collectors. Numerous improvements were made to reinforce the revolver, including the use of stronger stainless steel alloys and a re-designed rear sight which allows for a 30% increase in the cross-sectional area of the top strap — meaning more steel beneath the rear adjustable target sight, for a stronger revolver and more robust shooting experience.

Minimizing the amount of parts in the trigger action has simplified the mechanism, elevating its reliability and allowing for more straightforward maintenance. The testing process included over 40,000 trigger pulls on a single Python. Trigger pull scans show lighter trigger pull weights, less friction and increased consistency, re-enforcing the Python’s reputation as a gun that can be heavily used and passed down through generations.  

Finally, Colt builds on the modern Snake Gun legacy by adding features such as a recessed target crown, user-interchangeable front sight, and an updated Walnut grip to make this the most user-friendly Python ever. The DA revolver is chambered in .357 Magnum and also accommodates 38 Special cartridges.

The Python has been extremely popular with both target shooters and law enforcement, and featured in countless TV series, movies and video games including “The X Files,” “The Walking Dead,” “Hawaii 5-0,” “Starsky and Hutch,” “John Wick” (2014), “American Gangster” (2004), “Fight Club” (1999) and “King Kong” (1976).

The new Colt Python .357 Magnum is available now through Colt stocking dealers for $1499 MSRP.  

www.colt.com/python