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American Holoptics Press Release Regarding EOTech Acquisition

March 24th, 2020

American Holoptics to Acquire EOTech from L3Harris Technologies

Ann Arbor, Michigan (March 24, 2020) – American Holoptics LLC™, a privately-held U.S. company, has signed a definitive agreement with L3Harris™ to acquire EOTech®.The transaction is expected to close mid-2020 and is conditioned on customary closing conditions. American Holoptics is a subsidiary of Koucar Management, whose strategic acquisitions of Elite Defense® and HEL Technologies™ represent a solid foundation of cutting-edge optical science and weapons systems distribution. The American Holoptics leadership team has an exceptionally broad and deep experience providing high-quality products to the global weapons accessory market. In addition, this team has a proven track record of building customer-first and technology-focused organizations. “We’re proud to sign this agreement to join our team and technology with the EOTech brand,” says Matt Van Haaren, CEO of American Holoptics. “EOTech brings together technologically advanced product lines and production capabilities that will integrate well with our existing business and strategically expand our product portfolio. Together we will deliver an all-new level of service, innovation, and integrity to military, law enforcement and civilian users around the world.”

WWW.AMERICANHOLOPTICS.COM

About EOTech®
Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, EOTech designs, manufactures and markets electro-optical products, VUDU rifle optics, thermal devices, and night vision systems. Due to its advanced technology, EOTECH Holographic Weapon Sights (HWS) are among the fastest and most intuitive sighting systems on the planet. This is exactly why you’ll find them on the weapons of America’s most elite law enforcement professionals and special operations warriors. You’ll immediately see the advantage the instant you engage a target. www.eotech-inc.com

About Elite Defense®
Headquartered in Clawson, MI, Elite Defense LLC is a distributor and regulatory compliance manager for over 170 international partners in the small arms weapons and tactical equipment markets. Since its founding in 2007, Elite has represented many of the most sought-after and well-known brands in the industry. Elite has been EOTech’s largest customer in its international sales history and will bring that expertise with it as a member of the American Holoptics team. www.elitedefense.com

About HEL Technologies™
Headquartered in Clawson, MI, HEL Technologies LLC was formed to continue, and complete holographic R&D. HEL Technologies has developed and secured 4 patents related to its Holographic Edge Lighting design that will bring game-changing innovations to the small arms weapon sight market. In addition, HEL Technologies will have the only USA based emulsion lab dedicated to developing new applications for its holographic R&D.

About Koucar Management
Koucar Management, LLC is a privately held, Michigan-based company with a diverse portfolio of holdings and investments. Koucar Management has an investment strategy that firmly focuses on expansion within existing industries, bringing new vitality to acquired businesses and laying the groundwork for new ventures. With their recognized management strengths and ample financial resources, Koucar Management is providing growth capital and other resources to its portfolio of companies. Koucar’s vision is clear; motivated skilled partners & employees, significant financial strength and stability, a willingness to look beyond conventional performance measurements and an untiring commitment to its customers. www.koucar.com

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L3Harris To Sell EOTech to American Holoptics, LLC

March 24th, 2020

L3Harris has entered an agreement to sell EOTech to American Holoptics, LLC for an as of yet undisclosed amount. Based on Michigan, just outside of Detroit, EOTech manufactures holographic weapon sights as well as a line of telescopic sights under the Vudu line.

Although their Holographic Weapon Sights have been issued for years to USSOCOM and other military and law enforcement organizations, they were infamously sued by the US Department of Justice in November of 2015 due to fraud over performance of the HWS sold to US Government entities at temperature extremes as well as in high moisture environments. The Government also claimed that EOTech failed to disclose testing that demonstrated the inaccuracy issues in those environments. The issue was settled and EOTech conducted a massive refund of consumer purchases sights.

A Safety of Use Message regarding the HWS was issued by the command in 2015 and they began looking for a replacement. Despite this setback, EOTech once again won a SOCOM contract for the Miniature Aiming System–Day Optic with their HWS technology.

Originally purchased by L3 in 2005, EOTech was the only public-facing company in the current L3H portfolio, selling to government and consumer alike. Although the company specializes in precision optics and weapon aiming solutions, this made it the odd man out in the larger portfolio of companies.

During SHOT Show word was that EOTech was for sale with final bids from perspective buyers due in late February. The process is now complete and the new owners are American Holoptics, LLC, an Affiliate of Koucar Management who also own Elite Defense.

We understand that the EOTech brand is not going away but rather is now under new ownership, more in tune with both product and consumer.

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Under Secretary of Defense Issues Guidance To Defense Industrial Base Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce

March 24th, 2020

With some localities and even entire states and territories closing businesses to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Under Secretary of Defense, Ellen M Lord, has issued a memorandum to the Defense Industrial Base entitled, “Defense Industrial Base Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce” which serves to remind those workers of their duty to the nation and the importance of their work.

It and attachments are available for you to read here.

Although Under Secretary Lord issued the memo to the industrial base, local politicians should take heed. Defense work must go on. Our enemies aren’t taking a vacation while we’re out sick. In fact, they’re more likely to try something while they think we’re vulnerable.

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Industry Nine Wants To Help Beat COVID-19

March 24th, 2020

Industry Nine is in a position to help with manufacturing parts needed and assisting supply efforts in combating the virus outbreak. At our disposal are dozens of CNC machines ready to make parts in short supply like ventilator components. Our engineering teams have years of robotics and automation experience ready to support companies producing PPE like masks and gloves. We’re reaching out to our contact network to find ways to support these industries in need, but now we’re calling on our dedicated followers to help us connect with other manufacturers or suppliers.

If you think you can help us in this effort please email:

 tips@industrynine.net

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Rogue Fitness Pivots to Medical Production

March 23rd, 2020

Rogue Fitness has made the following announcement:

Medical Supply Update: We are taking the following measures

1) Product Development Team is working solely on medical supplies – Masks, Gowns, Shields and ventilators.

2) Manufacturing: We have begun sewing masks and will kick into full production Monday. Next items we are going to make are gowns, shields and ventilators.

We have purchased three Industrial 3D printing machines to help make parts.

3) Supply Chain: We are prioritizing these raw materials and components for these as well.

Per earlier post we are also seeing very strong demand for our products and will do our best to get those items to you in an expeditious manner.

We would encourage you if you want to do this in your state to contact the local hospitals and your state leadership.

Thank You

Rogue Team

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ADS Warrior West Rescheduled for 2021

March 23rd, 2020

Due to the DoD domestic travel ban and San Diego, CA event size restrictions in place to combat the spread of COVID-19, ADS, Inc. has canceled Warrior Expo WEST 2020. The event was scheduled for April 1-2 at the San Diego Convention Center. We look forward to seeing you in 2021 at Warrior Expo WEST on April 28-29.

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Selle Anatomica Seeks Soft Goods Manufacturing Partner For Medical PPE

March 23rd, 2020

Selle Anatomica is a US Manufacturer of Bike Saddles with a sister company Light Composites which is a carbon composite manufacturer for the medical device and aerospace industry.

They’ve reached out in a desire to meet the need of our nation as it relates to the supply of personal protective equipment for our healthcare workers, specifically masks. They can make masks out of carbon fiber, fiber glass, and other fabrics. Light Composites is certified ISO 9001 and AS9100.

If you can help them to connect with the right people, please contact them. If you can contribute engineering resources, raw materials, etc, please contact them.

Please visit lightcomposites.net for more info.

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Frontline Masks – Filtered Masks for Medical Professionals

March 23rd, 2020

Yesterday, I spoke with Scott Jones, the founder of Beyond Clothing who now owns Further Designs. He shared an incredible story with me.

The news of the day remains the COVID-19 pandemic. As scary as it might be, it is awesome to see Americans pivoting their efforts to counter this threat to our health.

The project is home sewer manufacture of filtered masks for use by those who have given up their N95 masks for use by higher risk groups. They’ve created a Facebook Group. Although it was founded by folks in Bellingham, Washington, they encourage others to join and collaborate.

Here is Scott’s story:

I was contacted on Friday afternoon by a friend who is a nurse at a local hospital. She was on the verge of tears fearing that soon she, and her peers, would not have access to any face protection while providing medical care to patients.  We are only 90 miles, from Seattle, WA. 

I was not behind the idea of simply creating cotton masks, but once the idea of a replaceable micron filter came up, I was on board.

Might as well make em look good, right?

Over the last 48 hours, I have worked with a team of local doctors and nurses, engineers, and others to create the Frontline Mask. As I did at Beyond, I like to be able to create as much versatility in my designs and production as possible. Especially in a dynamic world where items disappear from stores and online overnight. I couldn’t rely on elastic, or a certain fabric, or a certain filter. It had to be able to be ‘plug and play’ by the user, and the mask had to be able to handle the changes.

The mask in its current state, is made of 2 layers of tight weave cotton, with a slit on the face side, for the placement of a filter, that fills the entire mask. Filters such as vacuum bags, industrial filter fabric, hepa filters or the like will be able to be chosen, cut in the field and inserted. The cotton mask will be able to handle the changes to the filter requirements. Although Covid-19 is incredibly small, the transmission occurs on large water droplets that are far easier to stop. Although hospitals and doctors offices are not yet allowing this type of mask, we sadly feel that they will need to soon. Even the CDC has mentioned this regarding bandanas.

We also feel that the FrontLine mask will help those who have generously given up their own masks to more at risk medical professionals; dentists, PT, clinic nurses, soldiers, and senior care centers.

Attachment was also a challenge. To make the mask easily made world wide, but as safe as possible, the attachment to the face had to be dynamic and come with multiple solutions.

Different means of attachment.

The one I find to be most comfortable are daisy chained rubber bands applied to built in anchors in the mask. The nose piece is malleable farm wire, or clothes hanger wire. 

The solution is comfortable, air tight around the face, able to go over a N95 mask, and able to handle any filters available.

The Version 1 spec package, patterns and instructional videos are available at fb.com/frontlinemasks or furtherdesigns.com/frontlinemasks and will be continuously enhanced as feedback comes in. We’ve received updates and recommendations for filters from around the US, and recommendations will be listed after further vetting.

If anyone in the Soldier Systems sphere has expertise or recommended items please have them contact me at scott@furtherdesigns.com.

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