Pelican Products
Pelican Products acquired longtime rival Hardigg Industries to become the largest manufacturer of protective cases. The transaction was valued at US$200 Million. The merger combines the world’s largest roto-molded case manufacturer with the world’s largest injection molded manufacturer. Pelican will employ over 1,500 employees with 22 offices operating in 12 countries. The combined company boasts 6 manufacturing plants located throughout Europe and North America. The Hardigg brand name will continue to identify the company’s high-end roto molded shipping cases, leveraging the brand recognition of Hardigg. Lyndon Faulkner, President and CEO of Pelican Products commented that “the reputation of the Hardigg brand and the quality of its products make it an ideal partner.”
Alliant Techsystems
Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) has been awarded a $36 million contract to provide lightweight (LW) 30mm M789 High Explosive Dual Purpose (HEDP) tactical ammunition and M788 training ammunition to the United Kingdom’s (UK) Ministry of Defence. Production and delivery will take place in fiscal year 2010. Both rounds support the UK’s fleet of AH-64 Apache Helicopters. This award follows a recently completed contract to supply M789 rounds to the UK, which was valued at $19 million.
The company currently manufactures 25mm through 40mm variants of its Bushmaster cannons and more than eight million rounds of medium-caliber ammunition per year. The cannons are sold in more than 30 countries and are the primary gun on the U.S. Army’s Bradley Fighting Vehicle and Apache helicopter.
Alliant Techsystems also received an additional $49 million from the U.S. Army Sustainment Command in Rock Island, Ill. for critical modernization projects at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant (LCAAP) in Independence, Missouri.
As the operator of the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant since 2000, ATK has successfully partnered with the U.S. military to modernize the facility and expand the manufacturing capacity and capabilities of the plant. ATK is the largest supplier of ammunition to the United States military, producing a mix of 5.56mm, 7.62mm, .50 caliber, and 20mm cartridges. The company remains on track to deliver 1.4 billion rounds of ammunition in Fiscal Year 2009.
“Our proven capability in facility management and our commitment to Lean/Six Sigma disciplines provide innovative and cost-effective solutions to the Army as we modernize Lake City,” said Mark DeYoung, president, ATK Armament Systems. “This facility was built in 1941. The Army’s commitment to ensure the long-term viability of the plant and partner with ATK has resulted in improved ammunition quality and enhanced operational safety.”
ATK currently employs more than 17,000 employees in 21 states and generates approximately $4.6 billion in revenue. Additional information can be found at www.atk.com.
FNH USA
FNH USA, (the sales and marketing arm of FN Herstal, S.A., Belgium) announced that the FN Infantry Automatic Rifle (IAR) was selected as one of four competitive products for procurement by the United States Marine Corps (USMC) following a full and open competition. Each awardee will now produce and deliver test samples for evaluation by the Marine Corps.
This is the first phase of a five-year indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract for the production, delivery, and associated support of the Marine Corps’ Infantry Automatic Rifle (IAR). The IAR is planned to replace a limited number of lightweight machine guns currently used in the automatic riflemen role within Infantry and Light Armored Reconnaissance (LAR) Battalions. The company whose weapon system will be selected after the Marine Corps evaluations will be awarded delivery orders for up to 6,500 IARs along with spare/repair parts, and various support services.
The FN IAR is a light weight, magazine fed, 5.56mm weapon which enhances the automatic rifleman’s maneuverability and displacement speed while providing the ability to suppress or destroy not only area targets, but point targets as well. The FN IAR is derived from the SCAR platform capable of firing from a closed bolt in both semi-automatic and fully-automatic modes, yet automatically transitions into open-bolt operation in semiautomatic or full automatic before reaching cook-off temperature for a chambered cartridge.
CamelBak
CamelBak announces the new TriZip pack as part of its Maximum Gear line for 2009. The CamelBak mission to provide quality, innovative and durable tools in the field resulted in the creation of the TriZip. The pack allows users to customize their fit with multiple access points, opening fully to access any warfighter’s gear with ease and speed.
Keeping in step with the need for speed, this tactical pack incorporates side release buckles so users can quickly detach their packs from shoulder harnesses, upper and lower compression straps and waist belt. The unique 3-zip design allows for fast access to gear from multiple points, making it easier for war fighters to stay on the move. Also integrated into the design is the hook-and-loop panel for the hassle-free removal of nametags and unit badges, an elastic drawstring pocket in the main storage compartment accommodating a second reservoir or laptop, and zippered side pockets and clips. The printed MOLLE webbing provides the same disruptive pattern of camouflage fabric both visually and through night vision equipment, while maintaining the full functionality, durability and reliability of standard solution dyed webbing.
Made from lightweight and durable 500 D Cordura material, which is 37% lighter weight than standard 1000 D Cordura, this is the most comfortable tactical pack for carrying heavy loads. The new TriZip also has the patented Futura Harness by Mystery Ranch allowing the user to custom fit the harness to their specific torso size as well as make adjustments if the pack is being worn with or without armor.
The TriZip features the elements CamelBak is known for including the HydroLink Big Bite Valve, HydroGuard Anti-Microbial Technology, HydroLock for secure shutoff flow, and grommet drain holes located at the bottom of each pocket and compartment. Along with a separate insulated hydration compartment, complete with reservoir hang loop, the balance of the TriZip design provides war fighters with access to their hydration systems with ease and speed.
Currently available, the new TriZip pack measures 20 x 13 x 11.5 inches and comes in four colors: Army Universal Camo, Black, Coyote or MultiCam. More information may be found online at www.camelbak.com.
