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http://web.archive.org/web/19990508203818/http://specialtydefense.com/
Read Also : Specialty Defense Systems Company History
(From Company Website , May 1999)
Founded in 1969 as Specialty Plastic Products, the company has grown into an international supplier of military combat helmets, soft body armor, and field equipment. With nine manufacturing facilities in the states of PA, DE, TN and KY, the growth rate in recent years has been the result of previous commitments to build its engineering expertise and early stage involvements to serve the military’s growing needs to modernize and improve its equipment designs.
At the December 1998 Board of Directors Meeting of The Specialty Group, Inc., the parent of Specialty Plastic Products, Vice President, J.P. Sweeney, announced a major new marketing plane and name change for its Military Division. The new name, Specialty Defense Systems, will more accurately convey the current and future capabilities of the company which has been a prime government contractor for over 20 years. Long recognized as a leader in personnel field equipment, the company had established an excellent reputation for quality production and on-time delivery. As Specialty Defense Systems, it has increased its product offerings and now includes various systems for load-carrying, hard body armor and tactical operations.
Mr. Sweeney said that the new name more clearly recognizes the company’s evolving role as an integrator, engineer and manufacturer of complete protective sustainment and load-carrying systems for the individual warrior. The "Plastics" moniker, which goes back to its roots, had certainly served the company well, but may not adequately describe this Divisions currently expanding expertise. The engineering role it offers is necessary in order to manage the advanced nature of the product structure and enhancements demanded by the U.S. Army, U.S. Marines and other services.
"Specialty Defense Systems embodies an environment of change, improvement and engineering integration that will enable all concerned to approach us with requests for solutions to a myriad of unforeseen problems which will face tomorrow’s warrior on the battle field or in an urban setting" says Mr. Sweeney. "We are restructured and determined to continue to provide all that is necessary to meet the challenges facing tomorrow’s warriors."
Recently awarded contracts exemplify the company’s expanded position. Significant among these is the Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment system, or MOLLE, developed in conjunction with the Marine Corps and the U.S. Army Soldier and Biological Chemical Command Systems Center of Natick, Massachusetts, formerly the research and development center of the U.S. Army. This system incorporates both the tactical and load-carrying needs of the individual marine or soldier. Featuring a high strength, high tech external frame with a quick-release mechanism, it can be readily adapted to multiple mission-related configurations. The MOLLE will replace the ALICE gear ensembles of post Vietnam vintage. It is a major advancement because of the modularity of its components, incorporating better weight distribution and an on-the-move drinking system. Over the 2 ½ year development of this item, Specialty Defense Systems engineers were in the field at Fort Benning, Fort Lewis, Camp Lejeune, Camp Pendleton, 29 Palms and Quantico as the system was tested, re-tested, re-engineered and modified to meet the customers’ demands. The resulting product is one that is "worn" and not carried. The packs, pouches and pockets form an integrated system which enhances the warrior’s sustainability, lethality and survivability.
Another contract which reflects the company’s capabilities is the Advanced Combat Vehicle Crewman Helmet. It offers increased ballistic protection and face protection, new suspension and improved inter- and intra-vehicle communication including a "buddy talk" or "talk-thru" capability which allows crewmen to maintain protection while talking with each other, outside or inside the vehicle. By bringing together companies to meet customer demands, and coordinating all efforts, Specialty Defense Systems has defined a strategic role as prime contractor for multi-level procurements.
The Specialty Group’s other business sectors include a Plastics Division, Penn Fibre, which specializes in thermoplastic sheets, extrusions and finished shapes; and a Brush Division, PBS Brushes, which manufactures power wire and abrasive brushes for a variety of applications in industrial and commercial markets.
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