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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Revision Military Receives Army Contract, State Financing, To Produce Next Generation Helmets In Vermont

08/13/2012
Revision Military, an Essex Junction, Vermont-based company that manufactures protective gear for the military and law enforcement, received $1.16 million in financing from the Vermont Economic Development Authority to fund the purchase of inventory, machinery and equipment for its newly-established subsidiary, Revision Ballistics, Ltd., in Newport, Vermont.

Vermont economic development officials said within three years the newly formed Revision Ballistics, which will retain 45 employees from its acquisition of the MSA North American helmet plant in Newport, Vermont, plans to grow its workforce up to 200.

Revision Military already operates a Composite Center of Excellence that manufactures highly specialized polyethylene composite helmet shells in Essex Junction, Vermont. Having both manufacturing capabilities will enable Revision to meet current helmet program requirements while also aiding customers in their quest for lighter weight, higher performance head protection solutions, the firm said.

Senator Patrick Leahy said in July 2011 the US Army announced Revision would receive a $2 million contract to develop a next-generation helmet system. Leahy's office said in April the Vermont Economic Progress Council gave initial approval to Vermont Employment Growth Incentives totaling $743,000 to help Revision ensure the viability of the project to acquire the assets of MSA.

"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," Leahy said.

"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."

Blanshay said Revision Military, which is headquartered in Essex Junction, Vermont, and has offices in Canada and the Netherlands, develops protective equipment for military use worldwide. The company, which began with eyewear, has expanded to face and head protection and continues to develop its capabilities for integrated, performance-enhancing soldier systems.

Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin said, "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."

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