Aug 13 2008
Lex McMahon, President of Armor Systems International (ASI) announced that ASI has entered into a marketing deal with Mr. Shai Barak to serve as the exclusive marketer of ASI products to the State of Israel.
Shai Barak is a leading businessman in Israel, who possesses intimate knowledge of and experience working with the process for selling to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and civilian law enforcement agencies within the Territory of Israel.
Israel's defense budget for the current year is approximately $15.5 billion and will remain at this level at least through 2012.
McMahon stated "The territory of Israel represents a significant market for ASI and our products…we are looking forward to working with Mr. Barak to introduce our remarkable line of products such as Tankskin® and Aztik® Armor 100 to the Israeli marketplace".
ASI's semi-flexible Aztik® Armor has one-third of the weight of steel, absorbs shrapnel rather than repels it, can be applied to almost any surface with a simple peel and stick application process and can withstand .50 caliber armor piercing rounds and some explosive devices. Other applications include doors and walls for corporate and high crime residential neighborhoods and armoring options for police and civilian automobiles.
ASI's newest product, TankSkin®, provides a new and proven method of self-sealing a fuel tank under attack. As the name implies, TankSkin® can be applied as a "second skin" to the exterior of almost any fuel tank. TankSkin® doesn't stop projectiles. Instead, it senses a puncture and immediately seals the hole to prevent most leaks. Lightweight and environmentally neutral, TankSkin® is recommended for use on stationary or mobile tanks that contain hydrocarbon-based products such as jet fuels or diesel. TankSkin® is easy to apply, cost-effective and extremely tough and durable.
Mr. Barak commented that "I am excited about the opportunity to introduce ASI's products, such as Tankskin® and Aztik® Armor to Israel because they will have a significant impact in the protection of IDF soldiers and Israeli law enforcement as well as, the overall security of Israel. Additionally, I am excited to work with the ASI team, many of whom have personal experience fighting in the contemporary 360 degree asymmetrical battlefield that IDF soldiers are confronted with on a daily basis. ASI has an intimate understanding of the battleground realities and is crafting solutions that will protect Israel's warriors."
The decision to enter the Israeli market was a strategic one for ASI. While the Israeli market itself represents a significant market, many Israelis, like Barak, are active in the worldwide security industry as a result of Israel's unfortunately deep experience in managing the latest security threats. Often, purchasing decisions made by Israeli purchasing managers for security in Israel are accepted as the best product option by purchasing managers in other countries around the world.
Mr. McMahon stated "Mr. Barak will be a tremendous addition to the ASI distribution and marketing network, his geographic, military, and industry expertise in Israel, coupled with his passion to provide armor and ballistic solutions that will have a substantial impact in the overall security of IDF soldiers and Israeli police will help ASI to gain a strategic foothold in the region…we are truly fortunate to have Mr. Barak join our team".
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