Western Protective Solutions Compass: A Quarter of Innovation and Industry Leadership
1ST ED., VOL. 1
As we embark on a new era under transformed leadership, Western Protective Solutions (WPS) prepares for a future marked by innovation, adaptation, and unwavering commitment to our clients' safety and success. This quarter exemplifies this spirit with significant achievements across all our companies, from CrewBoss' groundbreaking PFAS-free firefighter gear to Air Rover's launch of eco-friendly HVAC solutions. We are excited to share these milestones and the lessons learned along the way, showcasing our dedication to continuous improvement and exceeding expectations.
Western Shelter: Custom Solutions Aid Disaster Relief Efforts
Western Shelter is a leading provider of customizable emergency response and disaster relief shelter solutions, dedicated to meeting the unique needs of its clients with a focus on quality and adaptability.
Quarterly Highlights
The Western Shelter team is excited to share updates on two pivotal projects that highlight our commitment to delivering exceptional emergency response solutions. We're thrilled to announce the successful completion of a significant project for the Brazilian Army Commission, involving the design and production of 24 Guardian Shelters, each tailored to meet the specific needs of the Brazilian Army. We delivered these shelters before the end of Q1. In addition, we're proud of our collaboration with UC Davis Health, which marks a critical step in enhancing emergency medical capabilities through the facilitation of a Modular Surge Facility (field hospital) purchase in February, with delivery expected by the end of April. Training for these modular facilities is scheduled for May and June, ensuring the UC-Davis Health team effectively uses these assets.
Industry and Market Insights
The demand for decontamination solutions in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and ambulance sectors highlights a clear need for reliable options. Our soft-walled and mobile solutions, tailored for extended operations, demonstrate our ability to meet unique client challenges, underscoring the trust in our expertise. Moreover, recent months have emphasized the importance of customization to address the evolving needs of our clients. At Western Shelter, we understand the necessity of adapting our offerings, including modifications and new designs, to ensure success. This commitment to tailored solutions positions us to navigate future challenges in emergency and disaster response effectively, keeping us at the forefront of industry demands.
Challenges Overcome
As requested by the Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA), our Western Shelter team embarked on a mission to conduct visual inspections of shelters acquired for rehabilitation and future use, successfully visiting 13 of the 15 facilities. During a period of staffing changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we identified an opportunity to improve our familiarization process for new facility managers. This ensured a comprehensive inspection of all shelters, including those recently demobilized. Furthermore, we are coordinating with OCHCA to develop a new plan to transport the shelters to a central warehouse for detailed inspection and rehabilitation by our team. In another opportunity, we addressed a significant request from the Brazilian Army Commission to update the design of our Guardian Shelters with Vestibule Connections, showcasing our ethos of collaborative problem-solving. Our swift and innovative efforts led to the successful redesign and timely production of the shelters, fulfilling the client's needs and establishing our reputation as a flexible and customer-centric organization.
CrewBoss: PFAS-Free Gear & Production Power Up
CrewBoss is a leading provider of high-quality personal protective equipment (PPE) tailored for firefighters, specializing in wildland, structural, tech rescue, and station wear firefighting gear.
Quarterly Highlights
CrewBoss has achieved significant milestones and completed projects, showcasing its commitment to advancing firefighter safety and performance. A noteworthy accomplishment includes the progression of the PFAS-Free Structural Turnout Ensemble, currently undergoing evaluation by UL. This ensemble's development aligns with CrewBoss' dedication to eliminating harmful chemicals while ensuring firefighter safety. With NFPA 1971 Certification pending, this ensemble stands as a testament to CrewBoss' dedication to environmental responsibility. Additionally, CrewBoss secured a substantial order for National Firefighter: Wildland PPE, encompassing Brush Jackets, Shirts, and Pants.
Industry and Market Insights
Throughout the quarter, notable trends and developments have influenced the firefighting industry. One standout development is the introduction of Fire-Dex's AeroFlex™ Structural Turnout Design. The gear incorporates advanced materials and design features aimed at enhancing breathability and reducing the risk of heat stress and related health issues. By actively supporting core body temperature regulation and facilitating better airflow, AeroFlex™ sets a new standard for comfort and safety in structural firefighting. Moreover, the industry is preparing for a significant change with the upcoming revision of the NFPA 1971 standard for the 2024-2025 edition. Notably, the revised standard will mandate the use of Particulate Blocking Hoods, replacing standard knit hoods for structural firefighting. This shift underscores the industry's continuous efforts to enhance firefighter safety and protection against hazardous particulates.
Challenges Overcome
CrewBoss embarked on a transformative journey to enhance our production efficiency. The shift to a new process presented its challenges, including the need to transition away from established methods, which necessitated comprehensive training and unwavering commitment from our entire team. Thanks to the dedication and adaptability of our team, we not only overcame these hurdles but also achieved a significant increase in production rates, all while upholding our high-quality standards. This evolution marks a milestone in our continuous effort to innovate and improve, ensuring we deliver the best to our customers.
Serket: Award-Winning Innovation Meets Market Agility
Serket is a provider of tactical and protective gear for military and law enforcement, focused on delivering high-quality, adaptable solutions to meet the critical demands of frontline professionals.
Quarterly Highlights
Serket proudly announces a significant achievement with the NGB CST Award, underscoring our commitment to excellence and innovation in tactical and protective gear for military and law enforcement personnel. This milestone exemplifies our dedication to supporting the safety and efficiency of those on the front lines. The NGB CST Award is a testament to our team's hard work, product development, and the trust our clients place in us to deliver solutions that meet the highest standards of quality and performance.
Industry and Market Insights
The defense and security industries are facing a tightening labor market, posing a significant challenge to production and fulfillment. To address this talent shortage, companies are exploring various strategies. These shifts highlight the need for adaptability and innovation in the face of a changing workforce landscape.
Challenges Overcome
Serket demonstrated agility by proactively shifting production internationally in response to domestic production challenges. This not only addresses immediate needs but also aligns with our long-term strategy for TAA compliance and expansion into LEFR and Foreign Military markets.
Robert Technologies: Strategic Partnerships Fuel Growth
Robert Technologies specializes in providing high-quality power distribution units and connectors, leveraging strategic manufacturing partnerships to meet the exacting needs of its end users.
Quarterly Highlights
Robert Technologies has reached significant milestones, marking notable achievements in our partnerships and project completions. We successfully secured a substantial order from Powell Electronics, catering to the needs of their end-user, Northrop Grumman. Additionally, our collaboration with Meggitt Defense Systems has resulted in a successful deal. These achievements underscore our commitment to excellence and our ability to meet the rigorous demands of leading entities in the aerospace and defense sectors.
Industry and Market Insights
The past quarter has seen nationwide labor shortages continuing to impact manufacturing capacities and supply chain lead times across the industry. Just like with Serket, this pervasive challenge underscores the importance of strategic planning and flexibility in operations to mitigate the effects on production schedules and cost-efficiency. Robert Technologies' proactive measures, including international manufacturing partnerships and efficiency improvements, are pivotal in addressing these industry-wide trends. Our ability to adapt to these dynamics enables us to continue providing high-quality, competitively priced solutions to our clients despite the broader logistical challenges facing the sector.
Challenges Overcome
Facing competition from Class L Mil STD-22992 manufacturers, especially in terms of pricing for Inline and Panel Mount Connectors, Robert Technologies has launched a strategic initiative to enhance its competitiveness. Through collaborative efforts with other manufacturers, we're working towards more competitive pricing solutions that meet our unwavering quality standards. Furthermore, we tackled a significant supply issue for a customer experiencing delays with their existing vendor. Robert Technologies was able to step in, delivering the FAA at a lower cost and with a significantly reduced lead time. This effective response has bolstered our relationship, potentially leading to more orders and solidified our status as a dependable and agile partner in the industry.
Western Design & Fabrication: Weathers The Storm, Drives Results
Western Design & Fabrication is a dynamic company specializing in custom metal design and fabrication services, known for its adaptability, commitment to innovation, and dedication to Military & Defense and Commercial industries.
Quarterly Highlights
WDF kicked off 2024 with a spirit of resilience. While January presented some hurdles, including a restructuring and an unexpected ice storm that hit the Pacific Northwest, the team quickly adapted and is already experiencing strong revenue recovery by February. We're not only on track to ship a large outside order ahead of schedule, but another significant one is right behind it! This momentum extends to our commitment to continuous improvement. We recently installed and are testing a new robot welder, promising to enhance efficiency for specific products. Additionally, two team members recently completed a SolidWorks class, showcasing our investment in their development and our pursuit of excellence. This dedication from both our team and technology ensures we're well-positioned for continued success.
Industry and Market Insights
In today's dynamic market, gaining a comprehensive understanding of trends extends beyond individual experiences. To address this, we've taken a collaborative approach, actively partnering with Western Shelter and the other WPS brands. Through these partnerships, we're able to leverage their diverse market insights and gain a broader perspective on labor shortages impacting the industry as a whole. This collaborative approach reflects our commitment to staying informed and adapting to evolving market conditions.
Challenges Overcome
WDF is continuously optimizing its operations to ensure long-term success. This quarter presented opportunities for improvement in several areas. Our team expertly navigated personnel changes and the aftermath of the Pacific Northwest ice storm. Additionally, we identified opportunities to streamline workflows through a collaborative assessment project with OMEP. Our commitment to quality was evident when a vendor supplied incorrectly cut arches for the 20' Guardian order. WDF's agility shone through with the creation of a custom jig, ensuring precise cutting and timely delivery. This proactive approach demonstrates our commitment to exceeding expectations, even when unforeseen circumstances arise.
Air Rover: Stackable Solutions for Tough Climates
Air Rover specializes in designing and manufacturing advanced, durable Environmental Control Units (ECUs) and HVAC systems, focusing on innovation, environmental compliance, and customer needs in challenging environments.
Quarterly Highlights
In an exciting start to 2024, Air Rover is proud to announce the launch of two new products: the 3.5-Ton ULHP42BA-10KW Stackable Skid Mounted Heat Pump ECU and the 5-Ton SECU060CA15L7 Stackable Ruggedized Skid-Mounted ECU. These innovative additions to our product line underscore Air Rover's commitment to providing high-quality, efficient, and durable HVAC solutions designed to meet the rigorous demands of various environments. Our focus on versatility and performance is evident in these releases, which offer stackable, skid-mounted options for enhanced mobility and ease of installation in even the most challenging settings.
Industry and Market Insights
The HVAC community is currently navigating a period of significant change due to the American Innovation & Manufacturing Act's impact, particularly the shift to A2L refrigerants. While A2L refrigerants are recommended by the EPA for their lower environmental impact, their somewhat flammable nature presents new challenges, including the need for additional education and training for HVAC professionals. Air Rover is actively engaging with these developments, ensuring that our products and practices comply with the latest regulations and continue to set the standard for safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility in the HVAC industry.
Challenges Overcome
Air Rover faced and overcame significant regulatory challenges stemming from the American Innovation & Manufacturing Act, which mandates a transition away from R410 refrigerant in HVAC systems due to environmental concerns. Our team diligently identified suitable replacement refrigerants for several of our designs, ensuring compliance with the new legislation while maintaining the high performance and reliability standards our customers expect. This proactive approach not only demonstrates our commitment to environmental stewardship but also positions Air Rover as a forward-thinking leader in the HVAC industry.
Community and Social Impact
“CrewBoss is excited to have participated in assisting the Viking Textile Maker’s Hub’s (VTMH) Industrial Sewing Training backed by the Chamber of Commerce Homeless Initiative. The training happens at least once a quarter with two cohorts of applicants over two weeks. Social workers recommend applicants from various shelters in our community for training to teach them basic industrial sewing skills. CrewBoss was able to give insight to VTMH as to what kinds of skills are required to work in an industrial sewing environment and provided a pattern for a tote bag as a project for the students. The hope is that this program will give an underserved community marketable skills to pursue career options.”
- Erica Smith (CrewBoss Quality Control Lead)
Building a Stronger Future, Together
Thank you for joining us on the inaugural edition of The WPS Compass. We're committed to fostering a community of engaged partners. Stay connected and get exclusive content by following us on social media and subscribing to the newsletters of our WPS family businesses. Together, let's celebrate Q1's achievements and propel each other towards future success. As we look ahead, we're excited to share even more innovations and industry insights in the coming year. We're confident that by working together, we can achieve even greater things.