Quality remains a permeating factor for buyers when determining which ballistic protection to invest in, as clients constantly search for quality and integrity in manufacturers. Questions surrounding sourcing materials, manufacturing practices, and customer involvement are pressing matters. Companies sometimes procure products that are poorly and cheaply made without transparency to the customer. Composites Solutions is a German owned manufacturer working hard to increase local footprints globally and decrease client wariness regarding supply-chain insecurity. CS even offers to tour visiting potential customers around the factories on a weekly basis.
Recently, BodyArmorNews had the privilege of talking with Frederic Kerbaum, founder and CEO of Composites Solutions. Mr. Kerbaum has an intensive background in the Aramid fibre business working for the company Teijin from 2000 to 2010. He used his technical expertise to start a company valuing intensive R&D and manufacturing technology in 2010. “We invested in our own capabilities from the very start as this is the only correct way,” Kerbaum said, when asked about the founding values of CS. “If you are depending on somebody else for your product, you of course cannot guarantee your product’s quality.” Composites Solutions places elevated value on the opinions and safety of their customers, choosing quality materials and professional manufacturing over cheap, easy options.
Keeping the Supply Chain Secure
Globalization has changed manufacturing practices in many businesses, affecting how body armor companies source, choose, and produce materials. While this can mean a diverse array of products, it can also lead to substantial problems when the supply chain is no longer reliable. Their in-house manufacturing cuts out the issue of supply chain problems. Customers are able to travel and tour the factory buildings to ensure peace of mind when investing in ballistic protection.
I tell everybody to come to see our factory buildings and our capabilities on their own
More and more people make the effort because they got tricked or cheated, so they really want to see our factory set-up with their own eyes,” explained Kerbaum. “When the people come to visit, it increases the trust level in Composites Solutions and they understand that they can rely on us when it counts, especially in times of very unstable supply lines.”
Client involvement within the creation of the product adds a dimension of personalization and trust within the process. Rather than pushing singular end products, Composites Solutions offers everybody to tailor their armor design needs as they require. CS’s ballistic shields are among the lightest globally, and the client can choose among various accessories and tailoring options. These include handle designs, protection levels, shapes, dimensions and light system options. Composites Solutions’ transparent buying process ensures that the customer gets exactly what they need and require for the dangers they will face.
Increasing Local Offices
Yet another way CS promises quality and integrity to its customers is through local consultancy. “Local setup means local European, American, Middle Eastern sales offices with consultation, support, technique, and marketing,” Kerbaum said. “We do constantly increase the local presence to be able to consult the people in the local area.” Rather than remaining far removed from their clients’ lives, CS strives to be accessible and transparent to the customer, bringing the offices straight to the clientele.
In times of supply chain insecurity where cheap materials and products are being pumped out of Chinese companies full force, Composites Solutions offers a local solution to a global issue. Their expertise of materials paired with their commitment to customer safety and satisfaction promises quality and integrity for new and seasoned buyers of body armor.
