At Milipol Paris 2023, Integris Composites, formerly known as TenCate Advanced Armor, presented a noteworthy innovation in the form of magnetic fasteners for body armor. The company, with a three-decade history, has transitioned from its initial focus on vehicle armor to becoming a key player in manufacturing high-performance armor solutions adhering to military standards.
BodyArmorNews.com had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Stephen Jackson, The Regional Director of Turkey, the Middle East, and Africa, and discussing the company’s practices and products.
A Commitment to Protection
The current Integris Composites was founded 30 years ago, in the late 1980s in France. What first started as manufacturing and selling vehicle armor grew into producing high-performance vehicle, naval, and aeronautical armor and personal protection systems. The French company has manufacturing facilities in France, Denmark, and Ohio, along with sales offices in corresponding markets, including The Netherlands, Poland, the UK, Italy, Singapore, and Australia. The company boasts a substantial client base, catering to defense companies, major ministries, as well as armies and police forces throughout Europe.
Mr. Stephen Jackson highlighted the company’s commitment to safeguarding those who serve us. Integris Composites adopts an interactional and collaborative approach, working closely with clients, designers, and researchers to tailor solutions being prescriptive about their clients’ needs.
From Vehicle Armor to High-Performance Solutions
Integris Composites’ product portfolio encompasses four main pillars: composites, vehicle armor systems, aviation and nautical armor, and body armor. Their namesake sector, “composites,” entails the combination of various high-tech and performance materials, shaping them into advanced armor systems. The second sector is dedicated to crafting armor systems for both 4×4 pick-ups and main battle tanks. Sector three focuses on aviation and nautical armor, offering protection for helicopters, ships, and crews. Mr. Stephen Jackson, responsible for the fourth sector, provided further details about body armor.
Advanced Body Armor Solutions
The body armor range is comprehensive, offering both hard and soft armor options. It includes ballistic rifle insert plates, plate carriers, and an extended soft armor range providing up to NIJ level IIIA protection. Collaborating with European partners, the company ensures meticulous production of external vests and carrier systems. The design and technical drawings, however, are crafted in-house, showcasing their attention to detail. Their body armor stands out with a quick fastening and release system, robustness against flame and scratches, compliance with RIR ratings, and the availability of various camouflage options.
An Innovative Magnetic Fastening System
A notable addition to their offerings are the magnetic fasteners for body armor. While maintaining a mechanical foundation, this innovation incorporates magnets to streamline the fastening process, reducing closure time to approximately two seconds. The design also includes a release cord for quick detachment. By bringing the two buckle parts close together, the magnets automatically secure the fastener in place, avoiding the need for fidgeting in critical situations.
An Eco-Conscious Approach
Beyond their primary focus on protection, Integris Composites places a significant emphasis on sustainability. Mr. Stephen Jackson underscores the company’s continual commitment to eco-friendliness. This commitment involves exploring recycling options for materials and incorporating biodegradable products into their production processes. Additionally, the company actively minimizes energy use and carbon emissions across their manufacturing facilities whenever possible.
Tailored Solutions for a Diverse and Inclusive Military Landscape
Acknowledging the increase of female presence in the military and law enforcement, Integris Composites introduced gender-specific armor solutions. The company offers separate product ranges for males and females. They design and produce hard armor riffle inserts, soft armor, and plate carriers designed specifically for women. Their main goal in designing these products was to offer increased comfort and wearability without sacrificing protection.
A Journey in the Defense and Protection Industry
Mr. Stephen Jackson, with an academic background in marketing and economics, entered the defense and protection industry right after university. He secured his initial role at DuPont. Starting as a product manager, he progressed to become a business development manager and then a sales director. His journey continued with a transition to a ceramic armor manufacturer. After that he moved to Europe in order to work for TenCate. He remained with the company through its transformation into the present-day Integris Composites.
In the domain of armor technology, Integris Composites stands out as a significant contributor, introducing advancements without relying on sensationalism. The showcase at Milipol Paris 2023 highlights the company’s dedication to responsibly and collaboratively evolving armor solutions.
