Hyderabad, Apr 12 (PTI):
DuPont today announced opening of its first integrated ballistic facility in Asia Pacific region in the Andhra Pradesh capital, to help development and testing of protective gear catering to the specific requirement of Indian security agencies.
The facility located at the DuPont Knowledge Centre (DKC) here has a ballistics testing range, 600-ton helmet press and stab testing equipment and is an example of inclusive innovation,” DuPont President (South Asia), Rajeev Vaidya told reporters. “This facility is an example of inclusive innovation and how you can collaborate with value chain partners to bring solutions to people who protect us,” Vaidya said, adding DuPont is committed to bring its science-powered innovations to meet global challenges of food, energy and protection in India.
The facility will allow DuPont to provide its customers and end-users, including law enforcement agencies and security forces, with application testing facilities that follow international standards. It will help develop solutions that can be tested under local conditions and against local ammunition and will enable introduction of a broader portfolio of Kevlar materials, DKC Technology Leader Yati Waghray said.
“Indian defence and internal security forces have unique and challenging ballistic protection requirements and this facility will help in developing appropriate ballistics solutions and applications for protective vests and helmets,” he said. Reacting to a query, Yati said DuPont is looking forward to collaborate with agencies like Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) that can help it understand the requirement of its end-users.
Without disclosing the financial aspect that went into setting up the Indian facility, which is the first DuPont site in Asia Pacific apart from those located in US, Switzerland and Brazil, Vaidya said “India is a strategic and crucial market for us where we really want to work and strategic investments have been made.”
source: http://www.ibnlive.in.com / Home> Wires> Latest News / PTI / April 12th, 2012