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INDUSTRY INTERVIEW: Ashbury International Group Inc.
Q: Tell us about Ashbury International Group Inc.
A: Ashbury International Group Inc. is a small, minority-owned government defense contractor and small arms manufacturer, founded in 1995 by professionals with a decade or more of collaborative government security and defense industry experience. We leveraged our specialized industry knowledge to form a company that has a resolute commitment to provide high-quality value-added engineering, precision small arms manufacturing and combat equipment systems integration for the infantry and SOF warrior communities through our tactical systems integration business unit.
Recently, we acquired and are developing a new five-acre, 45,000-plus square foot headquarters facility located in central Virginia.
Q: What is your SOF business strategy?
A: As a company, Ashbury works very hard to be responsive to demands of the SOF community. We strive to become the go-to company for our customers whenever possible, so earning their trust and confidence is of prime importance.
Our formula for success in many respects has been to actively solicit direct input from SOF operators and intently listen to learn as much as we can about how a particular item is going to be carried, employed and maintained. These critical operational parameters are then rolled into the product engineering and design process, resulting in a more “intuitive” device reflecting essential operator input.
Q: What products are you offering SOF?
A: Our tactical systems integration business unit provides specialized equipment, systems engineering, design and manufacturing. We’ve created a Rapid Product Development Center as an integral part of our Engineering Services Group. This unique engineering resource allows Ashbury to conduct interactive design experiences with our customers while conceptualizing, engineering, 3-D modeling and prototyping combat equipment. Our engineers find this to be an invaluable part of developing equipment for SOF.
Ashbury has two significant SOF business development initiatives, both focused on the sniper community. Ashbury has engineered and is manufacturing advanced modular folding rifle stock chassis systems called Saber- FORSST. This product provides SOF snipers with a significant step forward by enhancing the ergonomic fit of existing sniper rifle platforms and making them more functional in dynamically complex terrain environments. The Saber chassis’ tool-less adjustable butt stock is especially noteworthy for snipers engaging threats from a variety of tactical shooting positions while wearing body armor, helmets and NODs.
Our second product offering is the Asymmetric- Warrior precision sniper rifle system. Based on the innovative Saber modular chassis system, Ashbury has engineered a very versatile long range sniper rifle platform in .338 Lapua Magnum caliber in several barrel configurations. The Asymmetric-Warrior weapons platform is fully integrated with day optic, short range/backup optic, detachable night/thermal electro-optic devices, suppressor, tactical ballistic computer system, and a family of precision ammunition. Here again, Ashbury takes the systems approach to product development by creating a seamlessly integrated precision sniper rifle system. Our unique product development approach addresses operational, logistics and acquisition issues for the customer.
Q: What makes your product stand out? Why is it different or the best in the market?
A: We have spent several intensive years on the development of the Saber-FORSST modular rifle stock chassis system and the Asymmetric- Warrior weapons platform. Consistently being mindful of input from the sniper community, conducting frequent field tests and adhering to a philosophy of continuous product improvement, our products are meeting all of their operational design parameters. Both product lines have a well-defined spiral development path and address a broad range of legacy, interim and objective sniper rifle technology issues.
Q: What is your position in the market sector?
A: Ashbury is different than many of the companies with which we compete in this market. As a small experienced tactical equipment systems integrator, Ashbury strives to bring the customer the best overall equipment solution configured to meet the requirement, irrespective of the supplier.
We feel that this can only be achieved by building synergistic teaming relationships with selected technology manufacturers, many of which are also successful yet small U.S. businesses. Ashbury is committed to using as much U.S. manufactured content as possible.
Q: What are some examples of recent successes with the military and your goals for the rest of this year?
A: Ashbury maintains and continues its success as a DoD prime contractor serving USSOCOM, USASOC, NAVSPECWARCOM, USMC and the U.S. Army as it has for the past 15 years. We initially established ourselves as prime contractor by integrating the Vector binocular laser range finder into key ground target location systems for the reconnaissance, forward observer and forward air controller communities. In addition to providing a ground targeting system solution, Ashbury also developed and delivered specialized CONUS and OCONUS NET training packages.
Q: How are you positioned for the future within the military?
A: The current national economy presents a significant challenge for the entire defense contractor community, but even more so for small businesses like ours. We feel that our small company size is an advantage that allows Ashbury to be more agile within the SOF marketplace. Close strategic alliances with technology partners, and unique engineering competencies, allow us to continue to meet evolving SOF requirements. Consequently we can move on business opportunities more quickly and more cost effectively with value-added product offerings. ♦