Robert L. Zemke has been promoted from President and COO to President and CEO of Plastic Products Company, effective November 1, 2026, joining the Board of Directors. Ben Holder transitions to Chairman of the Board. Zemke brings 26 years of experience at the employee-owned manufacturer, including roles as Plant Manager and Executive Vice President.
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. has purchased an AMCM M 8K metal additive manufacturing system for installation at its Indiana Payload Integration Facility in Odon, Indiana. The acquisition supports Kratos' expansion of advanced manufacturing capabilities for hypersonic technology development and reflects the company's commitment to domestic defense manufacturing.
Reinforce3D's Continuous Fiber Injection Process (CFIP) combined with additive manufacturing enables manufacturers to produce stronger, lighter drone components without traditional composite tooling. Impac Systems Engineering, the exclusive North American distributor for Reinforce3D, demonstrates how this technology achieved a 51.5% weight reduction in a quadcopter frame while maintaining structural performance.
Solar Atmospheres of California promoted Courtney Castillejos to Quality Manager at its Fontana facility. Castillejos joined the company in August 2018 and progressed through multiple roles, most recently serving as Senior Quality Technician before her promotion.
Solar Atmospheres of Western PA has installed a new water quench furnace manufactured by Heat Treat Equipment Inc. to process large titanium components up to 7,500 pounds, with production expected to begin November 2026. The system maintains precise temperature control and enables rapid quenching for aerospace and defense applications.
Xact Metal announced record Q2 and Q3 orders in 2026, with orders increasing over 30% through September. CEO Juan Mario Gomez stated the company is now taking orders for the new XM300G midsize metal printer, with shipments planned to begin mid-2027.
Payroc, an official NSSF Affinity Partner, launched Easy Pay, an automated program helping firearms retailers manage recurring bills like rent, equipment leases, and mortgages by automatically withholding a percentage of daily card transactions. NSSF members can contact Laura Morgan for more information.
Wilson Arms is expanding manufacturing capabilities and investing in new equipment under new private ownership. The Branford, Connecticut company manufactures barrels from .17 to .50 caliber and will exhibit at the 2027 SHOT Show Supplier Showcase.
Dayton Rogers Manufacturing, a family-owned precision metal forming company founded in 1929, was featured on Bloomberg Television's World's Greatest program. The segment highlighted the company's engineering expertise and advanced manufacturing capabilities across its four U.S. facilities serving defense, aerospace, and medical industries.
Wynalda Packaging, a Michigan manufacturer of folding cartons and rigid boxes, launched a second shift following Labor Day 2026, now operating 24 hours daily. The expansion supports significant company growth and increased customer demand, with hiring underway for multiple production and support positions.
Solar Atmospheres of Western PA installed a new KASTO saw in its metallurgical laboratory to enhance capabilities for cutting advanced alloys like Inconel and titanium for metallographic evaluation and quality assurance testing.
Solar Atmospheres family of companies achieved Final Level 2 (C3PAO) status under the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program through independent third-party assessment, successfully implementing all 110 security requirements of NIST SP 800-171 to support aerospace and defense customers.
Payroc, an official NSSF Affinity Partner, launched Auto Save, an automated deposit program enabling firearms retailers and related businesses to accumulate savings by directing a percentage of credit-card transaction proceeds to separate accounts. The service helps small and midsized business owners build financial reserves for unexpected expenses and future priorities.
Kowalski Heat Treating continues investing in its K-Glow nitriding process controls to deliver longer-lasting, higher-performing components. The advanced pulsed plasma nitriding technology creates wear-resistant surfaces while maintaining component properties, serving demanding applications in automotive, firearms, gears, and other precision-engineered industries.
The NSSF-adjusted NICS figure for August 2026 reached 1,115,410, a 2.2 percent increase from August 2025. NFA checks totaled 185,744, up 201.6 percent year-over-year, with Texas leading at 28,030 checks. Texas, Colorado, and Florida topped adjusted NICS rankings.
NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, announces the second semi-annual Gun Storage Check Week (Sept. 1–7), coinciding with National Suicide Prevention Month. In partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the Department of Veterans Affairs, NSSF encourages firearm owners to review secure storage practices through the "Make Sure It's Secure" campaign, featuring resources, a sweepstakes for a Lodestar Technology LNK9 Kit, and promotional materials.
NSSF praises the Trump administration's new rules transferring firearm suppressor export licensing from the State Department to the Commerce Department. Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President & General Counsel, stated the reforms will enable American suppressor manufacturers to compete more effectively in overseas markets without burdensome regulatory requirements.
Solar Atmospheres' new 28,000-square-foot facility in Berlin, Connecticut is progressing on schedule for a fourth-quarter 2026 opening. Vacuum furnaces have been installed and office areas are nearing completion at the Spruce Brook Industrial Park location, which will expand the company's vacuum heat treating capabilities throughout the Northeast.
Solar Atmospheres has installed an 11,000-gallon stainless steel recirculating water quench tank for its state-of-the-art titanium drop bottom furnace, scheduled for full commissioning by September 2026. The furnace will solution treat titanium bars, forgings, and large components for aerospace, defense, and industrial applications.
Brandon Wilson, Sales and Service Engineer at Edge Technologies, has expanded his territory to include Michigan while continuing to serve Eastern Canada. Wilson succeeds Regional Sales Manager Carl Miller and brings over 20 years of experience in machining and manufacturing.