02.14.11
Not Made in China: Tear gas, handcuffs
Continuing the subject that the US economic environment preserves arms manufacturing while allowing everything else to go to hell in a handcart, DD gives readers a small profile of Combined Systems, the Jamestown, PA, firm recently in the news as the manufacturer of the tear gas used on crowds in Egypt.
It’s already been noted that the other US product, the M1 tank, was used to lay smokescreens. And, in this, the Egyptian model, one which led to revolt, is similar to the US model.
Nothing for the people who went into the streets — which is why they pulled down the dictator. But no expense spared for arms acquisition.
Combined Systems is here and it is the primary employer in Jamestown, PA.
Its entire business is arms manufacturing with a subsidiary in handcuff production. As such, in the market it is not subject to the pressures which have destroyed US non-military production.
The federal governments, as well as those of states and municipalities — the taxpayer, underwrites it. And while there may even be layoffs of state workers, like policemen, in the time of austerity, usually hardware is not sacrificed in such budget cutting.
Obviously, Combined Systems has a significant business in the sale of tear gas worldwide, Egypt and Israel being two notable customers.
A brochure on high-explosive rounds, called FRAG-12, produced by the company is here.
“We believe FRAG-12 is a game-changing technology for the warfighter engaged in urban combat,” it reads.
A brochure post on the web describes the Combined Systems corporate setting:
The Combined System campus is comprised of 18 buildings on 160 acres in Western Pennsylvania. The workforce of 160 includes a full R&D department, electrical, mechanical and chemical engineers, a full quality assurance department, in house machining department, and in process quality department, and is fully ISO 9001:2000 certified and is DoD 4145.26-M compliant.
Founded in 1981, CSI by Michael Brunn and Jacob Kravel the company has grown to revenues of approximately $25 million, and has a very hands on corporate structure …
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows unemployment in Mercer County, where Combined Systems is located, to be among the worst rates in the state. It is, for example, tied with Schuylkill County, where DD was raised.
In December 2009, unemployment was at 11.7 percent in Mercer. One year later it had decreased to 9.6.
Mercer County did have domestic non-military production. You can guess how it has fared.
From a 2009 report in the county newspaper:
The local economy continues to bleed jobs as two leading industries on Tuesday announced layoffs totaling more than 70 workers.
The latest layoffs have led two local economic advisors to peg Mercer County’s manufacturing unemployment rate at 40 percent.
Cattron Group International Inc. said it was laying off 32 workers at its Sharpsville operation while Salem Tube Inc.’s Pymatuning Township plant said it laid off 41 workers since February and more will follow unless business improves.
These are the latest in a series of layoffs that have whipsawed the local economy. Large industrial employers such as Wheatland Tube Co. and Duferco Farrell have been forced to undergo rolling layoffs which have hit hundreds of its workers.
Other companies opted to shut their doors forever such as Signature Aluminum in Sugar Grove Township. When the company folded the local plant in March it employed 280.
Another story on lay-offs for state education workers — teachers — reads:
Hold-ups and haggling over the Pennsylvania state budget in Harrisburg, mean layoffs are coming to Mercer County Head Start. Right now, early childhood education staff for about 10 state-funded classrooms are being put on hold.
“The Senate Republican budget would cut “Pre-K Counts” by 46 percent, about $40 million. It would cut $20 million out of Head Start, which is a 50 percent cut,” says State Representative Mark Longietti, (D) 7th District.
“And the impact that that has is about 152 children will not be able to receive early childhood education as a direct result of this,” adds Larry Haynes, a consultant with Mercer County Head Start.
A collection of links on layoffs in Mercer County, at the county newspaper, is here.