NanoMech announces venture with KDH Defense

SPRINGDALE — A new partnership between a Springdale company and a U.S. Defense contractor will mean safer, healthier body armor for law enforcement and soldiers, according to a press release from the Springdale Chamber of Commerce.

NanoMech, an international company that is an industry leader in the world of nanotechnology, and KDH Defense Systems are working together to use nGuard from NanoMech on KDH’s body armor. The nGuard product is a cost-effective coating and additive to fabric, polymer and wood materials that provides a bacteria-resistant shield for the armor.

"nGuard delivers unsurpassed performance such as elimination of bacteria, fungus, and odor, while retaining color fastness, extending the efficacy and life of the product," said Dr. Ajay Malshe, NanoMech's CTO and founder. "Our patent-pending technology is inspired by unique but simple phenomena in nature. nGuard is bio-inspired, providing the most effective and safe method for bacteria removal."

Both NanoMech and KDH officials expressed how pleased they are to be working together on this project as well as future projects. 

"Our companies have worked together secretly for the last two years, backed by a Department of Defense grant award, to develop innovative strategic solutions for our soldiers,” said Jim Phillips, Chairman and CEO of NanoMech. “NanoMech is also working with KDH to finalize the development of an advanced structured coating specifically engineered for hard military armors significantly reducing premature damages to hard plates from handling and transportation in the supply chain. These novel coatings will have thousands of applications."

Dave Berbener, KDH Defense Systems CEO, called the nGuard technology a perfect fit for their products.

"We pride our company not only on exceptional design expertise, but also on continuous process improvement," he said. "NanoMech's nGuard is the best bacteria resistant shield we have ever tested, and it is a perfect fit for our product portfolio. We remain steadfastly focused on our mission to engineer and manufacture superior life-saving products. Utilizing the highest standards of quality control, nGuard integrates perfectly into our mission of excellence and superior products combined with unparalleled customer service."