Company Name: Combined Tactical Systems
Headquarters: Jamestown, PA
Signature Product: VENOM Non-Lethal Tube Launch Munitions System
Website: http://www.combinedsystems.com
Founded in 1981, Combined Systems, Inc. (CSI) is a U.S based firm that supports military forces and law enforcement agencies around the world. CSI is a premier engineering, manufacturing and supply company of tactical munitions and crowd control devices to armed forces, law enforcement, corrections and homeland security agencies.
1. How did you decide on your company’s name?
The founders of Combined Systems wanted the name to convey the versatility of the company and not limit the company in the future or place it into one specific product category. Upon inception in 1981, there were still questions surrounding what the company would evolve into and what products it would offer. Knowing that there are no limits to what such a company might become, founder Jacob Kravel created the name Combined Systems to show a company that was skilled in many fields.
2. What was the inspiration behind starting your company?
Founder Jacob Kravel saw a need for high quality products in the Less Lethal market.
3. What is your signature product and how does it work?
One of our signature products is our line of Noise Flash Diversion Devices. Known as flash-bangs, the devices are designed to create a visual and audible affect upon deployment. This can distract a noncompliant subject and are particularly useful in special ops situations such as hostage rescue. We have flash-bangs for varying situations and degrees of force. They include the 7290-M Mini Bang, 7290 Flash Bang, and multi-bang flash-bangs ranging from the DoubleBangTM through the 9-bang. CTS Flash-bangs are built and tested to military ammunition standards, incorporating our superior fuze components with the patented and US Army adopted Confidence ClipTM and pin shroud.
4. Why do EMS/Fire/Police community need your products?
Our products are essential to Public Safety & Security around the world because they provide a level of force options that can help avoid lethal and more violent levels of force.
5. What has been the biggest challenge for CSI?
The biggest challenge is managing a high level of growth while maintaining superior products that consistently meet high quality standards. Another challenge we face is keeping on trends with the unpredictable and ever changing political and global climate.
6. What makes your company unique?
We have a large number of trademarked and patented products that have beenengineered and developed by our skilled R&D team. Also, we are able to develop and produce custom products for agencies around the world that have very specific needs based on their environment, missions, limitations, restrictions and other variables.
7. What do your customers like best about you and your products?
Customers appreciate our team because we have experienced and credible employees who have worked extensively in the field with our products. Former SWAT team leaders and law enforcement personnel lead our sales team, which gives us invaluable insight into what our customers want and need.
8. What is the most rewarding part of serving the first responder community?
The greatest reward is seeing and hearing stories of how our products are being used to prevent escalating violence and preventing fatalities.
9. Do you support any charitable organizations within public safety?
We support various national tactical associations, including The National Tactical Officers Association, National Association of Police Equipment Distributors, and several statewide organizations such as The New York Tactical Officers Association, Texas Tactical Police Officers Association, and The California Association of Tactical Officers. We also support local charities and sponsor community events including Relay for Life.
10. What’s next for your company?
In 2016 we will continue R&D on our VENOM Non-Lethal Tube Launch Munitions Systems line of products that was expanded in 2014, and continue to improve on our the quality, design and performances of our products. This is an ongoing effort that we believe is never finished. We will continue to market to countries around the world and expand our reach through training initiatives, marketing opportunities and partnerships.
