Hexcel Corp. Pays $15 Million for Role in Sale of Defective Bullet-proof Vests

Hexcel Corp. of Stamford, Conn., has agreed to pay the federal government $15 million to resolve allegations it violated the False Claims Act in connection with its role in the manufacture and sale of defective Zylon bullet-proof vests to federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies, the U.S. Justice Department recently announced.

As part of the agreement with the government, the manufacturer has pledged its cooperation in the government's on-going investigation of other participants involved in the fraudulent conduct.

The federal govenment alleges that Hexcel wove Zylon fiber supplied by Toyobo Co. into ballistic fabric used in bullet-proof vests sold by Second Chance Body Armor; DHB Inc. and its subsidiaries, Point Blank Body Armor and Protective Apparel Corp. of America; Armor Holdings and its subsidiaries, American Body Armor and Safariland; and Gator Hawk Armor. These vests were purchased by the federal govenment directly and by various state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies, which were reimbursed with federal funds.

The federal government alleged that Hexcel knew the Zylon manufactured by Toyobo was defective and degraded quickly when exposed to heat, light and humidity. Additionally, the government alleged the company knew Toyobo provided Hexcel with "Red Thread" Zylon, which was weaker than standard Zylon.

In July 2005, the U.S. Justice Department filed a complaint against Second Chance Body Armor and the Toyobo Co., seeking to recover damages relating to the sale of defective Zylon bulletproof vests to the federal government. In June of this year, the government filed a lawsuit against Toyobo Co. Ltd. of Japan and its American subsidiary, Toyobo America Inc., for their roles in the manufacture and sale of defective Zylon bullet-proof vests to U.S., state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies.

Industrial Hygiene Product Showcase

  • Certified Class 2 Div 2 Vacuums

    Certified Class 2 Div 2 Vacuums

    Nilfisk delivers a full line of industrial vacuums designed to meet NFPA 652 housekeeping requirements for collecting combustible dust in Class I, Group D and Class II, Groups E, F & G or non-classified environments. Our pneumatic vacuums also meet the requirements for safe use in hazardous environments. Nilfisk advanced filtration technology safely captures combustible materials dispersed in your plant - everything from fuels, solvents and metal dust to flour, sugar and pharmaceutical powders. 3

  • Combating Combustible Dust with Compressed-Air Operated Vacs

    Combating Combustible Dust with Compressed-Air Operated Vacs

    VAC-U-MAX offers a full range of compressed-air operated industrial vacuum cleaners for high volume recovery of combustible dust, flammable liquid, and reactive powder. Systems do not require electricity for operation, only compressed air and are ATEX tested and Certified. Fill out RFQ at www.vac-u-max.com/vacuum or call (800) VAC-U-MAX. 3

  • Green Gobbler Safety Shower Test Cart

    Shower and Eyewash Test

    Weekly activation of safety showers is now a quick and dry process. The Green Gobbler Safety Funnel extends to shower head to test the water spray pattern. A clear tube can verify clarity. A thermometer can test temperature and graduated sight glass can test volume. Accessories are available to test pedestal eyewash and fold down out of wall eyewash stations. Test 15 showers (two gallons in six seconds), empty cart in one to two minutes, repeat as needed. 3

Featured

Webinars