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Hardwire LLC (Pokomoke City, Md.), developer of proprietary high-tensile steel reinforcements and unique valued-added products for a variety of advanced composite and infrastructure applications, and Cold Spring Granite Company (Cold Spring, Minn.), a leading quarrier and fabricator of building stone products, have formed an alliance to co-market their joint technology solution designed for a variety of infrastructure and commercial security applications.

Named "Hardwire ArmorStone," the unique system is a combination of services and materials provided by Hardwire, LLC and Cold Spring Granite Company. Specifically, Hardwire ArmorStone incorporates Hardwire's proven high-tensile steel reinforcement and ballistic- and blast-protective products with Cold Spring Granite Company's granite. This combination is augmented with proprietary coupling systems and chemistries specifically designed and matched to specific threats, fully-integrated with fastening systems familiar to the construction industry. Intended uses include ballistic-resistance panel systems, infrastructure and Homeland Security protection systems for a variety of public and commercial structures including courthouses, libraries, museums, utility facilities and more.

George Tunis, Hardwire, LLC's CEO, says "As a provider of unique solutions for critical infrastructure protection and Homeland Security products, we need an innovative source of materials that combines the architecturally-pleasing look of a granite fascia, with the blast and ballistic stopping power of the Hardwire technology."

According to John Hammond, vice president of Hardwire, LLC, Hardwire approached Cold Spring Granite while developing potential solutions for low-cost armoring systems for various branches of the U.S. government and military because they recognized granite as providing certain properties required for these solutions. Hammond said Hardwire recognized the need for architectural solutions that allow architects to seamlessly integrate protection into their designs using defensive devices other than stand-off, restricted access, or thick reinforced concrete barriers or steel bollards. Further, solutions are needed that allow for retrofit applications of existing structures.

"Hardwire ArmorStone allows designers a means to seamlessly integrate security elements into the structure without instilling the fear that often results from concrete or steel fortifications," said Hammond. "With Hardwire ArmorStone, designers have a new means for unobtrusive security both in terms of physical presence as well as visual appeal."

According to Dan Rea, Cold Spring Granite Company's senior vice president of sales and marketing, one of the key advantages of Hardwire ArmorStone is that security doesn't have to be at the expense of design. As compared to other strengthening systems, this product allows architects the opportunity to provide concealed protection that does not impact aesthetics, he said. Further, Hardwire ArmorStone is not only durable, but also a green solution. Cold Spring Granite's product offers users an enduring life-cycle, durability, ease of care and maintenance, recyclability as well as quarry and manufacturing best practices.

"The goal of Hardwire ArmorStone is to provide architects, designers and owners a new and much-needed solution that provides the required protection for critical facilities without compromising the building aesthetics, free access or the project's budget or schedule," said Rea. "Testing at various internal, third-party and military facilities has proven the solutions work well, and surveys from architects prove this approach to be both sound and desirable. Previously, these solutions have only been used for critical infrastructure protection projects due to the high level of protection it provides, and we're happy to finally be able to offer it more broadly."

Cold Spring Granite is the largest fully integrated quarrier, manufacturer and service provider of natural stone to the commercial building industry. Cold Spring Granite specializes in unique and complex dimensional stone applications for commercial interiors and exteriors, landscape, hardscape, paving and plaza features. Cold Spring Granite offers the greatest depth of on-staff services including field and inside sales personnel, drafting, project management, engineering, estimating and more.

About Hardwire, LLC
Hardwire, LLC (www.hardwirellc.com) produces proprietary and unique high-tensile steel reinforcements and unique valued-added products for a variety of advanced composite applications. Hardwire® products can be found in blast-resistant structures, automotive composites, infrastructure armor solutions, marine laminates, concrete repair retrofits and flooring, storm resistant structures, ballistic-resistant panels, reinforced piping, and many other applications. John H. Hammond at john.hammond@hardwirellc.com or 410-957-3669 or 443-235-1200 (mobile)