Introduction
VestGuard UK is the world’s leading body armour manufacturer. Based in the UK, the factory can produce over 4,000 pieces of armour and 8,000 Hard Armour Plates per week to meet the requirements of our customers
Behind the Scenes
Raw materials
In the pursuit of dedication, VestGuard sources only the best raw materials from world renowned manufacturers, bringing all components to the factory where they are used in the production of high quality, world renowned products.
To ensure the raw materials are to the top levels expected by VestGuard, and eventually its customers, each and every supplier undergoes a conformity visit from a member of our team. The company is looked at from sourcing of base materials,the manufacturing processes, and the quality controls in place throughout to make certain only the best materials are supplied.
The factory
VGUK has made significant productivity improvements in recent years which have given us the ability to process up to 4,000 full sets of armour panels, 10,000 outer carriers, and 8,000 hard armour plates, per week.
The factory is a state of the art facility based in the north of the United Kingdom.
VestGuard moved here in 2005, and has grown in size ever since to occupy a 12,500 sq foot plant increasing the productivity and efficiency of our operation.
Manufacturing
VestGuard has historically manufactured faster and to a higher quality than our competition to meet the deadlines of our customers.
We tailor our business around your needs and meet your requirements.
Outer covers
All outer carriers and panel covers are produced using our UK production sites. VestGuard has manufactured textile products in the UK since 1937 and continues to offer the same level of quality in the outer garments as it always has.
Soft and Hard Armour Panels
All armour panels are made in the UK. VestGuard has made significant productivity improvements in recent years which have given VestGuard the ability to process up to 8,000 full sets of armour panels per week.
Product testing
As a company certified to the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) standards, VestGuard must continue to ensure it meets the criteria and protection levels set out in the standards. With regular product testing both in-house and independent, validates our conformity and strengthens customer confidence in the products we supply.
VestGuard is the only UK manufacturer certified to the National Institute of Justice to level IV (4)
Research and Development
Continual research into new innovative resources and methodology quantifies VestGuard leading the body armour industry. Combining research and logic VestGuard keep on improving their range of products maintaining a realistic grasp on price, worth, and product weight.
Patented Technology
Through constant feedback and research into the needs of our customers, VestGuard has patented an anti blunt trauma system that is unique to our body armour. Incorporated into every set the pioneering design provides up to 60% safer results than the tested NIJ standards, with no obvious difference in weight or thickness.
The VestGuard Product
Everything that we do behind the scenes is done to make sure the customer receives the best possible product on the market.
Manufacturers Guarantee
Every vest manufactured by VestGuard UK includes a free five year guarantee, signifying our confidence beyond most of our competition that the body armour we supply will continue to last and maintain the levels of protection.
VestGuard has £5 million specific body armour insurance, a very important document showing our pride on having everything right. We should never need this as our body armour undergoes rigorous quality procedures.
Ballistic components
All body armour is heat sealed for extra protection against moisture and water, and improves the life of the armour.
Outer Covers
The VestGuard outer covers are designed to endure extreme use and weather conditions. Manufactured using the highest quality materials, each cover must comply with the high grade performance requirements.
Availability
VestGuard is different to other companies. As both a manufacturer and seller of body armour 90% of standard designs and sizes are held in stock for immediate operational requirements, and can be arranged for same or next day deliveries to coincide with customer schedules.
The VestGuard Service
Delivery
VestGuard has an extensive network of shipping agents that handle shipping throughout the world to any destination. Providing options for both high and low end budgets, to meet
any time frame required, and port or door to door services,
there is a service to suit every customer.
We have a dedicated team at VestGuard who are experienced with the logistics of the shipping and the documentation required.
For UK customers, VestGuard uses Royal Mail and FedEx as their primary services. Offering standard mail or courier mail to any destination within the UK and Northern Ireland, there is a service that will suit the requirements of each individual.
A same day dedicated courier service is also available for urgent requirements delivering to any location within the UK. These services are highly efficient and can be booked at a moments notice.
For international VestGuard offer a range of both air and sea freight services taking from just one day to deliver the goods.
After sales
VestGuard is committed to offering more than the average service to its customers. Presenting a full range of after sales services which include in-country training, after sales technical support, on-going product maintenance schedules, repairs and replacements, these services continue to benefit customers long after the sale.
Recycling
Body armour
When it comes to body armour, the safest and most responsible methods of disposal are recycling or decommissioningVestGuard UK works in partnership with the largest manufacturers of ballistic fibres and leading research institutes to develop efficient and cost effective methods for the recycling and disposal of body armour.
As a result of combined efforts, VestGuard now offers a ballistic disposal and recycling program tailored for police departments, government and military agencies throughout the UK. Each of our customers individual requirements are considered on a case by case basis.
A commitment to the environment and considered ethical policy guarantee that VestGuard continues to develop cost effective and low impact methods of recycling obsolete body armour into non-ballistic industrial applications such as brake pads, car tyres and re-enforced concrete.
Daily practices
VestGuard is passionate about reducing its impact on the environment. As a company a number of procedures have been implemented including the reuse of boxes, paper, and other daily supplies ensuring a reduced amount of waste leaves our site. Procedures to reduce waste are on going, including policy to cut paper use by forwarding documents to customers via email.
The product
VestGuard works closely with raw material suppliers to ensure the company’s impact on the environment is absolute throughout the entire supply chain.
The VestGuard manufacturing facilities are state of the art and environmentally friendly as possible. A commitment to reducing waste has lead to designs being modified so pattern cutting produces the least amount of waste possible. In most patterns, a 0% waste count has been calculated. Any waste is reused or recycled.