UBC STAR teams up with PRE Labs to create custom-cut garments for the Canadian military.
Kelowna-based PRE Labs stays at the forefront of the high-performance body armour sector by collaborating to develop and apply leading-edge research and technology. CEO Brad Field has guided the design of hundreds of patented products during his 30-year career and understands the need for made in Canada solutions derived from a team-based approach.
“Armour innovation is more than just new product creation,” says Field. “It requires an understanding of changing customer needs, new materials that can meet those needs, and new manufacturing and testing processes that increase performance. Partnering with UBC STAR was a natural step for PRE Labs, bringing access to leading-edge researchers and state of the art testing capabilities.”
With UBC STAR’s support, PRE Labs won a Built in Canada Innovation contract, alongside a Defence Research and Development Canada contract to develop a modular armour system. The system requires significant testing, which PRE Labs previously conducted at a facility in the eastern United States.
Now, the majority of PRE Labs testing is conducted in the Central Okanagan at UBC STAR’s Impact Research Facility (SIRF), where ballistic and blast performance of armour can be comprehensively evaluated. Field explains, “The proximity of SIRF not only cut down on shipping costs and time, it allowed for a more rapid assessment of data and ultimately led to an improved product.”
PRE Labs is also working with UBC researchers to develop clothing that senses and protects against chemical and biological hazards and is part of a UBC-led innovation network supported by the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security program.
“UBC STAR made a huge difference to our business – enabling us to collaborate with a whole network of defence partners and researchers really elevated our products.”
– BRAD FIELD, PRE LABS CEO
Field is optimistic that this R&D-intensive path is good for people and good for company growth. “We’re protecting first responders working to respond to natural disaster, military personnel, and people doing dangerous jobs in remote locations,” says Field. “It’s very rewarding, and we see great potential for Canadian companies to be significant global players.”