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DuPont recently opened its latest ballistics testing facility at the DuPont Knowledge Center in Hyderabad, India. The state-of-the-art facility houses a ballistic testing range, a 600-ton helmet press and stab testing equipment. It is the fifth DuPont site for testing protection materials in ballistic applications. Others are located in Richmond, Va.; Meyrin, Switzerland; Paulina, Brazil and Wilmington, Del.

"With applications testing facilities located close to our global customers, we can better collaborate on innovations that help keep people safe and better protect the environment, structures and critical processes," said Tom Powell, president of DuPont Protection Technologies (DPT). "As the brand leader in protection, DuPont is committed to using its science expertise to develop a broader portfolio of DuPont™ Kevlar® materials and solutions that address local needs."

"Indian defense and internal security forces have unique and challenging ballistics protection requirements," said Vivek Sharma, business leader — India, DPT. "This new DuPont Ballistics Facility in India will enable us to collaborate with our local customers and end-users and jointly develop appropriate ballistics solutions that will meet the requirements of those who protect us."

"As we develop next-generation materials, foster innovation and forge new research partnerships, DuPont is dedicated to shaping the future of protective technologies," said Yati Waghray, technology leader at the DuPont Knowledge Center. "The DuPont Ballistics Facility will help develop solutions and applications for protective vests and helmets using DuPont™ Kevlar® that can be tested under local conditions and against local ammunition using international standards."

"These (DuPont's) testing procedures allow us in the decision making and clear the ambiguity in the process," said Mr. Neeraj Gupta, MD MKU Pvt. Ltd. "DuPont, with this facility, as a neutral entity and with its expertise, should collaborate and share insights with the Government testing agencies. This will ensure we increase our business with them."