As it prepares for increased spending in the military industry and the launch of new products, a Hawkesbury defence and security manufacturer has added retired Maj.-Gen. David Fraser to its advisory board.
Tulmar designs, manufactures and distributes engineered protective textiles, survivability and safety solutions for the aerospace, defence and public security industries.
Fraser served as a major-general in Land Force Command and led more than 2,000 NATO coalition troops during Operation Medusa in the Afghan province of Kandahar in 2006. He is the co-author of a book outlining Operation Medusa and served over 31 years with the Canadian Forces. He was also the first Canadian general to lead American soldiers in combat since the Second World War.
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Tulmar CEO Patrick Tallon said the company was seeking someone like Fraser for the advisory board.
“We felt that we wanted a member of our advisory board to be someone who had served in uniform,” Tallon said. “David (Fraser) is more than a military leader, so we’re delighted. He will help us so much.”
When Fraser heard from a colleague about the opportunity at Tulmar, he said he immediately looked at the website to get an idea of what the company was all about.
“I saw they have these defence product lines and I went through all the stuff and it’s really, really important products and services they offer,” said Fraser. “They’re things I’ve used in the past that are absolutely necessary that we have in our military and other militaries around the world.
“But they’re also the private sector, giving great high-tech jobs, and it’s a local Canadian company. It all just appealed to me.”
Fraser said he was “honoured” to be chosen, but that it was ultimately the team at the manufacturing plant that “sold” the opportunity for him.
“It’s really all about the people, and they’re absolutely passionate and amazing people making sure that when we get on an airplane, the seatbelt works. If you have to slide from the plane into the water, the slide works. They’re products everyone needs.
“With my military experience, I can contribute to building another great Canadian security company and I just was honoured they would ask,” Fraser said. “We’re providing products and services that are so important and I think we’ll make a good team.”
Fraser’s contacts in both Canada and the U.S., as well as his knowledge of procurement cycles, will be invaluable for Tulmar, Tallon explained. His insight will also be instrumental in product development.
“As we create products, he will really be helping to protect the lives of the men and women in service,” said Tallon. “(Fraser) will not just help sell the products we have, but help develop products for the future.”
Most recently, Tulmar released a tactical lifejacket. Other products include inflatable shelter systems, the LifeRamp water and ice rescue system and aviation safety and security equipment.
Fraser joins Peter Andrews and Kevin Fitzgerald on the Tulmar advisory board. Andrews is a serial tech entrepreneur and executive, while Fitzgerald is a philanthropist and former CEO of MDS Aero.
