FAMILY LEGACY

1970

The heritage of our company goes back to the 1970’s, when Dr. David Fernandez (our founder Dave’s father), developed his own uni-directional fiber composite which would go on to change body armor forever.

 

David Fernandez, PhD, had degrees in Physics and Composite Materials, was a prolific inventor and material scientist. He worked with NASA, JPL and Aerojet and became one of the world’s leading experts on ballistic materials, developing armor for the gunners on the black hawk helicopter. He also pioneered advanced composites for sports, including graphite shaft and composite golf club heads and tennis rackets.

1982

Dave Fernandez is born into a family of values and purpose. He grows up seeing his father using science to solve problems, save lives and provide for his family.

1987

David Sr. develops the lightest weight Helicopter Floor Armor for the Royal Austrialian Air Force.

1989

Was contracted to develop lightweight composite structures for the Space Station Program.

1997

Founded Armacel, a defense product company focused on innovation in material science. David Sr. and his wife Asia, whom worked by his side, executed on on a vision to bring forth lighter weight armor systems to Law Enforcement and the U.S. Department of Defense to save the lives of American war-fighters.

1997 - 2001

Dave begins working with his father and starts to learn material science 1st hand. Dave’s father teaches his wife and son the recipes and processes to make the uniquely strong armor.

 

MAY 5, 2001

MAY 5, 2001 Dave’s Father Passes Away – Asia takes over the family business.

2004

Armacel secures an army contract for the first large military purchase of light-weight hard body-armor plates.

2005

Dave starts working full-time while getting a degree at Pepperdine University, helping to expand the business and driving product innovation. WIthin a few years he would graduate and turn his full attention to the family business.

2008 - 2009

Armacel is awarded a contract with the Navy followed by two massive U.S Army contracts – saving the U.S. taxpayer millions of dollars and more importantly, many soldier’s lives.

2010

Dave and his mom decide to sell a majority of Armacel to help fuel the growth of the business.

2012

New Armacel management decides to focus attention on other businesses. Armacel closes operation. Dave leaves the company and decides to pursue his vision for the Defense Industry.

ENGENSE & DFNDR

2013

OCTOBER 7

Engense is officially launched, focused on developing lighter weight body armor for the military. The goal – to become the leading, science-backed, premium defensive armor company in the U.S.

2016

JANUARY

Engense expands to help outside of military, including Police, 1st Responders, private security and average citizens that want to protect their families. This was the launch of the DFNDR brand.

 

FEBRUARY

The Level III+ Armor Plate is brought to market and made available direct to consumers.

 

APRIL

DFNDR launches its first Level IIIA Armor Plate and Backpack Armor Plate making the lightest armor in the world available to the masses.

 

MAY

First DFNDR / U.S. Army R&D contract to manufacture lighter weight armor.

 

NOVEMBER

The launch of Level III Armor further rounding the DFNDR ballistic protection portfolio.

2017

FEBRUARY

Secured a military research contract to further explore innovation in ballistic material science.

 

MAY

DFNDR launches a line of concealable carriers to round out its defense system.

 

SEPTEMBER

Level III++ Armor is created at half the weight of traditional armor alongside the lightest NIJ certified Level IV Rifle Armor Plates in the world.

 

OCTOBER

A second U.S. Army R&D contract.

NOVEMBER

Following up in quick succession, DFNDR debuts the QRC (Quick Release Carrier) System.

2018

JULY

DFNDR receives Pacific Coast Business Times Spirit of Small Business

 

DECEMBER

DFNDR wins award to produce the lightest Army hard-armor system to date.

PRESENT DAY

The team at DFNDR is busy researching, designing and testing even lighter weight and more impact resistant armor to bring to market. The Engense & DFNDR crews are working diligently as “soldiers in the lab” to save the lives of those who defend our values, our freedoms and the ones we love most – our families!