Smith & Wesson Security Solutions' Expeditionary Mobile Barrier (EMB™) Passes Certification Testing

SPRINGFIELD, Mass., May 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (Nasdaq Global Select: SWHC) - - Smith &Wesson Security Solutions, a leading turnkey provider of perimeter security solutions, today announced that the company has completed testing and has received certification of its Expeditionary Mobile Barrier (EMB™).

The EMB (http://www.smith-wessonsecuritysolutions.com/wp-content/gallery/emb/emb_gsn-opt2.jpg) is an innovative, mobile, automotive net barrier technology that provides effective security in a variety of settings. Applications include utilization at security check points by law enforcement and military personnel, as well as on or near roadways by departments of transportation and road construction companies seeking protection for workers.  The proprietary technology incorporated in the EMB system reduces the risk of injury to vehicle occupants while bringing the vehicle to a complete stop.  This unique, dual capability allows the EMB to simultaneously meet two safety standards:  The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Department of Transportation TL-3 vehicle barrier rating and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) PU-60 security barrier rating.  In tests, the EMB stopped a 2,425 lb. vehicle traveling 60 mph and a 5,070 lb. vehicle traveling 60 mph.

Testing of the EMB was held on the campus of the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) where Dr. Dean Alberson, Assistant Agency Director at TTI stated that, "the Smith & Wesson Security Solutions Expeditionary Mobile Barrier system was tested over two days at our facility with multiple successful arrestments of different size vehicles.  Results indicate the EMB satisfied the requirements for acceptance by the FHWA as a TL-3 rated barrier as well as the ASTM PU-60 rating for security barriers."  By meeting the TL-3 and PU-60 criteria, the EMB takes a unique place in the perimeter security and transportation industries by offering a crash-rated, reduced-risk mobile barrier that spans multiple lanes and demonstrates a rare combination of safety and security capabilities.  The certifications validate the EMB with industry performance standards.  Additional live occupant tests have been conducted as part of international efforts with the National State Police of Poland (Policja) resulting in multiple successful vehicle stops, no injuries, and minimal vehicle damage.  

The EMB system can be transported in a standard pick-up truck and can be set-up by two individuals in less than eight minutes with no tools.  It can be reset with minimal replacement parts and reused after an impact in less than five minutes, compared with alternative barriers that often require extensive repair before reuse.  With multiple anchor options available, the EMB can be set-up virtually anywhere a vehicle barrier is needed.  A wireless remote control option allows the EMB to be raised or lowered in less than two seconds.  The EMB is a cost-effective solution for organizations that need a completely portable, reduced-risk active vehicle barrier, which is why it has been purchased by military facilities such as Fort Sill, a United States Army Post near Lawton, Oklahoma.  Fort Sill wanted a portable barrier system that could be set up in 30 minutes or less at manned checked points with the added flexibility of quickly moving the barrier to another on-site location if necessary.

In 2009 the EMB won the first ever ASIS Accolades Award in the category of Most Transformational Product or Service.  The EMB is offered directly through Smith & Wesson Security Solutions or available on the GSA Schedule at https://www.gsaadvantage.gov. For more information on the EMB, please visit http://www.smith-wessonsecuritysolutions.com/products/mobile-barriers/emb.

About Smith & Wesson

Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ: SWHC) is a U.S.-based, global provider of products and services for safety, security, protection, and sport. The company designs and constructs facility perimeter security solutions for military and commercial applications, and delivers a broad portfolio of firearms and related training to the military, law enforcement, and sports markets. SWHC companies include Smith & Wesson Corp., the globally recognized manufacturer of quality firearms; Smith & Wesson Security Solutions, Inc., a full-service perimeter security integrator, barrier manufacturer and installer; and Thompson/Center Arms Company, Inc., a premier designer and manufacturer of premium hunting firearms. SWHC facilities are located in Massachusetts, Maine, and Tennessee. For more information on Smith & Wesson and its companies, call (800) 331-0852 or log on to www.smith-wesson.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

Certain statements contained in this press release may be deemed to be forward-looking statements under federal securities laws, and the company intends that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe-harbor created thereby.  Such forward-looking statements include those regarding the design, ease of use, effectiveness, performance, and applications of our EMB products.  The company cautions that these statements are qualified by important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected by such forward-looking statements.  Such factors include the ability of the company's EMB products to  achieve  their design, ease of use, performance, and application goals; market reaction to and acceptance of the company's EMB products; the introduction of products that compete with the company's EMB products; the state of the U.S. economy; general economic conditions and governmental and private sector spending levels and patterns; and other risks detailed from time to time in the company's reports filed with the SEC, including its Form 10-K Report for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2010.

Liz Sharp, VP Investor Relations
Smith & Wesson Holding Corp.
(413) 747-3304
[email protected]

SOURCE Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation