News Release

Du Pont de Nemours International S.A. Advanced Fibre Systems P.O. Box 50 CH-1218 Le Grand-Saconnex Geneva, Switzerland www.kevlar.com www.dupont.com/nomex

New generation bullet resistant vest in KEVLAR promise greater protection for French Gendarmes
DuPont and specialist protective equipment manufacturer Comoditex* have perfected a new generation of bullet resistant vests in KEVLAR brand fibre for the French Gendarmes. An innovative technical solution The prime advantage of the solution developed by DuPont and Comoditex rests in the level of protection and in the quality of comfort achieved. An innovative combination of two types of KEVLAR fibre gives the new vest immense ballistic resistance, while a new flexible, lightweight structure makes it more relaxing to wear. The weight of the vest now ranges from a mere 1.4 to 2.5 kg, depending on the size. A systematic research programme has led to the optimisation of the garments already considerable wearability with more supple armholes and a shorter-waisted body length - and there are eight different sizes available. Above all, the new-generation bullet resistant vest provides significantly greater freedom of movement and is compatible with a wide range of different physiques. Furthermore, the fabrics used for the vest's inner and outer shells have been carefully selected to provide optimum comfort. An example of this being the highly permeable lining material which lets the body breathe and controls moisture. The result is that the wearer of this new concealable vest will be comfortable in most conceivable operational circumstances including on-foot and vehicular patrol duties, with excellent freedom to move about and take action.

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Meeting the protection requirements of the gendarmes The Gendarmeries requirement for a new ballistic apparel system partly stems from the inadequacy of many of the previous offerings, which are often overly heavy and provide insufficient protection. However, another significant reason relates to a planned significant increase in the number of officers. The number of new recruits is expected to double to a total of 4000 this year with a high proportion of these being women. These are amongst the factors that have led the French Defense Ministry to review its personal protection strategy and boost its budget for protection equipment from 6 million francs to around 200 million francs (30.5 million Euros). This first consignment of 57,000 vests out of a total of 140,000 planned have already been delivered and are being distributed to gendarmes in the field and to members of the anti-riot police in high-risk areas such as inner city areas, the Atlantic Pyrenees region, and Corsica. "Within two years, the entire gendarmerie force, including reservists, will be equipped with the bullet resistant vests developed by DuPont and Comoditex, says Colonel L. HENRY, head of the Procurement Department at the French Gendarmerie. Effective personal protection equipment is crucial for high-risk professions "The new vest from DuPont and Comoditex provides maximum protection, in particular at the seams, waist, and sides. Its good body cover, excellent technical performance and favourable ergo-engineering characteristics mean that our gendarmes are getting a first rate protective system. Other French administrative departments have already acknowledged these qualities and negotiations are currently underway for several thousand customs officers to be equipped with the new vests.

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During 2002, DuPont (www.dupont.com) is celebrating its 200th year of scientific achievement and innovation providing products and services that improve the lives of people everywhere. Based in Wilmington, Del., DuPont delivers science-based solutions for markets that make a difference in peoples lives in food and nutrition; health care; apparel; home and construction; electronics; and transportation. *Comoditex is a subsidiary of the Bacou-Dalloz Group, France.

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30/07/02 Ref. AFS 2171

Contact :

Simone HUGUET Press Office DuPont Advanced Fibre Systems Tl : +41 22 717 58 20 Fax : +41 22 717 60 21 simone.huguet@che.dupont.com

DuPont and KEVLAR are trademarks or registered trademarks of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company

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DuPont KEVLAR Picture selection

Please e-mail your choice to simone.huguet@che.dupont.com indicating the reference numbers of the pictures you wish to receive to illustrate your article.

Ref. 2171 1
New generation bullet resistant vest in KEVLAR.
(Photo Rights : SIRPA Gendarmerie, France)

Ref. 2171 2
A French Gendarme equipped with the new generation bullet resistant vest in KEVLAR.
(Photo Rights: SIRPA Gendarmerie, France)

Note to the editor: The use of the images (photos, slides, transparencies, etc.) granted by DuPont is authorised only in connection with the editorial material supplied by DuPont itself and cannot be used to illustrate material related to products and/or services given by companies other than DuPont.

30/07/02 Ref. AFS 2171

DuPont and KEVLAR are trademarks or registered trademarks of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company