In 2016, GC signed a co-development agreement and work began to develop the first prototype of an impact resistant material which included materials characterisation for the optimal design of a ballistic and stab protective composite structure. This initial piece of work was conducted through a dedicated SME support Programme funded via European Regional Development Funds.

By early 2017, the first prototype of an impact resistant material was developed and CPI’s Principal Scientist, Steve Devine was seconded to GC to undertake another programme of work to model the enhanced properties and conduct a cycle of materials testing to achieve these properties.

By the end of 2017, a semi optimum structure had been achieved for stab-protection which complied with the predictive modelling and subsequently passed both the US National Institute of Justice Level II and UK Home Office PB1 Standards for ballistic protection, demonstrating that the GC Shield™ is capable of protecting against both knife and gun attacks.

Following the approval of the product against rigorous Industry standards, CPI has continued to support GC through the commercialisation phase of its product and will work closely with GC to help establish a new production facility in the North East.