Latest news with #ShapiraBrothers
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
XTEND Reality Inc. Debuts New U.S. Headquarters and Drone Production Facility in Tampa, Driving Innovation and National Security
New facility strengthens America's domestic drone production capacity while bringing high-tech jobs and investment to Florida TAMPA, Fla., July 1, 2025 /CNW/ -- XTEND Reality Inc. (XTEND), a global leader in human-guided autonomous drone systems, officially debuted its new U.S. headquarters and production facility today in Tampa, Florida. The ribbon-cutting event brought together federal, state and local leaders, as well as military personnel, to celebrate a major milestone in advancing American drone capabilities and bolstering regional economic development. The new facility will manufacture and integrate XTEND's advanced drone systems to support critical U.S. defense missions. The opening comes as federal leaders intensify their push for domestically produced drone technologies that reduce foreign reliance and strengthen national security. "We are not just building drones, we are building capabilities, resilience and trust," said XTEND Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder Aviv Shapira. "This facility marks a new chapter for XTEND in the United States and reflects our commitment to delivering the most advanced, mission-ready systems to our customers. We're proud to establish our U.S. headquarters in Tampa and grateful for the strong support from local, state and federal partners as we continue to scale our operations." XTEND was founded in 2018 by brothers Aviv and Matteo Shapira in partnership with Rubi Liani. Prior to establishing XTEND, the Shapira brothers co-founded Replay Technologies, which was acquired by Intel in 2016 for $175 million. "Our systems are designed to give operators unprecedented control, safety and performance in the most demanding environments," said XTEND CTO and Co-Founder Rubi Liani. "This new facility enables us to bring advanced engineering and innovation directly to the U.S. market, allowing for rapid integration, customization and deployment. It's a critical step in our mission to redefine human-machine collaboration in defense and national security." "Establishing a U.S. headquarters and production facility is more than just a business expansion, it's a commitment to building enduring partnerships that strengthen America's defense innovation ecosystem," said XTEND Vice President and U.S. General Manager Roy Levy. "This facility is not just about delivering cutting-edge systems, it's about ensuring speed, reliability and integration at the pace of mission demand. XTEND is here to deliver solutions that work when it matters most." "This milestone represents the realization of XTEND's vision to bring our groundbreaking technologies closer to the U.S. defense ecosystem," said Dr. Peter Kash, XTEND Chairman of the Board. "With this facility, we're laying the foundation for sustained growth, high-tech job creation and meaningful contributions to America's security and industrial capabilities. I'm incredibly proud of the team that made this moment possible, amplifying the connectivity of Florida and the future of AI and Robotics." XTEND's U.S. facility represents a major step in expanding U.S.-based production capacity and supporting the growing demand for advanced drone systems across the defense and public safety sectors. While focused on delivering Group 1 drones under contract for the U.S. Department of Defense, manufacturing will eventually expand to other critical drone components such as communication modules, motors and controllers to serve the country's broader drone industry. The site is expected to generate dozens of new jobs over the coming years and further Florida's role as a hub for aerospace and defense systems manufacturing. About XTEND Reality Reality Inc. is a pioneering defense technology company specializing in AI-assisted, human-guided drone systems designed to transform tactical operations across defense, public safety, and private security sectors. Our mission is to enhance remote operators' combat impact with cost-effective, AI-assisted tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). At the core of our innovation is the patented XTEND Operating System (XOS), which seamlessly integrates human decision-making with machine autonomy. This platform empowers operators to conduct complex missions remotely with ease, controlling teams of multi-mission robots and enabling autonomous sub-tasks while retaining high-level decision-making in human hands. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel, XTEND has expanded its operations to the United States, with a significant presence in Florida. Our team comprises experts in aeronautics, flight algorithms, mechanical design, system architecture, UX/UI, and operations & integration, all dedicated to pioneering advancements in human-machine teaming. XTEND's systems are battle-proven and operationally deployed worldwide, continuously evolving to meet the demands of modern warfare and public safety operations. By fusing cutting-edge technology with human intuition, XTEND is committed to delivering the future of tactical UAS control, ensuring mission success and operator safety. Photo - - - - - - View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE XTEND View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Forbes
11-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Bourbon Powerhouse Heaven Hill Dominates 2025 San Fransisco World Spirits Comp
Wooden bourbon barrels stacked up and aging in a rickhouse in Kentucky In the ever-evolving world of American whiskey, there's no shortage of distilleries touting heritage and craftsmanship. But accolades speak louder than marketing. Heaven Hill Distillery just proved that again in a big way, being named the most-awarded U.S. distillery at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Their haul: 12 golds, 10 double golds, one platinum, and five Best of Class finalists. It's more than a headline—it's a declaration. One that reminds the industry this family-owned powerhouse isn't just preserving bourbon's past; it's helping chart its future. That platinum distinction, awarded to Elijah Craig, 18-Year-Old Bourbon, for earning a Double Gold three years in a row, represents more than consistency—it signals legacy-level excellence. Platinum Medal winner Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old SIngle Barrel Bourbon. That future is rooted in nearly 90 years of history. Founded in 1935, just after Prohibition's repeal, the Shapira brothers had no brands, no aging stocks, and little hands-on whiskey experience. But what they did have was a vision—and the foresight to partner with none other than Joseph L. Beam, a member of the iconic Beam whiskey family. That decision set the tone for what Heaven Hill has become: America's largest independent, family-owned whiskey company, still stewarded by the Shapira family today. That continuity—rare in the modern spirits world—has enabled a long-term view, one that privileges quality over quick wins and builds credibility one barrel at a time. But success hasn't come easy. On November 7, 1996, disaster struck. A massive fire tore through their Bardstown facilities, leveling the distillery and destroying nearly 90,000 barrels of bourbon—a loss of almost 8 million gallons. Flames shot skyward. Barrels exploded. Local witnesses recall a literal river of fire. It could have spelled the end. But Heaven Hill didn't fold. They improvised, bottling whiskey distilled elsewhere, and soon acquired the historic Bernheim Distillery in Louisville. That decision not only ensured survival—it laid the groundwork for a new era of expansion and innovation. Today, Heaven Hill's core remains bourbon, but its footprint is deep and wide. Elijah Craig, Evan Williams, Old Fitzgerald, Henry McKenna, Rittenhouse Rye, and their eponymous Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond are among the most recognizable names on shelves. Their newer Grain to Glass series—crafted from grains sourced within 50 miles of Bardstown—is a nod to transparency and a celebration of local terroir. It's a move that connects discerning drinkers with Kentucky's soil, water, and climate—the very essence of bourbon. And while many producers fixate on product, Heaven Hill understands the importance of experience. Their Bardstown-based Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, first opened in 2004, is a premier destination for bourbon tourism. It educates and immerses guests in the heritage of whiskey while helping to cement Bardstown's claim as the bourbon capital of the world. And now, with the opening of their new Heaven Hill Springs Distillery, they've returned to full-time distillation in Bardstown for the first time since the fire—completing a full-circle moment nearly three decades in the making. The Heaven Hill Springs Distillery. Heaven Hill isn't just making great whiskey; they're shepherding a legacy. Their involvement in the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, their ongoing commitment to Bottled-in-Bond offerings, and their investment in both heritage and innovation all underscore a simple truth: this distillery doesn't just represent where American whiskey has been. It shows where it's going. So yes, those 28 medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition matter. But what they really signify is something deeper: the enduring strength of independence, the value of generational vision, and the staying power of doing things the right way—even when it's hard. Heaven Hill's not chasing trends. They're building a dynasty. One barrel, one bottle, one bold move at a time. "These awards are a true reflection of the craft, innovation, and legacy that define Heaven Hill Brands," said Kate Latts, Co-President and third-generation family member. "To be recognized again as the 'Most Awarded U.S. Distillery' is not just an honor, it's a validation of our commitment to making spirits that resonate with consumers and connoisseurs alike." Follow here for the most up to date information about the ever changing beer, wine, and spirits industry.
