PHILIPPI -- Back in West Virginia after several years away, Blackheart International LLC of Philippi is preparing to begin manufacturing and to hire many people to do it.

Founded in 1999 in Weston, BHI supplies tactical gear to law enforcement, government entities and independent security companies. That means all things soldier -- clothing and helmets, weapons accessories, emergency medical supplies.

The idea for the company came about when majority partner Erik Lawrence served in the Special Forces. He realized his division had to go to a number of suppliers for gear, according to partner Mark Kessler, and saw a niche for a consolidated supplier.

BHI offers that one-stop shop, streamlining purchasing from more than 150 manufacturers for the federal government and other markets.

But BHI's real service lies in its field testing. Of the four partners, three are former Special Forces and still are active from time to time as independent security contractors overseas. They field test every product.

"We don't sell just anything," Kessler said. "We know exactly what it does and doesn't do."

BHI moved to northwestern Pennsylvania for several years for family reasons. But as the company expanded and diversified, the partners realized they needed a big, multi-purpose building. They found it in the former Myers Hospital in Philippi, and moved in in January.

The move will help Barbour County. As a federally designate HUBZone -- Historically Underutilized Business Zone -- company, BHI will employ residents of the county for at least 35 percent of its work force. Kessler said they are looking to keep that number closer to 65 percent.

The company employs 12, and Kessler hopes to have 50 employees by year-end, with new hires coming in all areas -- shipping and receiving, customer service and grounds maintenance.

And some will be in the machine shop. After testing and selling other manufacturers' products for six years, the partners have a sketchbook of ideas for improvements, Kessler said -- everything from rail systems that hold weapons accessories to scopes and lasers.

The company also has hired a gunsmith who will be looking for used machining equipment.

BHI conducts related activities through two affiliated companies: Mid-Atlantic Training Resources (MATR) and Vigilant Security Services (VSS).

MATR provides training in all aspects of security and law enforcement for clients nationwide. But as a West Virginia-certified law enforcement training facility, MATR offers particular value here at home.

Every West Virginia law enforcement officer needs 16 hours of in-service training yearly to maintain his or her law enforcement certification, Kessler said. MATR provides that training. As part of its commitment to the state, the company offers discounted rates for all West Virginia law enforcement agencies.

Arch Nissel, director of training, has 25 years of experience with the West Virginia State Police as well as 25 years of experience in Special Forces, Kessler said.

MATR distinguishes itself through its facility. Most training facilities, Kessler said, are simply warehouses outfitted for training -- floors are level, doors all work the same way. But "this building is like a maze," Kessler said.

"It's five floors, they're all set up uniquely, it's unlevel in places and just really poses a realistic training for what somebody may be encountering in an urban or overseas environment," he said.

The partners have set aside the top three floors of the 28,000-square-foot building for training.

Expanding quickly, MATR also has identified sites where it soon will establish a National Rifle Association-certified shooting range and a driving school.

The second affiliate, VSS, provides executive and property security services overseas through independent contractors. VSS manages about 12 security contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan at any one time, Kessler said.