First Choice gets financing from Sovereign

Sovereign Bank said today it is providing financing to First Choice Armor & Equipment Inc. so the Brockton company can make body armor for US military personnel as part of a $38 million contract with the Department of Defense.

With about 100 employees, First Choice specializes in providing comfortable, lightweight armor for law enforcement agencies and the security industry; it was recently awarded a contract by the Department of Defense to provide protective gear for military combat.

"The product we create saves lives," First Choice president Karen Herman said in a statement.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)