BAE Systems, which owns three armored vest production factories in Phoenix, Arizona, was fined $1.2 million by the Maricopa County Air Quality Department for the release of toluene, a glue solvent, into the air and for other violations. The violations occurred between 2004-2006, when the factories were owned by Simula, Inc., a subsidiary of Armor Holdings, Inc. Armor Holdings was acquired by BAE Systems in July 2007. A spokesperson for BAE Systems told the local press the company became aware of Simula’s violations when it conducted an emissions audit of the factories a few months before the acquisition.