About CSSI
Providing Advanced Fire and Ballistic Protection for Real-World Demands
Founded in 2001 by Dr. Clem Hiel and Hilde Hiel, CSSI has pioneered the development of cutting-edge composite wall systems designed for durability, versatility, and superior performance across diverse environments.
Dr. Clem Hiel has a distinguished career in composite materials, including over 12 years at NASA-Ames Research Center, where he served as a Principal Investigator in the composite materials research program.
In 2008, CSSI was honored with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Charles Pankow Award for Innovation for our Lightweight Modular Composite Firewall Systems.
Our U.S. facility provides end-to-end capabilities—from engineering and design to manufacturing and testing—supported by sales and installation services.
Today, CSSI continues to push boundaries in asset protection by developing both standard and custom-engineered composite solutions. Our collaborative approach with customers, technical expertise, and commitment to innovation make us a trusted partner in delivering high-performance composite technologies.
CSSI is certified as a Women Business Enterprise (WBE).
Company Background
Where is CSSI located and where do you manufacture?
CSSI is headquartered in Irwindale, California. All products are designed and manufactured at our U.S. facility, which provides end-to-end capabilities from engineering and design through manufacturing, testing, and installation support.
Capabilities & Approach
What capabilities does CSSI handle in-house?
CSSI provides full in-house capabilities across the project lifecycle, including:
- Engineering and design
- Custom manufacturing
- Testing and quality assurance
- Sales support
- Installation guidance and coordination
Does CSSI work on custom projects or only standard products?
Custom engineering is core to CSSI’s business. While we have proven standard wall systems, virtually every project involves some degree of customization — from dimensions and panel configurations to seismic engineering and site-specific structural requirements. We work collaboratively with clients and their engineering teams to deliver the right solution for each application.
Does CSSI provide engineering documentation?
Yes. CSSI provides engineering and foundation design as part of the project package, including stamped drawings and engineering calculations. Our in-house engineers are licensed to stamp drawings in California and Arizona. For projects in the other 48 states and many locations in Canada, we partner with a licensed third-party engineering firm to verify and stamp our calculations and drawings. If your organization prefers to use its own engineers for foundation design, CSSI can provide the load reports needed to support that work.
How can I get in touch with CSSI?
You can reach us by:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (310) 514-3162
- Website contact form: cssiepi.com/contact
- Book a meeting directly at cssiepi.com
We’re happy to discuss your project, provide budgetary estimates, or connect you with our engineering and commercial team.
