Whiltshire, England/EWORLDWIRE/July 6, 2005 --- Avon Rubber p.l.c., located at Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, England, today announced the acquisition of International Safety Instruments, Inc. which is based in Lawrenceville, Ga.The acquisition is a key element of Avon's growth strategy for its new Protection Division, Avon Protection Systems (APS). APS was conceived to address the respiratory protection needs of first responders globally by building on Avon's long track record of excellence in the design and manufacture of NBC respirators. Fire-fighters, military responders, law enforcement officers and emergency medical personnel increasingly require flexible protective capabilities from their equipment. ISI brings to the Group long experience and a reputation for innovation in complementary respiratory products, such as the CBRN-approved Viking, which are noted for their comfort and ease of use, meeting the latest standards and offering advantages to professional users worldwide.
As a new addition to Avon's Protection division, ISI will continue to meet its customers' needs in the demanding fire-fighting and law enforcement markets, retaining its focus on delivering user friendly solutions to breathing apparatus and thermal imaging camera users. Together, Avon Protection and ISI will also develop integrated solutions addressing the current and future needs of these and other customer groups.
"Avon's unparalleled face-piece design capability, materials development experience, and filtration technologies, together with ISI's pneumatics, head-up display, telemetry and communications integration achievements, allow a range of powerful development opportunities. Together we will enhance our protection services to our existing customers while at the same time offering the potential of truly innovative solutions to current and future first responders and military users globally," said Jonty Palmer, Avon Protection Systems' Managing Director.
For more information on ISI's unique range of self-contained, airline and escape breathing apparatus products, as well as the latest in thermal imaging cameras, visit www.intsafety.com
Avon manufactures the world leading FM12 CBRN air purifying respirator, and will shortly commence manufacture of the new Joint Service General Purpose Mask for entry into service with all four U.S. Armed Services in 2006.
About Avon
Avon Rubber p.l.c. is an international manufacturer of high technology rubber products for a variety of markets. Headquartered in the United Kingdom, Avon Rubber has three divisions - Avon Automotive, Avon Technical Products and Avon Protection.
The Group employs 4,300 people worldwide and last year's sales exceeded $382 million.
For more information about Avon, visit website www.avon-rubber.com.
For more information about ISI, visit www.intsafety.com
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