Business
Re: US JSGPM program
Re: US JSGPM program.
About this update from Avon Technologies Plc
[{"type":"text","content":"\n Avon Rubber PLC\n05 October 2007\n\n\nStrictly embargoed until Friday, 5 October 2007\n\n Avon Rubber p.l.c.\n ('Avon' or 'the Group')\n\n Full rate production decision on M50 Mask for US JSGPM program\n\n\nThe Joint Program Executive Officer for Chemical and Biological Defence, has\napproved the Joint Service General Purpose Mask ('JSGPM') Program for entry into\nthe Full Rate Production Phase of Systems Acquisition. The collaboration between\nAvon and the Joint Project Manager for Individual Protection has resulted in\nthis significant milestone which will allow Avon's Cadillac, Michigan plant to\nramp up to full rate production to support fielding of this product to the U.S.\nArmed Forces. This milestone allows the U.S. Government to exercise the full\nrate production portion of its contract with Avon and commence full rate\nproduction and fielding. The first multi year order is planned at a rate of\n100,000 masks per annum for an initial contract period of five years with\nadditional orders for both masks and spares to follow. It is anticipated that\norders in the first year will exceed $40 million.\n\nThe development of the M50 Mask by Avon has resulted in the world's most\nadvanced respiratory protection mask, offering huge improvements in comfort,\nusability and operational effectiveness, as well as protection. It will replace\nthe M40 mask which has been in service with the US military for more than 15\nyears.\n\nThe JSGPM program is likely to become the largest respiratory protection\ncontract and will equip all five US armed forces. Avon has managed the complex\nand technologically demanding development of the M50 to meet the JSGPM\nrequirement since being awarded the original contract in 2000.\n\nThe M50 and its extensive range of associated products including the unique\nconformal filters and advanced visor, will be manufactured at Avon's state of\nthe art production facility in Cadillac, Michigan.\n\nCommenting on the full rate production of the M50, Terry Stead, Chief Executive\nof Avon Rubber p.l.c., said: 'This is a wonderful day for Avon and puts us on\ntrack to become the largest supplier of military CBRN respirators. It is the\nresult of over seven years of dedicated effort working with the US Department of\nDefense and we are very proud of this achievement.'\n\n - Ends -\n\nFor further enquiries, please co...