Avon Rubber PLC
05 October 2007
Strictly embargoed until Friday, 5 October 2007
Avon Rubber p.l.c.
('Avon' or 'the Group')
Full rate production decision on M50 Mask for US JSGPM program
The Joint Program Executive Officer for Chemical and Biological Defence, has
approved the Joint Service General Purpose Mask ('JSGPM') Program for entry into
the Full Rate Production Phase of Systems Acquisition. The collaboration between
Avon and the Joint Project Manager for Individual Protection has resulted in
this significant milestone which will allow Avon's Cadillac, Michigan plant to
ramp up to full rate production to support fielding of this product to the U.S.
Armed Forces. This milestone allows the U.S. Government to exercise the full
rate production portion of its contract with Avon and commence full rate
production and fielding. The first multi year order is planned at a rate of
100,000 masks per annum for an initial contract period of five years with
additional orders for both masks and spares to follow. It is anticipated that
orders in the first year will exceed $40 million.
The development of the M50 Mask by Avon has resulted in the world's most
advanced respiratory protection mask, offering huge improvements in comfort,
usability and operational effectiveness, as well as protection. It will replace
the M40 mask which has been in service with the US military for more than 15
years.
The JSGPM program is likely to become the largest respiratory protection
contract and will equip all five US armed forces. Avon has managed the complex
and technologically demanding development of the M50 to meet the JSGPM
requirement since being awarded the original contract in 2000.
The M50 and its extensive range of associated products including the unique
conformal filters and advanced visor, will be manufactured at Avon's state of
the art production facility in Cadillac, Michigan.
Commenting on the full rate production of the M50, Terry Stead, Chief Executive
of Avon Rubber p.l.c., said: 'This is a wonderful day for Avon and puts us on
track to become the largest supplier of military CBRN respirators. It is the
result of over seven years of dedicated effort working with the US Department of
Defense and we are very proud of this achievement.'
- Ends -
For further enquiries, please contact:
Avon Rubber p.l.c. 01225 896831
Terry Stead, Chief Executive 01225 896871
Fiona Stewart (Local/Trade Press)
Weber Shandwick Financial
Richard Hews / Rachel Martin / Hannah Marwood 020 7067 0700
NOTES TO EDITORS: Avon Rubber p.l.c. is an international polymer engineering
group adding value through material, manufacturing and industry sector
expertise. The Group is currently capitalised at approximately £45 million. Avon
supplies a range of advanced CBRN respiratory protection solutions through Avon
Protection Systems Inc. to the world's military and police forces, as well as
first responders and emergency services. Avon Rubber p.l.c. owns Avon-ISI, which
designs, develops and manufactures a range of self-contained breathing apparatus
for fire, rescue and law enforcement, as well as military applications. Avon
Rubber p.l.c. also owns Avon Engineered Fabrications manufacturing products
including hovercraft skirting and flexible storage tanks, an aerosol gasket
business and a world leading dairy business manufacturing dairy liners and
tubing.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange