Seattle, WA, USA--(Jobwerx News)--Avon Rubber plc purchases ISI a leading manufacturer of self contained breathing apparatus based in Georgia, USA.

The M50 respirator has been developed by Avon for the US armed forces. Production will start later this year. Click on photo for High Resolution Image.

The acquisition is a key element of Avon's growth strategy for its new Protection Division, Avon Protection Systems (APS). APS has been conceived to address the respiratory protection needs of CBRN first responders globally by building on Avon's long track record of excellence in 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, and ISI brings to the group long experience and a reputation for innovation in complementary Self Contained Breathing Apparatus and related technologies. Products such as the NIOSH CBRN and NFPA 2002 approved Viking are noted for their comfort and ease of use in ISI's United States home market and, meeting the latest standards, offer advantages to professional users worldwide.

As a new addition to APS, 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, APS and ISI will also develop integrated solutions addressing current and future needs of these and other customer groups.

Announcing the deal, Jonty Palmer, Avon Protection Systems's Managing Director, emphasized the complementary nature of the two companies' technologies:

"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 whilst offering the potential of truly innovative solutions to current and future first responders and military users globally. "

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, please 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 4 US armed services in 2006.

Avon Rubber p.l.c. is an international manufacturer of high technology rubber products for a variety of markets. Headquartered in the UK, Avon Rubber has three divisions - Avon Automotive, Avon Technical Products and Avon Protection.