Avon Rubber secures £4.4m US military contract

MELKSHAM-based Avon Rubber has secured a £4.4million contract with the US military.

The manufacturer is to develop a version of its M53 face mask to provide respiratory protection to the crew of fixed wing aircraft. The initial two-year pre-production contract covers the development, testing and user trials of the new mask system and the provision of logistical support.

There is potential for follow-on production contract awards of up to £50million.

Commenting on the news, chief executive Peter Slabbert said, “This contract reaffirms Avon Protection’s position as the respiratory protection equipment provider of choice for the US Department of Defence.

“Our high specification products have gained widespread support as users experience their superior design and comfort.  Our depth of capability and development positions Avon Protection as the global market leader of respiratory protection systems technology.”