MSA Secures $25 Million in Breathing Apparatus Contracts for U.S. Air Force
MSA announced that it has been awarded two separate contracts to supply the U.S. Air Force with a newly developed self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) system. The contracts, issued by the federal General Services Administration and valued at a combined $24.6 million, represent incremental awards above and beyond an initial $36 million Air Force SCBA contract, which MSA announced in 2006.
The multi-function breathing apparatus used by the Air Force and developed by MSA represents one of the most advanced respiratory protection systems ever designed. Extremely versatile, it combines the advanced and high-performance features of MSA’s latest generation of SCBA with those of a powered air-purifying respirator and gas mask. These features integrate to provide air base firefighters with a three-way, long-duration respiratory protection solution. The system also meets and exceeds the latest National Fire Protection Association performance standards, providing Air Force personnel with approved protection from chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) contaminants.
“These latest awards reflect the positive experience air base crews have had with this new system,” said Joe Bigler, President, MSA North America. “MSA has a long history of providing the military with a wide range of sophisticated safety products, most notably gas masks and ballistic helmets. However, the work we’re doing on behalf of the Air Force is reflective of the innovation MSA has achieved in the area of self-contained breathing apparatus for the fire service. We’re grateful for the trust the Air Force has placed in MSA and we’re pleased to see this project expand beyond its initial scope,” he said.
Production of the respirator system will continue at MSA’s Murrysville, Pa. plant. Product delivery under the latest contracts is expected to be completed by late 2008 or early 2009.
Established in 1914, MSA is a global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of sophisticated safety products that protect people’s health and safety. Sophisticated safety products typically integrate any combination of electronics, mechanical systems and advanced materials to protect users against hazardous or life-threatening situations. The company’s comprehensive line of products is used by workers around the world in the fire service, petrochemical industry, construction market and other industries, as well as the military. Principal products include self-contained breathing apparatus, gas masks, gas detection instruments, head protection, air-purifying respirators, ballistic protection products and thermal imaging cameras. The company also provides a broad range of consumer and contractor safety products through retail channels. These products are marketed and sold under the MSA Safety Works brand. MSA has annual sales of approximately $1 billion, manufacturing operations throughout the United States and Europe, and more than 40 international locations. Additional information is available on the company’s Web site at http://www.msanet.com.
