Avon Rubber wins go-ahead for M50 mask in US

Melksham, UK - The US military has authorised full-scale purchases of Avon Rubber's M50 mask for personal protection against nuclear, biological chemical and radiation threats. 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 program will equip all five US armed forces. The new M50 mask will replace the M40 mask which has been in service with the US military for more than 15 years.

The decision allows Avon's Cadillac, Michigan plant to ramp up to full rate production. Commenting on the full rate production of the M50, Terry Stead, chief executive of Avon Rubber 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.”

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Press release from Avon Rubber