US shutdown impacts Avon Rubber orders

Melksham, UK – The recent 35-day US government shutdown has impacted some orders for Avon Rubber protection masks, the company reported 31 Jan.

The shutdown hit the timing of orders from police and fire fighting services, as well as export-licensing of US made products, said Avon’s trading update.

The company, therefore, expects its ‘law enforcement and fire revenues’ to be much stronger to the second half of its fiscal year, ending 30 Sept.

Avon is, meanwhile, set to supply its new M69 aircrew masks under a recently secured €81-million contract with the US Department of Defense (DoD).

The first M69 orders are anticipated “shortly”, with deliveries to the DoD set for the second half of the fiscal year.

Avon said it is also hopeful of landing other new contracts for its M53A1 mask and powered air systems, and its M50 masks.

Trading conditions in the dairy sector – Avon’s other main market – “softened” in the first quarter due to falling milk prices.

Upward pressure on feed prices in the second quarter is expected to have a further adverse impact on the dairy market.

The company expects its dairy business revenues be flat for the full year, with a low single-digit decline in the first half.