Avon wins €80m deal for helmet supply to US army

Melksham, UK – Avon Rubber plc has won a “sole-source contract” worth up to $93 million (€80 million) to develop and supply the US Army with head protection systems.

Under the deal, announced 24 Sept, Avon will supply “next-generation" integrated ballistic head protection systems to the US army. 
 
The contract will follow on from the existing low-rate initial production contract for the system, which comes to an end in 2021, Avon said in a regulatory announcement.

“This contract award demonstrates our ongoing focus on technological excellence and commitment to developing the next generation of life critical personal protection systems,” said CEO Paul McDonald.

The deal, he said, further strengthens Avon’s medium-term outlook which looks to reinforce the company’s position as a supplier of protection systems. 

As part of the strategy, the UK manufacturer announced earlier this month, that it was in a $130 million deal to acquire US helmet maker Team Wendy.

Based in Cleveland, Ohio, Team Wendy is a family business and a supplier of helmets, helmet liner and retention systems for military and first responder markets.

Combining Team Wendy with its existing helmets & armour business, Avon expects to create a "global leader" in military and first responder helmets with “a broader product portfolio and stronger capabilities and routes to market.”