TheFireStore, the leading source for firefighting equipment and supplies, recently announced that it is now an authorized MSA distributor to over 600 fire departments in the state of Virginia.
The territorial expansion in Virginia serves to strengthen the long-standing allegiance between TheFireStore and MSA. TheFireStore became a distributor for MSA in 2004, rose to be MSA’s number one distributor in 2008, and has been in the top five MSA Fire Service Channel Partners in each of the last six years (this is in addition to TheFireStore’s success with Cairns helmets, in which TheFireStore ranks number one year after year).
“Continuing to expand our partnership with additional territory is a great opportunity for not only TheFireStore and MSA, but also the customers we serve,” said TheFireStore’s Chief Executive Officer, James Witmer. “We’ve been serving the greater state of Virginia out of our Richmond, Va., location, with life-saving gear from so many great manufacturers. We’re looking forward to adding MSA’s high-quality SCBA, thermal imaging cameras, and gas detection meters to our Virginia offering.”
TheFireStore’s acquisition of additional MSA territory in Virginia closely follows having been awarded sole MSA distributorship for the state of New Jersey, a territorial increase that expanded the number of sales representatives in the region and allowed TheFireStore to increase its Service Department staff and capabilities.
“We are extremely excited to be able to offer the full MSA line, including the G1 SCBA, to our ever-growing customer base in Virginia,” TheFireStore Public Safety Equipment Specialist Paul Hartsoe said. “MSA is a very strong brand that has been a valued partner of TheFireStore for many years. We look forward to building upon that relationship and expanding it to even greater heights by offering their full product line in the great state of Virginia.”
The MSA G1 Breathing Apparatus, which has 1 patent granted and 13 patents pending, represents an entirely new and innovated approach to SCBA design and function. The G1 SCBA was designed side-by-side with firefighters; the result is an SCBA that features a vastly lighter facepiece; a more ergonomic harness; improved weight distribution; a “Central Power” unit that powers the entire SCBA from a single battery compartment; darkness-and smoke-piercing “buddy lights” that provide visible indicators of critical air supply data from any angle; and improved voice amplification communications, all of which come standard on every MSA G1 SCBA.
Together, these innovative features help deliver a higher overall level of safety for firefighters. Since the G1’s release on November 21, 2014, TheFireStore has delivered over 3000 units and currently has over 1000 additional units on order. For more information on MSA, the G1, and TheFireStore, please visit www.TheFireStore.com/VirginiaMSA.
About TheFireStore and Witmer Public Safety Group, Inc.
TheFireStore, a division of Witmer Public Safety Group, Inc., offers product lines from more than 400 manufacturers. Witmer Public Safety Group's motto is Equipping Heroes™, and this continues as they extend their commitment to provide the industry's best equipment and supplies to the professional men and women who serve to ensure the public's safety. For additional information, please call (800) 852-6088 or visit TheFireStore.com.
About MSA:
Established in 1914, MSA Safety Incorporated is the global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of safety products that protect people and facility infrastructures. Many MSA products integrate a 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 a broad range of markets, including the oil, gas and petrochemical industry, the fire service, the construction industry, mining and the military. MSA’s core products include self-contained breathing apparatus, fixed gas and flame detection systems, portable gas detection instruments, industrial head protection product, fire and rescue helmets, and fall protection devices. With 2014 revenues of $1.1 billion, MSA employs approximately 4,600 people worldwide. The company is headquartered north of Pittsburgh in Cranberry Township, Pa., and has manufacturing operations in the United States, Europe, Asia and Latin America. With more than 40 international locations, MSA realizes approximately half of its revenue from outside North America. For more information visit MSA’s web site MSAsafety.com.
