Avon Protection Systems has acquired the thermal imaging camera business argus, a subsidiary of e2v technologies plc. Based in Chelmsford, UK, argus is a leading designer and manufacturer of thermal imaging cameras for first responder and fire markets. “The addition of argus to the [Avon] Group further broadens the range of products we are able to offer our customers in the key fire and first responder markets,” said Andrew Lewis, Avon's interim chief executive officer. “The argus team brings a wealth of technical expertise in this area which will also generate longer term product development opportunities for the Protection & Defense business.”
Veridian Fire Protective Gear has added Dan Tharan as Northwest regional sales manager. Tharan brings 20 years of sales, marketing and customer service experience to Veridian and spent the last two year with TECGEN PPE, where he covered the Central, Rocky Mountain & Pacific Northwest regions promoting personal protective apparel to the fire service.
Veridian also announced that Alan W. Myers has joined the company as the Mid-Atlantic regional sales manager. Myers brings over 30 years of fire service industry experience to the organization and he also spent the last 2 years with TECGEN PPE, where he focused on promoting their technical rescue and wildland gear in the Southeast.
National Sales Manager Rob Gilbertson was excited by the newest additions. “Dan’s background and experience in the Northwest region is a particularly good fit for Veridian. He is an excellent addition to our outstanding Regional Sales staff,” he said, adding, “Alan is well respected among his peers and in the industry as a whole. With his experience and track record he could have chosen a number of companies to work for. The fact that he has chosen Veridian says a lot about our product quality and the Veridian Team.”
Hale Products, Inc. has announced the hiring of Matthew Butcher as the company’s Southwest regional sales manager. Butcher will be based in Fort Worth, TX, and will be fully responsible for the company’s growth initiatives and providing support for Hale’s customers in the southwestern United States. His territory will include: Arkansas, New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas.
Jon Kostyzak, Manager of North American Regional Sales, stated, “Adding Matt to our sales team will enable Hale to focus on a key geography for the company. His previous experiences within the fire service and the distribution network in his territory will enable him to make an immediate impact to our selling strategies.”
Kimball Johnson, founder and president of KIMTEK Corporation, has announced the purchase of a second facility in Orleans, VT, where production of the company's full line of MEDLITE and FIRELITE transport skid units will continue and expand. Custom designed for ATV, UTV and pick-up trucks, KIMTEK's slide-in medical, fire and rescue skid units are sold worldwide. With the addition of the new facility, it triples the amount of space now available for company operations, from what was the original facility in Westmore. The Westmore facility will continue to house office and warehouse space as well as free up additional room to expand the company's new product design and engineering pursuits. KIMTEK office headquarters have been relocated to the new Orleans facility.
Fire-Dex has acquired TECGEN PPE, an innovative flame resistant fabric and garment technology from National Safety Apparel (NSA). Fire-Dex is the exclusive licensee of the TECGEN PPE product line for the first responder market. This acquisition will strengthen Fire-Dex as a global PPE leader, focused on protecting firefighters. This unique technical solution will expand Fire-Dex’s head-to-toe offering.
“The TECGEN PPE fabric and product designs are outstanding for modern day firefighter activities for more than 90 percent of department calls,” said Steve Allison, director of sales. “NFPA 1971 structural firefighter gear is critical safety equipment, but departments need additional function-specific PPE that impacts their safety and comfort.”
Chuck Grossman, president & CEO of National Safety Apparel, added, “Fire-Dex and TECGEN PPE are two of the fastest growing brands in the fire industry. This acquisition is a great fit for Fire-Dex as it further strengthens their leadership position in the PPE, fire apparel business.”
Firehouse Staff
Content written and created by Firehouse Magazine editors.
