Avon Technologies to supply Ukraine with gas masks
Image courtesy Avon Technologies
The orders are for FM50 respirators and C50 protective masks. The FM50 mask is one of the most advanced military general service respiratory protection masks to date, offering significant improvement in comfort, usability, operational effectiveness and protection
The US State Department has previously accused Russian forces of using hazardous chemicals in Ukraine, including "riot control agents" such as tear gas and the toxic choking agent chloropicrin, which was first deployed in battle during World War One. In October 2024, the UK sanctioned Russian troops and their commander for violating the Chemical Weapons Convention, saying that "Russian forces have openly admitted to using hazardous chemical weapons on the battlefield".
Based in Melksham, Wiltshire, Avon Technologies provides respiratory and ballistic protection to militaries and law enforcement agencies worldwide, including supplying the UK military and US Army's gas masks.
Also announced today, Avon Protection has signed a new multinational framework contract from two European Navies for its MCM100 Multi-Role Rebreather, with quantities and delivery schedule to be finalised. The contract is a joint approach between these nations for MCM100 rebreather systems, related accessories, training, and maintenance and support under a 12-year programme.
The MCM-100 is the world's most technologically advanced underwater rebreather for militaries, commonly deployed in underwater bomb disposal and mine clearance operations. Avon already supplies the MCM100 to a number of NATO countries including Germany and New Zealand.
Under the leadership of CEO, Jos Sclater, has made significant progress on a turnaround over the last two years, with shares rising over 55% in 2024.
Jos Sclater, CEO of Avon Technologies plc, said: “We are proud of the contribution that Avon continues to provide to the security of NATO nations. The additional orders for provision of respiratory protection to Ukrainian war fighters and rebreathers for military divers allows both users to operate with confidence, knowing they are protected against increasingly prevalent threats in the harshest and most demanding environments.”
“We continue to deliver in accordance with our STAR strategy. Our growing order book, progress closing our California facility and the culture, capability change and pace we are seeing as we implement continuous improvement across the Group all give us confidence for the medium term and beyond.”
Overall, additional demand will result in FY25 revenue growth being higher than previously expected. Strong trading momentum has continued through the second quarter, with revenue growth at Team Wendy driven by the planned ramp up of ACH Gen II helmets to the US DoD and good sales growth in Avon Protection across FM54 respirators and underwater rebreathers. This has driven a strong performance for the Group overall, with financial results for the six months ended 31st March 2025 expected to show good growth over the prior year.
