Major order of firefighter PPE

The deal will see Ballyclare provide up to 4,300 Xenon multi-function firefighter rescue jackets to North West Fire and Rescue Services, which represents firefighting services in Lancashire, Cumbria and Cheshire.

“This is a great step forward for us and it represents a major vote of confidence in the new Xenon range of firefighting garments that we launched late last year,”  Ballyclare’s fire & technical director Richard Ballheimer said.

“The Xenon garments marked a completely new approach to designing PPE for firefighters. The reaction we received from the market was extremely positive and it’s good to see that reaction being translated into orders so rapidly.

Ballheimer added: “North West Fire and Rescue Services looked at instances where these jackets were already in use, and were impressed with their performance. The new jackets will allow them to keep their existing structural firefighting kit for a more restricted range of duties than previously, and that will extend the life of that kit.”

The Xenon multi-function firefighter rescue jackets are designed for the sort of firefighting and rescue activities associated with emergency response and training operations. “Their design was inspired by the construction of premium quality sportswear where maximum comfort and protection is provided without imposing any restriction on the wearer’s movement,” Richard added. 

The jackets feature a durable outershell which is available in a variety of fabrics and colourways. They are certified to Wildland firefighting standards and provide an impressive level of waterproofness. They also incorporate a lightweight, durable GORE CROSSTECH Moisture Barrier, which provides protection from blood and body fluids, and keeps the wearer dry from the outside, while allowing sweat to pass out of the garment.