By Chris Mc Loone

There’s going to be a lot going on at the combined booth of MSA and Globe at FDIC International 2018. This year’s show will be the first major rollout of the combined company’s new brand and the first time their products will be displayed together in one booth. “Nearly eight months ago MSA completed its acquisition of Globe Manufacturing—a move that has enabled our combined organizations to better serve firefighters by providing complete, head-to-toe protection,” says Samantha D'Uva, manager, public ,relations, MSA. “In bringing our two companies together, the goals we set for our integration journey were high. But, our teams rose to the challenge and have done a tremendous job of not only maintaining our day-to-day business throughout the integration process, but improving it.”

The companies will roll out their new brand in a variety of ways. “As firefighters fill the convention center for FDIC International 2018, we’re excited for them to experience the power of our combined organization first hand,” says D’Uva. “With an all-new and shared booth, show attendees will be able to experience—in a very hands-on manner—our head-to-toe solutions for the fire service with Cairns Helmets, the G1 self-contained breathing apparatus, and Globe turnout gear and boots.” The booth will feature augmented reality, a 22-foot-high video wall, and even an ice ramp.

Of course, FDIC International is an important platform for introducing new products, and MSA will have a few to show at their booth this year. “Taking center stage at FDIC International 2018 for MSA and Globe is the Cairns XF1 Fire Helmet, says D’Uva. “This new jet-style helmet represents a new addition to the MSA firefighter helmet line and is one that represents a significant style departure from the ‘brim-style’ helmet traditionally preferred by U.S. firefighters. The new style delivers enhanced technology integration while maintaining the quality, durability, and safety performance firefighters have come to expect from MSA’s Cairns brand.” According to D’Uva, the helmet incorporates LED lights, an integrated communication system and can easily be disassembled to clean, thereby helping firefighters comply with various cancer prevention directives published by leading agencies like the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN).

Other new products the company plans to showcase at FDIC include:

• The MSA Hub, a cloud-based solution allowing incident commanders to evaluate and manage multiple situations at one time from anywhere.
• Globe SUPRAFLEX™ boots, a lighter weight firefighter boot that provides comfort and unprecedented flexibility by incorporating continuous segmented flex panels.
• Vibram Arctic Grip Pro, an optional outsole for Globe firefighter boots that is specifically engineered to perform on wet ice.
• Turnout Interface Guards, which are designed to help reduce exposure to toxic substances without adding heat stress on the firefighter.

Also on display will be the company’s game-changing G1 SCBA, breakthrough integrated Thermal Imaging Camera (iTIC) and ATHLETIX™ turnout gear that deploys new material technology with unique stretch fabrics to provide a body-contoured fit that is lighter weight with less bulk and more flexibility.

Other MSA activities at

By Chris Mc Loone

Although exhibiting at a trade show is an opportunity to show off a company’s latest and greatest, exhibitors also value the interaction they have with show attendess. Dave Meyer, director, sales and marketing, Pierce Manufacturing, says, “The most important part of exhibiting at FDIC International is making the most of the opportunity we, in partnership with our dealer network, have to connect with the more than 30,000 fire service representatives that will be in attendance. The time we spend with those who use our products on a daily basis is invaluable—and provides us with the critical insight and feedback needed to make continual apparatus advancements. In addition, we are excited to reflect on all we have learned from the past year as we get set to introduce the latest and greatest innovations, apparatus, and technology enhancements at FDIC 2018.”

Pierce will, of course, be displaying several new innovations—one of which was to be unveiled on April 26. Additionally, the company displayed a clean-cab pumper designed using feedback and research provided by workplace health and carcinogen reduction advocates. Additionally, the Pierce booth is featuring the all new Saber® featuring a Ford powertrain. Attendees will also have an opportunity to experience a rapid configurator that provides authentic, engineered approval drawings in less than 10 minutes. At the company’s booth in the Indiana Convention Center, where Pierce will showcase its aftermarket capabilities, there will be on-the-hour tech talks.

The connections made at FDIC International, however, continue to be an experience at the show that the company considers important benefits. “We value the time we have at FDIC International to connect one on one with fire service representatives,” says Meyer. “We are committed to providing a wide range of educational tools and opportunities to connect with the many Pierce product experts who will be present. Our hope is that all attendees will take advantage of the hands-on training and resources offered, and we look forward to listening to and collecting ideas and feedback that is sure to come our way.”

Pierce’s booths are 5501, 14000, 14010, and 8807.

The Bullard EcoX is the economical solution for budget-constrained fire departments to put more “Bullard Tough” thermal imaging cameras (TICs) in the hands of their firefighters. The EcoX is equipped with Bullard’s X Factor image clarity technology, providing firefighters with clear, crisp, detailed images. The TIC comes standard with basic Super Red colorization that highlights high-heat scenes in yellow, orange, and red.

All X Factor TICs come standard with a five-year, industry-leading, full-service warranty on parts and labor. Stop by Bullard’s FDIC International 2018 Booth #1213 for a chance to win an ECOX TI. Learn more at www.bullard.com/product/ecox.

Bullard’s newest line of thermal imaging cameras (TICs)—the XT Series—features the NXT (with NFPA 1801-2013 Certification) and the QXT. Both TICs are equipped with Bullard’s X Factor image clarity technology and provide the fire service with the industry’s longest battery run time of more than eight hours of continuous use. The NXT and QXT models come standard with Bullard’s five-year, industry-leading warranty on the TIC and the battery.

Both models are equipped with an ultra-high-performance LCD display, which greatly increases brightness and contrast, letting firefighters see more clearly in smoke and direct sunlight. The NXT and QXT TICs are ergonomically designed like the popular form factor of the Bullard LDX. This distinguishable lightweight design allows the TIC to fit comfortably in the palm of a firefighter’s gloved hand. The NXT and QXT are available with a 240×180 or 320×240 resolution infrared engine.

To learn more about the new XT Series, stop by Bullard’s FDIC International 2018 Booth #1213 or visit www.thermalimager.com.

This year at FDIC International 2018 Booth #1823, Fire-Dex will feature its Interceptor Package™, H41 Interceptor™ particulate blocking hoods, and its TECGEN71 exclusive outer shell. These products were designed to address immediate and long-term occupational dangers such as fireground carcinogens and overexertion.

Following our mission “To Serve Those Who Serve,” Fire-Dex will be donating personal protective equipment to five departments at our in-booth daily giveaways. On Thursday and Saturday, we will give two departments 10 H41 Interceptor™ particulate blocking hoods. On Friday, we will award 10 complete sets of the Fire-Dex Interceptor Package™ to one department.

The Interceptor Package™ Package includes FXR Turnouts built with Active Posture Design™ to help reduce overexertion; H41 Interceptor™ particulate blocking hood, designed as a barrier against potentially carcinogenic particles; and TECGEN51 Fatigues, dual-certified to be the go-to for 90 percent of your calls and minimize contamination.