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