Defence manufacturer Avon Protection has continued its recovery from a difficult couple of years by receiving its second delivery order, worth $6.7m (£5.5m), from the US government for its Advanced Combat Helmet.
The Melksham-based group, which specialises in protective gear, masks and breathing equipment for the military and first-responder markets, said rigorous testing was still ongoing on the second-generation of the helmet, pictured, ahead of manufacturing ramp-up plans.
Initial deliveries to the US Defense Logistics Agency are expected to start next year, positioning Avon Protection as the leading helmet supplier to the US defence department.
Avon Protection chief executive officer Jos Sclater said: “We’re delighted to continue protecting US military personnel with our advanced head protection solutions and look forward to continuing our long-standing partnership with this important customer.”
Former Ultra Electronics group chief financial officer Jos Sclater joined Avon as chief executive officer at the start of last month following the resignation last year of Paul McDonald, who had spent 19 years at Avon, five as CEO.
The group, which changed its name in 2021 from Avon Rubber, recently hailed a new “chapter of growth” as it reported a sharp decline in pre-tax losses on revenues up 9.1% for the year to 1 October.
It is also aiming to reduce overheads by $21m (£16.9m) a year as it continues to bounce back from a tough year or so during which its shares lost around 70% of their value as it struggled to overcome damaging delays in military orders from the US.
A year ago Avon, which employs more than 1,000 people in seven locations, announced it was to wind down its armour division by this year after it failed tests for the US military.
It will report its interim results for the six months ending 31 March on 23 May.
