SHARON CENTER, Ohio (April 23)—The largest U.S. manufacturer of life rafts has changed its name to better reflect its role as a manufacturer and aftermarket support center for its United Kingdom-based sister company's inflatable life raft and protective equipment brands.
Inflatable Survival Systems Inc. became RFD Beaufort Inc., effective March 26. There is no change in ownership or management in conjunction with the name change, the company said.
RFD Beaufort Inc. will continue to make its Elliot and Crewsaver brands of polyurethane/elastomer marine life rafts and other safety and survival products for the military and commercial markets at its Sharon Center site. The firm also will produce and service the RFD and Beaufort brands of inflatable life rafts and personal protective equipment for RFD Beaufort Ltd.
Both companies are part of the Survitec Group Ltd., a safety and survival equipment outfit based in Dunmurry, Northern Ireland.