MELKSHAM, England (Jan. 21, 2010)—Avon Rubber P.L.C. said its business improved in the last few months, although its debt increased during the last quarter of 2009.
The firm touted its continued contract—a five year agreement—for mask systems with the U.S. Department of Defense, and also said the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence has exercised the second of its three-year option for the maps.
That decision secures production for Avon's plant in England through March 2011, the company said.
Avon's M53Poetctive Mask system is a derivative of the M50 respirator and provides capability for use with all recognized forms of Personal Protection Equipment.
The company reported an increase in net debt of about 9 percent to nearly $24 million on Dec. 31, from September 2009 because of seasonal fluctuations. However, the debt was $11.6 million lower than December 2008.