MELKSHAM, England—Avon Rubber P.L.C. has entered into a five-year contract with the United Kingdom Ministry of Defense for the resupply and in-service support of its general service respirator.
Production, Avon said, is expected to commence during the first half of 2019, after product approvals are complete. The rubber goods manufacturer said it anticipated the deal to generate revenues around $22 million over the five-year period.
In 2017, Avon posted 14.2 percent year-on-year rise in sales to $226 million, mainly driven by strong demand for its law enforcement and fire protection products.
The company announced in November that it saw significant opportunities in an expanding military-product market.
"Fatal acts of terrorism in the U.S. and Europe have buoyed demand for gas masks that shows little signs of waning any time soon," said Fiona Cincotta, senior market analyst at City Index commenting on Avon's results.
"Avon is in the enviable position of being the sole gas market contractor to the U.S. Department of Defense," said Cincotta, who went on to suggest that an acquisition "could be on the cards" for the rubber products company.