56 | ADVERTORIAL
w w w. e m e r g e n c y s e r v i c e s t i m e s . c o m – R e g i s t e r o n l i n e
A new home for Trellchem chemical protective suits and Viking dry diving suits Ansell Ltd signed an agreement to acquire the Trelleborg Protective Products (TPP) business unit from the Trelleborg Group of Sweden in early May. Through world-renowned brand names like Trellchem® and Viking™, TPP develops and manufactures chemical protective suits and dry diving suits, along with inflatable shelters, dock seals and a range of custom-made products for various industries. The TPP acquisition fits nicely with the Ansell strategy to expand the portfolio in the field of personal protective equipment and achieve double growth. Ansell will operate the former Trelleborg business under the name Ansell Protective Solutions (APS), and as part of its Specialty Markets Global Business Unit.
100 years of protection Just like Ansell, the roots of what is now Ansell Protective Solutions go back over 100 years and ‘protection’ has always been the company’s middle name. The production of personal protective equipment located in the southern Swedish town of Trelleborg, started humbly in 1910 at a small rubber factory, with the manufacture of raincoats. Given the factory’s close location to the port of Trelleborg, it was a natural step to start producing diving suits, as well as splash protective suits for the shipping industry.
From raincoats to chemical protective suits and dry diving suits Over the years, the product offering has evolved to include chemical protective suits (which started during World War I), suits to protect against biohazards and radioactive contamination and respiratory protective equipment. In 1986, the former company acquired Viking™, a leading provider of products for diving in hazardous conditions.
Today, Ansell Protective Solutions provides personal protection for a wide range of professionals in hazardous working conditions, including first responders, military, aerospace and industrial customers, from all around the world, under the Trellchem® and Viking™ brands. In addition, APS offers Tretight inflatable dock seals and Trelltent™ tent and shelter systems. “We are very excited about joining the Ansell family,” says Magnus Andersson, Managing Director of Ansell Protective Solutions (APS). “Becoming a part of a global leader in the personal protective equipment business will bring substantial opportunities and benefits to our customers and business partners. It will also allow us to continue to strengthen the position of our market leading brands such as Trellchem®, Viking™ and Trelltent™.”
Worldwide presence Holding its offices in Trelleborg, Ansell Protective Solutions (APS) – formerly known as Trelleborg Protective Products – has regional offices in Norway, USA, Singapore, UAE, Shanghai, the Russian Federation and Lithuania. In 2007, the greater part of its manufacturing operations was moved from Ystad, Sweden, to Tauragé in Lithuania. APS products have, since then, been manufactured at its own facility in Lithuania.
Ansell Protective Solutions has around 170 employees turning over approximately US$25m annually, mostly through the Trellchem® and Viking™ brands. Quality, customer focus and innovation As a leader in its field, the APS business adheres to the same values of quality, customer focus and innovation, like Ansell, and is seen to offer important growth opportunities for the company, with complementary sales forces and new distribution channels. The acquisition therefore fits perfectly into the Ansell growth and expansion strategies. http://protective.ansell.com www.ansell.com
Emergency Services Times December 2012