Bacou-Dalloz Announces Relocation Plans for its Protective Apparel Operation

The move will maximize production efficiencies and improve service to customers in the fire service and domestic preparedness markets.

November 1, 2004, Franklin, PA — Bacou-Dalloz, the world leader in design, manufacturing and sale of personal protective equipment, announces plans to relocate its U.S. Protective Apparel operation from Grand Junction, CO to Franklin, PA. Claude Barbeau, Vice President and General Manager of the companys protective clothing division has outlined the announcement and plans to have the move completed by the end of December 2004. These plans include special transition procedures to ensure service levels will be maintained.

Bacou-Dalloz Protective Apparel manufactures and markets fire-resistant protective garments and premium protective apparel to the emergency responder community under the well-known Securitex, FireGear and STX brand names. These products are sold to a broad range of traditional user markets such as municipal, airport, military, industrial and forestry firefighters as well as the newly emerging areas of domestic preparedness. These protective garments are innovative, premium products recognized for their differentiated comfort and ergonomic designs.

Recently, Bacou-Dalloz announced plans for a multi-million dollar expansion at the Franklin, PA location that will include up to 50,000 sq. ft. of additional space for offices, a state-of-the-art training facility and an innovative technology and testing center to support the companys Miller brand fall protection products and services. Groundbreaking is scheduled to begin Spring 2005. Completion of the project is expected within 12-18 months.

The Franklin facility is designated the Center of Operational Excellence in the Americas for the companys fall protection business, complementing the global manufacturing network in Hof, Germany; Vierzon, France; and Melbourne, Australia.

The Bacou-Dalloz Group is the world leader in the design, manufacturing and sale of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). The company employs about 6,100 people and operates 40 production facilities. Bacou-Dalloz provides unmatched head-to-toe protection through two strategic business segments: head protection (eye, hearing and respiratory) and body protection (gloves, clothes, shoes and fall protection). Bacou-Dalloz offers a full product range aimed at the manufacturing, construction, telecommunications, medical, public services and other sectors. Its products are available from its distributor partners worldwide.