The U.S. Air Force recently awarded Cranberry Township-based MSA Safety, a safety products and software developer, manufacturer and supplier, a $35 million contract to provide air base fire brigades worldwide with respiratory protective equipment.
“We are incredibly proud the U.S. Air Force has once again put their trust and confidence in the MSA brand,” Nish Vartanian, MSA Safety chairman and CEO, said. “In developing the G1 breathing apparatus, our goal was to create the most advanced and versatile SCBA platform available; one that allows new technologies to be added continuously to improve firefighter health and safety.”
Under the contract, MSA will supply its G1 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) model and any related supplied-air respirator (SAR) kits, chemical warfare component (CWC) masks, and face pieces.
The SCBA model replaces older model MSA air masks. They will be manufactured in Murrysville with deliveries expected to continue through 2024.
The G1 SCBA face piece has no electronic components and improved voice amplification. The entire unit features one rechargeable battery and lights that provide visible indicators of critical air supply data from any angle.
MSA has more than 40 international locations. The company employs approximately 5,000 people worldwide and had revenue totaling $1.5 billion in 2022.