Personal and facility safety products maker MSA Safety announced Sept. 27 that it has opened a newly expanded, state-of-the-art facility for producing firefighter protective apparel in Yate, near Bristol, U.K.

MSA — headquartered north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in Cranberry Township — said the modernized plant provides new and enhanced work areas for company associates, as well as much-needed space for future growth and international expansion.

The company said the ribbon-cutting event establishes MSA Bristol’s Yate campus as a global center of excellence for fire protective clothing design, production and service.

MSA Bristol’s new Yate Campus brings together its central offices, Cutting Unit, Western Service Centre and International Distribution Centre. The modern campus offers the company’s 153 employees an improved workplace environment and excellent transport links, and will serve as a hub for all MSA Bristol activity.

MSA Safety acquired Bristol Uniforms in January 2021.  

“MSA Bristol’s central offices and Western Service Centre were previously based at our premises in Staple Hill, Bristol, but we’ve outgrown that site and need space to expand,” said Jason Traynor, general manager of MSA’s Global Fire Service Products. “The Yate campus includes improved office spaces and meeting rooms, modern and more comfortable break-out areas and expanded parking areas for staff. It also showcases MSA’s cutting-edge products for all that visit the facility.”

With 2021 revenues of $1.4 billion, MSA employs approximately 4,800 people worldwide. It has manufacturing operations in the United States, Europe, Asia and Latin America. With more than 40 international locations, MSA realizes approximately half of its revenue from outside North America.