A Merseyside firm has unveiled one of the UK’s largest ranges of marine safety products in a special open day on Britain’s last remaining three masted top sail schooner.
International Safety Products (ISP) hosted the special event on May 30 aboard the 113-year-old Kathleen & May located in Canning Dock, Liverpool.
ISP sales director Geoff Billington said the event showcased the firm’s largest ever portfolio of marine safety equipment – including lifejackets, Duarry Challenger liferafts and the Ocean Signal range of GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) products and personal locator beacons.
Mr Billington said new and exclusive items were also on show including Hanson Protection immersions suits and Alcares safety lights.
The Bootle firm is the world’s largest manufacturer of marine inflatable lifejackets.
“We had a terrific day aboard the Kathleen & May,” said Mr Billington. “ISP has been gradually expanding its product portfolio with selected, high calibre and world renowned brands. This has allowed us to provide greater depth, variety and quality of service. The event gave us an opportunity to showcase our complete range and set out ISP’s stall as a leading international manufacturer and distributor of marine safety equipment.”
Key products on show included Ocean Signal’s rescueME PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) which is the smallest of its kind in the world. Also on display was the T-ISS SeaMate VE-1 HRU (Hydrostatic Release Unit) which plays a crucial role in releasing liferafts from sinking vessels.
Guests were treated to live demonstrations of the Spanish branded Duarry Challenger SOLAS and ISO liferafts in action. Other products on show included 1st Relief AIS navigation systems.
Mr Billington said: “ISP has been a strong supporter of the Kathleen & May for many years,” he said. “It is one of the Britain’s most historic sailing ships and an official national treasure. It provided the perfect setting to honour the UK’s maritime legacy while celebrating the future of the marine industry.”
A broad selection of ISP’s world leading inflatable lifejackets were also on board including the Challenger range of SOLAS and ISO lifejackets. Further space was dedicated to ISP’s range of tactical waistcoats, assault troop and Special Forces lifejackets for the military sector.
For more information on ISP’s products and services contact Geoff Billington via email on gbillington@ispl.co.uk or phone +44 (0) 151 922 2202.
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ISP Fact File
· ISP was founded in 1981.
· The firm is a marine survival equipment specialist.
· In 2008 managing director John Rogers and sales director Geoff Billington undertook an MBO of the firm with backing from the Merseyside Special Investment Fund (MSIF) and the Co-operative Bank.
· ISP produces more than 170,000 products each year.
· It employs more than 100 people and has a turnover exceeding £7m.