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LATEST NEWS

Indianapolis FD select Firemaster 4

Posted: 13th January 2010
Southcombe Brothers today announced that the Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD) has purchased nearly 1,700 pairs of the company's Firemaster® 4 Kovenex® gloves following months of rigorous testing. Safeguarded by Kovenex, Southcombe's Firemaster 4 combines Kovenex's inherent flame-, tear- and cut-resistant properties with Southcombe's patented water- and chemical-resistant PYROHIDE® to maintain the gloves' NFPA 1971-2007 certification and EN659 rating, as well as increase the gloves' dexterity and performance, and most importantly, the user's safety.

According to Mark Holmes, quartermaster at IFD, numerous attributes ultimately led to IFD's selection of Southcombe gloves as its firefighting glove of choice. Winning attributes include: high-quality Pyrohide leather; demonstrated longevity; superior feel and dexterity; ease of donning and doffing; and the gloves' unique ability to resist water and corrosive chemicals.

Holmes stated that many department personnel tested five different gloves as part of a comprehensive evaluation that lasted approximately nine months. Firefighters tested the gloves for donning and doffing, fit and functionality.

"It is rare that we have the luxury of having so many of our actual firefighters thoroughly test vital components of their personal protective equipment," said Holmes. "After extensive testing, it was clear that the Southcombe Firemaster® 4 Kovenex gloves gave our firefighters the best chance to protect patients and victims, and safeguard themselves during dangerous rescue situations."

David Southcombe, managing director at Southcombe, said he is honored by this unprecedented decision by the IFD, and noted his company's Aurora, Illinois.-based distribution facility and key partnerships with U.S.-based companies such as Waubridge Specialty Fabrics, manufacturer of Kovenex, as integral reasons for the company's success.

"For more than 160 years, we've engineered some of the finest gloves in the world for all types of occasions and purposes, and we're pleased to be the Indianapolis Fire Department's glove of choice," said Southcombe. "Our craftsmanship and sophisticated, proprietary technologies, as well as our ability to serve the global market are enhanced by strong partnerships with safety industry leaders such as Waubridge Specialty Fabrics, as well as our distribution operations in America."

First deliveries of Firemaster Fusion are right on schedule

Posted: 15th June 2009

Southcombe Brothers are ready to deliver the first consignment of their latest EN659:2003 certified structural fire glove - Firemaster® Fusion - after successfully tendering for the ICP (Integrated Clothing Project) contract in conjunction with Bristol Uniforms .

Using the same fireproof leather technology currently seen in the rest of the Firemaster® range, Fusion combines the best of Firemaster® Ultra and Firemaster® IV . The combination of enhanced dexterity and superb fit means the glove has also been selected by the London Fire Brigade.

The first national procurement strategy for public sector clothing and Personal Protection Equipment, the ICP, is intended to deliver, via a single service provider, a complete range of clothing designed specifically for Fire and Rescue staff, including protective clothing that offers comprehensive protection for firefighters.

Tendered upon a performance specification and trialed extensively prior to selection, Firemaster® Fusion was chosen as the glove most suitable for the range of tasks facing today's firefighters. The entire outer shell of the glove is constructed from PYROHIDE® grain leather where a heavier weight has been used on the back of the hand for increased heat resistance. Neoprene coated Kevlar patches on the palm, thumb and roll top finger tips increase the contact heat and abrasion resistance. The outer is completed with a Nomex® / Kevlar® knitted wristlet cuff which contains traces of elastane for extension and recovery properties. A three layer laminated Gore Crosstech® pathogen-resistant glove insert offering the ultimate in barrier protection is bonded to a Kevlar® blend, seamless knitted lining to provide superior lining retention.

Made with Southcombe Brother's signature emphasis on dexterity and fit, the glove is being welcomed by front line firefighters who value the excellent standard of protection given by the Fusion.

 

Many thanks to all who visited us at the Safety & Health Expo

Posted: 15th May 2009

Many thanks to those numerous visitors who called at our stand at the recent Safety & Health Expo show at the NEC this week, making it a most successful show for Southcombe Brothers. In spite of the current economic pressures, this year's show was well-attended by visitors from within the UK and further afield.

Well positioned on the edge of the Safety & Health Expo and the Fire & Rescue Expo, the Southcombe Brothers stand attracted a large number of visitors. On display were our world renown range of Fire gloves including structural fire gloves and rescue gloves, our range of Police gloves and a selection of career and work-wear gloves.

Of particular interest were the re-engineered Firemaster® Ultra's with KOVENEX® lining and the new Firemaster® Fusion which has been selected by both the UK national clothing contract (ICP) and London Fire Brigade as their glove of choice.

Southcombe Brothers will return to the Safety & Health show in 2011 when the Fire & Rescue Expo returns to the NEC. 

Thanks to all who visited us at FDIC 09

Posted: 1st May 2009

Although overall visitor numbers were down in 2009 compared to 2008, FDIC 2009 was a great show for Southcombe Brothers. In our fifth successive year of exhibiting at FDIC, we continue to be overwhelmed with interest and positive comments about Firemaster® 4 and Firemaster® Ultra. This year we took the opportunity to launched a new KOVENEX® lining in our two NFPA 1971 compliant gloves as well as introduce a new colour for PYROHIDE® which is now available in lime green. Both innovations went down extremely well and as such we have accelerated production to ensure quicker market availability for these new lines. 

We were delighted to see many existing customers returning to our booth to update us on their experiences of our gloves; several also took the opportunity to re-stock! Thanks for your continued support and kind comments about our gloves.

Southcombe Brothers will be back at FDIC in 2010. If that is too long to wait, Southcombe Brothers can be found at Baltimore Firehouse Expo in July (booth 2905) and Dallas FRI in August (booth 2035) later this year.

25% off NFPA certified fire gloves at southcombe.com

Posted: 25th March 2009

Southcombe Brothers is proud to be working in conjunction with Firehouse.com to offer 25% off their full range of NFPA certified fire gloves. The NFPA range covers both the Firemaster® 4 and Firemaster® Ultra styles, each of which are available in wristlet cuff and short gauntlet versions. Sized from XXS through to XXXL in all four options, plus S to XL in a short fingered (cadet) version of Firemaster 4 ; stock at our distribution centre in Aurora, Illinois will be dispatched to US customers within 48 hours of order receipt. 

With budgets under pressure and money tighter then ever before, there has never been a better time to purchase these sought-after, structural fire-fighting gloves which have a proven track record on outlasting other competing brands. Wear for wear they can offer a more competitive structural glove solution than even entry level priced products, plus they also provide amazing levels of comfort and dexterity. Protection, dexterity and longevity all in our product!

Southcombe Brothers has been designing, making and supplying gloves for over 160 years, and we currently supply structural fire gloves to over 21 countries around the world. We believe our Firemaster® gloves are the best around. But don't just take our word for it, why not take the time to check out some of the testimonials on our web site? Comments from North American fire-fighters include:

• "The dexterity, fit, and feel are superior to any other fire glove I have tried."
• "Thanks for producing such a great product. Our fire-fighters have seen a great increase in their ability to perform their job - while wearing your NFPA approved fire-fighting gloves."
• "Absolutely the best structural glove I have ever had."

This offer is available for a limited period only while stocks last.