Ballyclare, a leading designer and manufacturer of firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE) in the UK and Europe, has been successfully selected as a preferred supplier on the NFCC National Firefighter PPE Framework, a new unified procurement initiative designed to provide modern, fit-for-purpose kit for the UK’s 50,000 firefighters.
Managed by Kent and Medway Towns Fire and Rescue Authority, the Framework will provide access to high-quality PPE ensembles and maintenance services, whilst saving time and resources by streamlining the procurement process.
Following a rigorous and highly competitive tender process involving technical assessments, cost evaluations and practical user trials, Ballyclare’s specialist kit and associated services were selected across multiple categories including Managed Services, Structural Firefighting PPE, Lightweight Firefighting PPE, Structural Firefighting Boots, and Cleaning and Maintenance.
Ballyclare’s submission featured a next-generation variant of its popular Xenon structural firefighting ensemble, designed to deliver exceptional protection when fighting the most intensive fires in buildings. It comprises three layers of specialist fabric, reinforced elbow and knee pads for enhanced durability, and carefully-positioned fire retardant phosphorescent tape to increase visibility in low-light conditions. Crucially, the kit has been constructed with tough seams, stitching and strong fabric so that it’s able to withstand the physical demands of the job and rigorous cleaning without losing its protective qualities.
Also selected was Ballyclare’s newly developed hybrid lightweight jacket and trouser ensemble suitable for both technical rescue operations and wildland firefighting, and meeting the required EN standards for both. It features highly-specialist fabrics and innovative, ergonomic styling to keep firefighters both protected and comfortable when facing a variety of physically demanding operations. The fabric is inherently flame-retardant and resistant to repeated washing, offering durable, waterproof protection from blood pathogens, chemicals and particulates.
Through the Framework, Ballyclare will also supply two well-established fire boot models from the Tuffking range. Tuffking fire boots are highly regarded by FRSs for their comfortable fit and heavy-duty, engineered protection.
Finally, Ballyclare’s cleaning and maintenance provision available via the Framework offers a seven-day turnaround service for collecting, cleaning, repairing and returning kit to stations ready for use. By working with a professional cleaning partner with facilities in multiple locations across the UK, Ballyclare can provide a swift turnaround of laundered kit, while ensuring garment integrity and helping to protect firefighters from exposure to hazardous contaminants.
Philip Tasker, Global Sales Lead for Fire & Security at Ballyclare, comments:
“We are delighted that our services have been selected through such a competitive process and that our kit has been recognised for its technical performance, wearer comfort and overall value for money. Our success reflects the strength of our product innovation, our deep understanding of the fire sector, the agility of our company as a UK-based SME and the expertise of our teams across design, manufacturing and service delivery.
“Ultimately, this is about making sure the UK’s firefighters have kit they can trust when it matters most, and we’re proud to be delivering that on a national scale.”
For further information, visit the Ballyclare website: ballyclarelimited.com
