A surge in demand for safe, durable and technologically advanced firefighting equipment across France has highlighted the longstanding partnership between Luxfer Gas Cylinders and MSA Safety.
The companies have worked together globally for more than 30 years, with the relationship extending from MSA’s headquarters in Pennsylvania to Luxfer’s manufacturing facilities in California.
France has now emerged as one of the partnership’s most visible areas of growth.
During the past year, more than 5,000 new Luxfer SCBA cylinders have entered service with French fire and rescue services, alongside breathing apparatus supplied by MSA Safety.
Paris Games drive demand
Demand reached a significant peak during summer 2024 as French fire brigades strengthened their operational readiness ahead of the Paris Summer Games, which attracted a global audience of five billion.
MSA’s team in France responded by rolling out thousands of M1 SCBA units fitted with Luxfer’s 6.8L L65B Type 3 composite cylinder.
The cylinder has been developed to provide strength, a lightweight design and a 30 year service life.
French fire services adopt equipment
Fire service contracts secured by MSA Safety include Lille, SDIS 59, Annecy, SDIS 74, Colmar, SDIS 68, Neuville sur Oise, SDIS 95, and Evry, SDIS 91.
These contracts cover five major regions and include some of France’s largest and most demanding fire brigades.
For services including SDIS 59, described as the country’s largest, the combination of the MSA M1 unit and Luxfer SCBA cylinder provides a solution designed to meet demanding operational requirements.
Protective boots, sleeves and caps have also been specified for cylinders supplied to the French market, helping increase durability in challenging conditions.
Partnership supports firefighter safety
The recent growth in France builds on more than three decades of cooperation between MSA and Luxfer.
Luxfer cylinders have previously been deployed as part of SCBA equipment used during major emergency responses, including the 9/11 attacks and the Notre Dame Cathedral fire.
SCBA remains a major focus for Luxfer Gas Cylinders, with its products also deployed across industrial safety, defence and mining escape applications where respiratory protection is essential.
Collaboration targets future growth
As MSA continues to expand its presence across France, Luxfer remains its cylinder partner.
The companies are continuing to collaborate on areas including product enhancements and training with end users, with the aim of providing reliable respiratory protection for firefighters and other first responders.
Eric Savonitto, Business Development Manager at Luxfer Gas Cylinders, said: “When it comes to firefighting, there is no room for compromise. Fire and rescue services demand equipment that is lightweight, durable, and above all, reliable – capable of performing under intense heat, pressure and unpredictability.
“Our partnership with MSA Safety to supply these customers has laid the foundations for growth because it is grounded in shared values – safety, reliability and quality – and confidence in our manufacturing process.”
“The partnership with MSA Safety continues to grow, and we will work together to evolve our SCBA offering responding to market demand when we’re absolutely confident that new products can meet Luxfer’s exacting standards.
“For Luxfer, it’s never just about being first with new products – it’s about being best.”
“Together, we have the expertise and products to supply the fire service across France. This is more than a supply chain story – it’s about two companies aligned in purpose.
“When MSA chooses Luxfer, they’re demonstrating they want the best for their customers. And that’s the ultimate endorsement. Luxfer is a partner who will support MSA Safety’s growth with the quality, flexibility and aftercare that fire services expect.”
MSA Safety’s Christian Chmara said: : “The M1 SCBA was co-designed with firefighters and developed specifically for the European and International fire services, representing the most advanced, ergonomic and modular breathing apparatus our company has ever developed for those markets.
“It was developed with the Luxfer SCBA cylinder in mind, and we are proud of our long-standing relationship with Luxfer that is aligned around helping to keep firefighters safe on the job.”
