Functionality, Fit, Safety Attributes Cited as Award-Winning Formula
AURORA, ILL. – Southcombe Brothers, Ltd. (Southcombe) today announced that the Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD) has purchased nearly 1,700 pairs of the company’s Firemaster® IV Kovenex® gloves following months of rigorous testing. Safeguarded by Kovenex, Southcombe’s Firemaster IV 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 IV 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, Ill.-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.”
About Southcombe
Based in the beautiful Somerset countryside in the UK, Southcombe Brothers have been making and supplying gloves since 1847. One of Europe’s oldest and largest glove suppliers, Southcombe Brothers continue to lead the industry in terms of design, performance and customer service. With a unique blend of traditional craft skills and specialised high-tech materials, together with an ISO 9001 certified tannery and manufacturing units, Southcombe Brothers oversee the development of gloves from first designs to the finished pair. For more information please visit www.southcombe.com or call 011 44 1935 823567.
About Kovenex
Kovenex, manufactured and marketed by Chester, Va.-based Waubridge Specialty Fabrics, LLC, is a high-performance engineered fabric blend with inherent flame-, heat- and tear-resistant properties. For more information please visit www.kovenex.com or call 866.861.7976.