2 new R&D centers in 2009

In May 2009, the Group expanded its R&D resources in respiratory protection with a new laboratory in France (Villers-Cotterêts), to extend the capacity of an existing test laboratory. Both work in full synergy to answer new problems in the respiratory field effectively, from SCBA and reusable filtering half-masks to respiratory protection for military applications.

The new respiratory research center is composed of 4 specialized units:

• A chemical laboratory, including 8 gas testing benches to assess the performance of filters and filtering media against gas, as defined by the European standards
• A respiratory laboratory for all types of mechanical and ventilation testing
• A climatic laboratory to simulate environments at temperatures from -60° C to +180°C, for testing all our protection devices either in working situations or stored. This lab can also test flammability and the impact of radiant heat on our respiratory products components
• A ventilation laboratory, with 4 ventilation test benches from 10m3/h to 5000m3/h.

In October 2009, Sperian Protection has opened a new center for the research and development of protective gloves in France (Châlon-sur-Saône). This unit has been created to design glove models to be sold all over the world and concentrates its research on materials and textiles in order to provide even higher standards in safety and ergonomics for users.

The Group will centralize all of its protective glove research in this laboratory and will propose new test methods adapted to all international and local safety regulations.

The laboratory conducts:

• High-performance fiber research to develop a new generation of gloves designed to protect against cuts and abrasions, and also to improve thermal and chemical protection. The laboratory teams’ expertise gathered from working with all glove types (knitted, dipped, and cut-sewn) allows them to integrate the use of natural fibers, leather, synthetic fibers, and polymers to create innovative products for users who are exposed to hazardous environments.
• Specific developments using eco-design and environmentally-friendly materials with the goal of finding new solutions that are adapted to current user work constraints
• Research projects on ergonomics and product design. Improving comfort, dexterity, glove fit, and aesthetics are among the main criteria that Sperian will focus on to encourage wearing protection in the workplace, thus contributing to better overall safety and productivity of workers.