Wescom Group celebrate product Preview at METSTRADE 2022

14/11/2022

Press Release

Raising their status as global leaders in the survival solutions industry following the acquisition of MRT, Wescom Group will enjoy a significant presence during METs 2022. With a recent move into marine electronics, reinforcing an active commitment to broaden the Wescom portfolio of quality survival products, there will be a first preview of the sMRT Shield 406MHz next generation PLB, plus the launch of a new and vastly improved Man Overboard Light and Smoke signal.

Having expanded their range of core capabilities in distress signalling, Wescom Group will now provide their widespread network with access to a complementary combination of world-leading marine pyrotechnics and cutting-edge electronic distress beacons from MRT’s sMRT range of personal locator beacons.

Wescom Group have chosen METs as the ideal platform for an exclusive preview of what the future release of sMRT Shield, a next gen Galileo-powered PLB, a single device incorporating the world’s most advanced distress alert and locating technologies. Combining the global distress alert of 406 MHz with the localised tracking and recovery power of AIS and with the addition of Return Link Service (RLS), Shield delivers complete reassurance to the end user.  Employing the speed and accuracy of Galileo GNSS to accelerate location detection, together with essential tracking in the water, this state-of-the-art product is the latest device of its kind available. The full life saving features of the product will be shared at the show prior to a full launch anticipated in 2023.

The Wescom team will be located on Stand 03.222 at METs, also attended by Ryan Petit, the former CEO of MRT, who commented, “I’m delighted to attend METSTRADE, the exhibition is synonymous with marine innovation and is exactly the right show to preview our innovative next generation PLB, the sMRT Shield. I’m also looking forward to spending time with Wescom Group’s global partner network and finding new business opportunities together”.

Wescom Group will also celebrate the launch of their new, upgraded and indispensable Comet & Pains Wessex MOB. This mandated light and smoke device is activated by the release of a ships’ life buoys and now provides increased electric light duration from previously two to an impressive 15 hours, meeting the recently introduced USCH standards. Supporting this growing scope of products, the well-established and popular Pains Wessex and Comet pyrotechnic distress signalling solutions range will also be on display.

Ross Wilkinson, Wescom Group CEO stated, “This acquisition of MRT accomplishes a significant step forward in the strategy to expand our survival solutions within the marine sector. By previewing the new Galileo powered sMRT Shield RLS PLB, with combined 406Mhz and AIS, on Wescom Group’s stand at METs, we are highlighting our global leading pyrotechnic solutions and the innovative distress signalling electronics that will soon be part of our channel network’s portfolio and help take huge strides in accelerating the search and rescue process”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

For press information please contact:

Ginger Agency:

Hayley Harris

Ginger Agency (SW) Ltd

Hayley@gingeragency.co.uk

+44 7919 869537

About Wescom

Wescom Group is renowned as the leading manufacturer and supplier of pyrotechnic distress and safety signals in the marine, defence and security sectors. It has a long and distinguished heritage, with origins dating back to the 1600s. Wescom Group has around 300 employees based in the UK, Germany, Spain and Australia. Wescom was purchased by Sun European Partners, LLP in 2020, with the long-term goal of investing in the business to support both an organic and acquisition growth strategy.

www.wescom-group.com

Wescom Signal and Rescue UK Ltd is a company registered in England & Wales with Company Number 02937952 | VAT NO GB 866 7980 54

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