Technology group Avon Rubber has secured a $265m contract from the US Army to supply Vital Torso Protection (VTP) X-Side Ballistic Insert (XSBI) body armour plates.

Under the four-year dual-source framework contract, the company’s business unit Avon Protection will supply next-generation armour plates to the army.

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Avon Rubber expects initial orders to start in its financial year ending September 2021 after securing product approvals.

Avon Rubber CEO Paul McDonald said: “This is another significant, multi-year contract for Avon Protection and demonstrates our position as a leading provider of next-generation body armour to the US Armed Forces.

“This further strengthens the medium term outlook and visibility for Avon Protection and represents encouraging momentum in our newly acquired ballistic protection business.”

Together with the existing $704m framework contract to supply Enhanced Small Arms Protective Insert and X-Small Arms Protective Insert body armour plates to the US Army for four years, the latest contract underpins Avon Protection’s expected medium-term revenues.

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The XSBI plates are one of several VTP body armour products developed by 3M’s ballistic-protection business, which was acquired by Avon Protection in January this year.

3M completed the sale of the business to Avon Rubber in a deal valued at $91m. Depending on the outcome of pending tenders, further contingent consideration of up to $25m is payable.

The business comprises ballistic helmets, body armour, flat armour, and related helmet-attachment products serving government and law enforcement.

Avon Rubber provides advanced chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear respiratory protection systems for military, law enforcement and fire customers.

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