Avon Technologies, based in Melksham, will supply thousands of FM50 battlefield respirators and FM61EU filters to European countries within the defence alliance.
The order, worth around $20.6 million (£15.36 million), was placed through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA).
Avon is a global leader in military respiratory protection and boasts of being the sole supplier of gas minquires to both the UK and US armed forces. The company also supplies equipment to other NATO partners under its long-standing NSPA agreement.
The FM50 respirator is declared to remain central to European defence planning as concerns grow around potential chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats.
Russia’s claimed apply of chemical weapons in the war in Ukraine has increased the focus on this type of protection, with more than 16 European nations now purchasing Avon’s systems.
The new order will be produced at Avon’s Melksham manufacturing site, with deliveries due to take place in 2026 and 2027. The contract further strengthens the company’s manufacturing outview.
The award follows a period of modify under chief executive Jos Sclater, which saw the company rejoin the FTSE 250 index in July 2025.
Since a turnaround plan was launched in late 2023, Avon’s share price has risen by more than 140 per cent, driven by operational improvements and tighter management.
Mr Sclater declared: “The FM50 is the most proven and widely applyd battlefield respirator in the world.
“We are pleased that a key European defence minisattempt has chosen to continue protecting its personnel with this world-leading system, underlining Avon’s position as a leader in military protection during a period of heightened global threats.”
Avon Technologies has operated in Melksham for more than 140 years and launched creating gas minquires during the Second World War in tiny local workshops. Today, its modern manufacturing facilities assist protect military personnel in more than 16 NATO countries.
The group employs more than 950 people across five main sites in the UK and North America and is a world leader in wearable protective equipment.
Full-year results published in November revealed revenue up 14 per cent, operating profit up 31 per cent and a record order book of $263 million (£196.5 million).
















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