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Three decades protecting the frontline: Luxfer Gas Cylinders and MSA Safety chart significant growth, equipping firefighters across France
Strategic partnership expands footprint, with Lille fire brigade among latest contracts secured
A significant surge in demand for safe, durable and technologically-advanced firefighting equipment across France has demonstrated the strength of a milestone 30-plus year relationship between Luxfer Gas Cylinders and MSA Safety.
In the past year alone, more than 5,000 new SCBA cylinders from Luxfer have entered service across French fire and rescue services, with cutting-edge breathing apparatus units from MSA Safety at the centre of the success story.
While MSA and Luxfer have a long-standing relationship spanning more than three decades globally – from MSA’s global headquarters in Pennsylvania to Luxfer’s California-based manufacturing plants – one of its most visible growth areas today is in France.
The summer of 2024 marked a major landmark. Ahead of the Paris Summer Games – which were watched by a global audience of five billion – demand peaked from French fire brigades seeking to bolster readiness for the once-in-a-generation event.
The MSA team in France responded with the roll-out of thousands of M1 SCBA units – fitted with Luxfer’s 6.8L L65B Type 3 composite cylinder, which is a market-leading product for its strength, lightweight design and 30-year lifetime.
“When it comes to firefighting, there is no room for compromise,” said Eric Savonitto, Business Development Manager at Luxfer Gas Cylinders. “Fire and rescue services demand equipment that is lightweight, durable, and above all, reliable – capable of performing under intense heat, pressure and unpredictability.
“Our partnership with MSA Safety to supply these customers has laid the foundations for growth because it is grounded in shared values – safety, reliability and quality – and confidence in our manufacturing process.”
Fire service contract wins secured by MSA Safety include Lille (SDIS 59), Annecy (SDIS 74), Colmar (SDIS 68), Neuville-sur-Oise (SDIS 95) and Evry (SDIS 91), representing some of the country’s largest and most demanding fire brigades, across five major regions.
For French fire brigades, including SDIS 59 – the country’s largest – the combination of MSA’s M1 unit and Luxfer’s SCBA cylinder offers a robust, future-ready solution. The addition of protective boots, sleeves and caps for the cylinders – specified for the French market – enhances durability even under the most demanding conditions.
MSA Safety’s Christian Chmara explains: “The M1 SCBA was co-designed with firefighters and developed specifically for the European and International fire services, representing the most advanced, ergonomic and modular breathing apparatus our company has ever developed for those markets. It was developed with the Luxfer SCBA cylinder in mind, and we are proud of our long-standing relationship with Luxfer that is aligned around helping to keep firefighters safe on the job.”
Recent success in France builds on a long legacy of trust between MSA and Luxfer. From supplying SCBA units during the 9/11 attacks, to supporting emergency responses to major events such as the Notre Dame Cathedral fire, Luxfer cylinders have consistently played a vital role in public safety.
Today, SCBA remains a major focus for Luxfer Gas Cylinders, with products deployed not only for fire services, but also in industrial safety, defence, and mining escape sets – wherever breathing protection is essential.
Eric adds: “The partnership with MSA Safety continues to grow, and we will work together to evolve our SCBA offering responding to market demand when we’re absolutely confident that new products can meet Luxfer’s exacting standards. For Luxfer, it’s never just about being first with new products – it’s about being best.”
Looking ahead: Safety through collaboration
As MSA continues to expand its presence across France, Luxfer remains its trusted cylinder partner. Their joint efforts – from product enhancements to collaborative training with end users – underscore the power of working in unison to deliver unrivalled protection for first responders.
“Together, we have the expertise and products to supply the fire service across France,” adds Eric. This is more than a supply chain story – it’s about two companies aligned in purpose. When MSA chooses Luxfer, they’re demonstrating they want the best for their customers. And that’s the ultimate endorsement. Luxfer is a partner who will support MSA Safety’s growth with the quality, flexibility and aftercare that fire services expect.”
For further information on Luxfer Gas Cylinders’ SCBA portfolio visit: https://www.luxfercylinders.com/market/scba/
For further information on MSA Safety visit: https://fr.msasafety.com/products/first-responder







