Avon Protection PLC on Thursday said it has received a first delivery order worth $42.1 million from the US Army for a ‘next generation’ helmet.

The Wiltshire, England-based personal protection company makes defence equipment for use by military, police, industrial and fire service personnel.

Avon says its manufacturing ramp-up is ‘progressing to plan’, and expects initial deliveries to commence in the first half of the 2023 financial year.

Chief Executive Officer Paul McDonald, who in May announced his intention to resign at the end of the financial year, said the order will cement Avon as ‘a global leader’ in head protection technology and as a ‘centre of excellence in high-specification ballistic helmets’.

Avon’s focus on helmet production follows the closure of its body and flat armour business last year when first article testing failures caused delays to product approvals for US Department of Defence contracts.

Avon said it plans to complete rigorous testing on its helmets before proceeding to manufacture.

Avon shares were trading 6.1% higher at 1,081.89 pence each in London on Thursday morning.

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