Interview with Diane Tymon, Channel Development Manager at MSA Safety Company
UK Construction Online talks to Diane Tymon, Channel Development Manager at MSA Safety Company, about the Company’s background, its relationship with product supplier, Vizwear, and the advancement of health and safety products over the years.
Can you give me some background to MSA?
Established in 1914, MSA Safety Incorporated is the global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of safety products that protect people and facility infrastructures. Many MSA products integrate a combination of electronics, mechanical systems and advanced materials to protect users against hazardous or life-threatening situations.
What makes MSA safety products different from other suppliers?
The company’s comprehensive line of products is used by workers around the world in a broad range of markets, including the oil, gas and petrochemical industry, the fire service, the construction industry, mining, and the military. We manufacture highly safety critical products, which save lives.
Is innovation and improvement in safety products led by manufacturers or industry?
Both, we work closely with the end users and distributors to listen to the Voice of the Customer when doing our Research and Development of new products.
What is your relationship to Vizwear?
Vizwear are a Channel Partner for MSA supporting a wide range of products into the Industry.
Why choose Vizwear?
Vizwear are a large distribution outlet, supporting the Industry and allowing large stock holding of many of our products.
In terms of the construction industry, which products or area has undergone the most change over the years?
Health and Safety products have had the biggest change in legislation over the years.
How is the equipment tested?
All our manufactured products have a rigorous testing procedure to conform with EU/ ANSI and other worldwide regulations, driven by the Research and Development teams in Pittsburgh, China, France and Berlin.
How do you go about improving the performance of products?
Performance of products is on going and driven by leading legislation, i.e. the new SOLAS requirements for Gas Detection recently. Also by acquisition.
Are there any exciting product developments you can tell us about?
Yes, the new VGARD 900 SERIES helmet is just about to be launched. The new ALTAIR5X BLUETOOTH gas detector has been launched with added PID function. Coming soon is the BLUETOOTH technology in the confined space ALTAIR4X gas monitor and lastly we have acquired Latchways, who are a leading manufacturer of working at height and fall arrest products in the UK.
For any enquiries please contact Terry Andrews at VIZWEAR on 01942 219709 or email: Terry.andrews@vizwear.com and mention UK Construction Online.