Lakeland Industries, Inc., a prominent global manufacturer of protective clothing, has announced its acquisition of New Zealand-based Pacific Helmets NZ Limited in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $8.5 million.

This strategic move is set to enhance Lakeland’s global fire services portfolio, adding a range of innovative safety helmet offerings to its product lineup.

Expansion of Lakeland’s global fire services portfolio

Lakeland Industries, known for its protective clothing for industry, healthcare, and first responders, has taken a significant step in expanding its global fire services segment.

The acquisition of Pacific Helmets, a leader in the design and manufacture of helmets for various firefighting and rescue markets, represents a substantial enhancement to Lakeland’s product portfolio.

The addition of Pacific’s differentiated product offerings, which include structural firefighting, wildland firefighting, and rescue helmets, strengthens Lakeland’s commitment to delivering exceptional fire turnout protection offerings worldwide​​.

Strategic significance of the acquisition

The acquisition is a key milestone in Lakeland’s global expansion efforts.

Jim Jenkins, Executive Chairman of Lakeland Industries, stated, “This strategic acquisition is a significant milestone in our global fire services expansion efforts, enhancing our product portfolio and strengthening our commitment to delivering exceptional fire turnout protection offerings to our customers worldwide.”

He further added that Pacific’s range of helmet models, styles, and certifications, combined with their ability to develop new products and sell successfully around the world, is expected to add seven to eight million dollars of sales revenue to Lakeland in the next fiscal year and be immediately accretive​​.

Benefits and synergies of the acquisition

This acquisition is not just a mere addition of products but a strategic alignment of complementary offerings.

Mr.

Jenkins highlighted that the acquisition significantly expands Lakeland’s fire product offerings to its existing customer base while enhancing geographic reach in Australia and New Zealand.

The addition of Pacific’s products and capabilities to Lakeland’s portfolio presents a compelling cross-selling opportunity across Lakeland’s global sales and distribution channels​​.

About Pacific Helmets

Pacific Helmets is a leader in the design and manufacture of a wide range of safety helmets.

Their products cater to structural firefighting, wildland firefighting, rescue, paramedic, ATV, and other applications.

Pacific Helmets is renowned for its extensive range of helmet models, styles, and certifications, achieved through a proprietary fiberglass-based shell construction method.

The company currently sells to over 40 countries and manages its entire manufacturing and assembly processes from its headquarters in Whanganui, New Zealand​​.

About Lakeland Industries

Lakeland Industries manufactures and sells a comprehensive line of industrial protective clothing and accessories for various markets.

The company’s products are sold globally to a network of over 1,600 global safety and industrial supply distributors.

In addition to its extensive reach in the United States, Lakeland’s products are sold in more than 50 foreign countries, including in the EEC, Canada, China, and Southeast Asia​​.

IFSJ Comment

The acquisition of Pacific Helmets by Lakeland Industries is a strategic move that significantly enhances Lakeland’s position in the global fire services industry.

This merger not only diversifies Lakeland’s product portfolio but also expands its geographical reach, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.

The integration of Pacific Helmets’ innovative products with Lakeland’s existing offerings presents significant cross-selling and growth opportunities.

This acquisition underscores the growing importance of comprehensive and innovative safety solutions in the firefighting and rescue sectors, reflecting a trend towards greater specialization and diversification in the industry.