Lifejacket maker on crest of a wave after sale

MERSEYSIDE lifejacket manufacturer International Safety Products (ISP) has been acquired by expanding maritime group 3Si for an undisclosed sum.

ISP, which has 100 workers at sites in Bootle and Birkenhead, will join Ocean Safety and Typhoon alongside Revere Survival within the group.

The company’s managing director John Rogers said: “We are extremely proud of what is being achieved at ISP and we have complete confidence that the business will continue to thrive within the 3Si Group.

“This is a hugely positive development for the company which can now leverage even greater levels of resource to drive investment, development and growth.”

ISP commercial director Geoff Billington said the move would help it ramp up its ambitious overseas expansion.

“One of ISP’s greatest strengths is its passionate, dedicated and highly-skilled workforce,” he said. “Our strong team ethos and attention to customer service have been fundamental in elevating the business to where it is today.

“Under the 3Si Group ISP can now access an extended customer base enhancing our ability to reach new markets and territories. This provides huge potential for ISP’s unrivalled product offering.”

Chief executive of Southampton-headquartered 3Si said: “I am delighted to welcome ISP into the 3Si Group, creating one of the world’s leading lifejacket providers and safety product suppliers.

“ISP shares with 3Si a key philosophy of providing excellent value, innovation and support to our customers and they have an enviable customer base covering the globe. I look forward to working with our new colleagues to offer our customers an enhanced and unique capability and service.”

Rogers and Billington will continue in their roles for ISP which has been backed by the Merseyside Special Investment Fund since it launched in 2008.