UNITED KINGDOM / AGILITYPR.NEWS / November 18, 2022 / Raising their status as global leaders in the survival solutions industry following the acquisition of MRT, Wescom Group enjoyed a significant presence during the recent METSTRADE 2022 exhibition. With a recent move into marine electronics, reinforcing an active commitment to broaden the Wescom portfolio of quality survival products, they offered visitors a preview of the sMRT Shield 406MHz next generation PLB, and launched a new and vastly improved Man Overboard Light and Smoke signal.

Having expanded their range of core capabilities in distress signalling, Wescom Group now provide their widespread network with access to a complementary combination of world-leading marine pyrotechnics and cutting-edge electronic distress beacons from MRT’s sMRT range of personal locator beacons.

Wescom Group chose METs as a platform for their exclusive preview highlighting the future release of sMRT Shield, a next gen Galileo-powered PLB, a single device incorporating the world’s most advanced distress alert and locating technologies. Combining the global distress alert of 406 MHz with the localised tracking and recovery power of AIS and with the addition of Return Link Service (RLS), Shield delivers complete reassurance to the end user. Employing the speed and accuracy of Galileo GNSS to accelerate location detection, together with essential tracking in the water, this state-of-the-art product is the latest device of its kind available. The full life saving features of the product were shared at the show prior to the full launch anticipated in 2023.

The Wescom team were accompanied by Ryan Petit, the former CEO of MRT, who commented, “I was delighted to attend METSTRADE. As an exhibition synonymous with marine innovation it was exactly the right show to preview our innovative next generation PLB, the sMRT Shield. In addition the event was a great chance to spend time with Wescom Group’s extensive global partner network and to discuss new business opportunities together”.

Wescom Group also celebrated the launch of their new, upgraded and indispensable Comet & Pains Wessex MOB. This mandated light and smoke device is activated by the release of a ships’ life buoys and now provides increased electric light duration from previously two to an impressive 15 hours, meeting the recently introduced USCH standards. Supporting this growing scope of products, they also displayed the well-established and popular Pains Wessex and Comet pyrotechnic distress signalling solutions range.

Ross Wilkinson, Wescom Group CEO stated, “The acquisition of MRT accomplishes a significant step forward in the strategy to expand our survival solutions within the marine sector. By previewing the new Galileo powered sMRT Shield RLS PLB, with combined 406Mhz and AIS at METs, it served to really highlight our global leading pyrotechnic solutions and the innovative distress signalling electronics that will soon be part of our channel network’s portfolio and help to take huge strides in accelerating the search and rescue process”