Avon Rubber P.L.C. has acquired VR Technology Ltd. to move full force into the rebreather product manufacturing market.

It also has purchased a new factory in Wisconsin for its Avon Engineered Fabrications business. Avon Rubber said the combined cost of the new plant and the purchase of VR Technology was about $3.9 million.

VR Technology produces rebreather systems and computer products for the diving market. It will complement and enhance Avon's current and planned offerings while creating new respiratory protection opportunities for the rubber product maker, an Avon spokesman said.

One key growth avenue created by the acquisition will be with navies worldwide, he said.

"Rebreather technology is new to Avon's product range, and we will launch our first branded rebreather product for military use in 2014," according to the spokesman.

Source: rubbernews.com