US manufacturer of branded products in the personal protection equipment industry, Norcross Safety Products L.L.C. has announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire all of the outstanding capital stock of Fibre-Metal Products Company.

Fibre-Metal, is a privately held manufacturer of head protection equipment including protective caps, face shields and welding helmets.

Completion of the acquisition is expected to take place in the fourth quarter of 2005. After completion, it is anticipated that Fibre-Metal will operate as a part of Norcross's industrial protection business.

"The combination of Fibre-Metal's customer base and expertise in the protective headgear market with our North Safety personal protective equipment business will increase our manufacturing and distribution capabilities, expand and diversify our product offerings and enhance our ability to serve our customers," noted Robert A. Peterson, Norcross's president and CEO.

Norcross manufactures a full line of personal protection equipment for workers in the general industrial, fire service and utility/high voltage industries. Its brand portfolio includes North, Morning Pride, Ranger, Servus, Pro-Warrington and Salisbury.