Wescom Group celebrate product preview at METSTRADE 2022

Wescom Group sMRT Shield © Wescom Group

Raising their status as global leaders in the survival solutions industry following the acquisition of MRT, Wescom Group will enjoy a significant presence during METS 2022. With a recent move into marine electronics, reinforcing an active commitment to broaden the Wescom portfolio of quality survival products, there will be a first preview of the sMRT Shield 406MHz next generation PLB, plus the launch of a new and vastly improved Man Overboard Light and Smoke Signal.

Having expanded their range of core capabilities in distress signalling, Wescom Group will 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 has chosen METs as the ideal platform for an exclusive preview of the future release of sMRT Shield. This next gen Galileo-powered PLB is 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 will be shared at the show prior to a full launch anticipated in 2023.

The Wescom team will be located on Stand 03.222 at METs, also attended by Ryan Petit, the former CEO of MRT, who commented, "I'm delighted to attend METSTRADE, the exhibition is synonymous with marine innovation and is exactly the right show to preview our innovative next generation PLB, the sMRT Shield. I'm also looking forward to spending time with Wescom Group's global partner network and finding new business opportunities together."

Wescom Group will also celebrate 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, the well-established and popular Pains Wessex and Comet pyrotechnic distress signalling solutions range will also be on display.

Ross Wilkinson, Wescom Group CEO stated, "This 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, on Wescom Group's stand at METs, we are highlighting our global leading pyrotechnic solutions and the innovative distress signalling electronics that will soon be part of our channel network's portfolio and help take huge strides in accelerating the search and rescue process."