Globe Firefighter Suits

Globe Firefighter Suits, a four-generation family-owned business in Pittsfield, is the world's leading manufacturer of firefighter turnout gear. Globe invented turnout gear in 1887, and invented and patented the original construction concept of a rugged outer shell and the waterproof liner that is still used today. According Rob Freese, senior VP of marketing, "We've strived for the last 10 years to bridge the gap between academia [research] and the real world." One result, now in development: a new bodyworn electronics system for firefighters and first responders that will monitor physiology and location.

It's anticipated that this system will become a "must have" tool that will help reduce firefighter deaths and disabilities due to stress and overexertion, and make location/tracking of personnel a realty for emergency responders. This practical and wearable advanced sensor platform will provide reliable real-time data and, as an integrated system, it will allow for the wide-scale adoption of current and future sensor technologies.

The company has exported products since the 1960s. Freese cites the importance of the Division of Economic Development in helping the company succeed in the global marketplace. "The International Trade Resource Center has helped us expand our exports tremendously, and we are now distributing products in 78 countries. Some of the services that were most helpful include assistance with market research and product requirements."

Globe has also participated in trade missions and in-country business matchmaking services organized by the ITRC and the U.S. Commercial Service, in which meetings were arranged for Globe with potential distributors and customers in various countries, including Argentina, Brazil and Chile.

"We have also had considerable success recently in Asia and the Middle East" says Freese. "One time when we had a difficulty in Kuwait, ITRC set up a meeting in-country within three days, which allowed us to resolve the issue. The relationship between Globe and ITRC is a true public/private partnership that has been extremely valuable to us."