I would imagine this industry, before you started to grow more heavily in the US, was already a substantial market with established companies providing blasting respirators. This industry has been around forever. How were you able to enter the US market, take market share, and grow rapidly? What made you special?

Bullard was by far our biggest competitor. Their products were essentially builder's hard hats with some additions. They were uncomfortable, heavy, and noisy. Our products, however, were developed with a padded lining, fitting like a motorcycle helmet. The blasting helmets had nice foam-padded cheeks and a foam top. This was a game changer for the industry, as people could now wear something comfortable and cozy. In tight environments, when you turned your head with other products, the helmet stayed still, and you ended up looking into the side of your helmet. Our products allowed the helmet to turn with your head.

I would imagine this industry, before you started to grow more heavily in the US, was already a substantial market with established companies providing blasting respirators. This industry has been around forever. How were you able to enter the US market, take market share, and grow rapidly? What made you special?

That was a key difference that changed the market. We captured about 80% of the market, competing against Bullard in blasting.

And which are the bigger markets? Is blasting a niche or smaller market?

It's a very niche market, which gave us an advantage to enter other markets. There are really only three main players in the market; Bullard, Clemco, RPB.