Honeywell, Morris Township, N.J., announced Friday it has completed its acquisition of Norcross Safety Products L.L.C., a manufacturer of personal protective equipment (PPE), for approximately $1.2 billion. According to a company release, Norcross, based in Oak Brook, Ill., will form a new line of business called Honeywell Safety Products within Honeywell Life Safety, part of Automation and Control Solutions (ACS).

"We're excited to have the opportunity to participate in the dynamic growth of the personal protective industry," says Mark Levy, president of Honeywell Life Safety. "Norcross is an ideal fit for Honeywell. Together, we combine rich histories of delivering safety products, services and technologies that meet customer needs, while complying with the very strict regulations that the industry demands."

Norcross is a major provider of personal protective equipment, including air purifying respirators, protective footwear, protective headgear, firefighter turnout gear, high-voltage sleeves and gloves, and arc flash protection. Norcross sells its products under names including North, KCL, Fibre-Metal, Morning Pride, Pro-Warrington, Salisbury and Servus. It benefits from one of the industry's most extensive distribution networks with more than 2,500 locations.

"Norcross offers us leading safety products with technology differentiation and one of the strongest, most recognizable brands in the industry," says Levy in the company release. "As we initiate a robust integration process, we expect to maximize the sales potential of the Norcross portfolio by expanding the channels in which they are offered. Consistent with our previous acquisitions in gas detection and fire systems, we'll focus on delivering profitable, sustainable growth to Honeywell by extending our already strong position in the $20 billion global Life Safety marketplace."