Scott Safety bought by 3M

Major American conglomerate 3M has purchased Scott Safety in a $2bn deal, which includes a Skelmersdale site employing nearly 300 staff.

Scott Safety, which is based in North Carolina, manufactures self-contained breathing apparatus and fire-related safety devices used by firefighters, industrial workers and security forces. The business has a global turnover of  $575m.

The sale includes the Lancashire site, on Skelmersdale's Pimbo Road, which employs 294.

3M, based in Minnesota, has a major presence in the UK and Ireland, employing  3,000 people across 23 locations, including 10 manufacturing sites. The company said: "The addition of Scott Safety’s well-regarded safety products, combined with 3M’s products, brands and global capabilities in personal protective equipment will provide a broader array of safety products and solutions, enhancing 3M’s relevance to customers worldwide."