Globe History

Globe invented turnout gear over 130 years ago. Today we still deliver the most advanced, best-fitting, and longest-lasting protection by listening to our customers, creating breakthrough designs, and applying the engineering skills of the nation's most trusted manufacturer.

 

 

1887

Globe Manufacturing Company is founded

Globe Manufacturing Company is founded in Lynn, MA. Courtland F.H. Freese buys the company and moves it to Pittsfield, NH, which remains its headquarters to this day.

 

 

1918

Globe patents turnout gear

Globe receives a patent for a waterproof coat using an outer shell, a waterproof barrier, and a thermal lining — the same system still used today by all manufacturers of turnout gear.

1953

Globe is the first to use 3M™ SCOTCHLITE™

Globe is the first to use 3M™ SCOTCHLITE™ reflective trim to add visibility to its turnout gear.

1966

Globe introduces DuPont NOMEX®

Globe introduces DuPont NOMEX® inherently flame resistant fabric.

 

 

1975

First NFPA 1971 Standard for Protective Clothing for Structural Fire Fighting

Globe is a charter member of the National Fire Protection Association creating the first NFPA 1971 Standard for Protective Clothing For Structural Fire Fighting. Globe becomes the first to comply with this new standard for every turnout sold.

 

1985

PBI® & Gore-Tex®

Globe introduces two state-of-the-art performance fabrics: PBI® for outer shells and waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex® fabric for moisture barriers.

1991

GX-7™

Globe brings ergonomic design to turnout gear by launching the revolutionary GX-7™, which rapidly becomes the most popular turnout gear in the fire service.

1993

The 4th generation takes over

The 4th generation of the founding Freese family takes over the ownership and management of Globe. Gef (left), Rob (middle), and Don (right).

 

1994

ISO 9001 Certification

Globe is the first manufacturer of turnouts to achieve ISO 9001 Certification.

1995

Cairns Protective Clothing

Globe acquires Cairns Protective Clothing.

 

 

2000

Globe LifeLine

Recognizing that the rescue component of firefighters' jobs continues to grow, Globe creates Globe LifeLine — the right gear for the job. Globe implements Lean Manufacturing, dramatically improving efficiency and reducing delivery times.

2003

G-XTREME®

Globe launches G-XTREME® — the world's most advanced turnout gear — designed to move the way the human body moves without restriction.

2005

REAXTION®

REAXTION® joins the Globe Cairns family with its patented collar that attaches the liner to the outside of the jacket and adds length and fullness where the body bends.

2006

Athletic Footwear for Firefighters

Globe introduces Athletic Footwear for Firefighters with its remarkably flexible, cushioned and contoured construction to choruses of "Wow."

2007

IH™ Pants

IH™ Pants — integrating a Class 2 internal seat harness with floating, load-equalizing leg loops into turnout gear.

2008

G-XCEL®

Globe introduces G-XCEL® and RSX™ turnout gear styles — serious performance and great value.

2009

CLASSIX®

Another new Globe turnout style — CLASSIX®. Value priced turnout gear with a nod to the traditional.

2012

G-XTREME®

G-XTREME® introduces a whole new dimension in fit — SHAPE. Now your gear can really fit your body — without extra bulk and without restriction — so that you can perform your job better.

2013

Athletic Gear for Firefighters

Globe introduces “Athletic Gear for Firefighters.” Because fighting fires is demanding, physical work requiring maximum athletic performance.

2014

CLASSIX® METRO™ and CLASSIX® SE

Globe introduces CLASSIX® METRO™, designed expressly for Metro departments, and the CLASSIX® SE.

2015

The evolution of “Athletic Gear for Firefighters.”

Globe introduces the evolution of “Athletic Gear for Firefighters.” The new G-XTREME® 3.0 is completely retailored from collar to cuff to provide even less restriction.

 

 

2016

Globe previews the future of turnout gear – ATHLETIX™.

New material technology enables all-new athletic design with stretch fabrics that allow closer, body-contoured fit to provide unprecedented range of motion with less bulk, more flexibility, and lighter weight.

2017

MSA Acquires Globe

MSA acquires Globe Manufacturing Company to continue the Globe tradition of innovation.

2019

Globe Pant System

Globe revolutionizes turnout pants again with the new Globe Pant System – the only pants available in four fits: Slim, Regular, Relaxed, and Women’s.

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