ABOUT TULMAR :: History
The origins of Tulmar can be traced back to 1951 when RFD Canada was established in Granby, Quebec to perform repair and overhaul services on marine life rafts. The company was renamed Tul Safety Equipment Ltd and moved to Hawkesbury, Ontario in 1968.
Marine and Aviation Life Rafts — In Hawkesbury, Tul Safety established a design and engineering department to develop and manufacture inflatable survival equipment. Tul introduced the Corsair series of SOLAS approved marine life rafts in 1971. The XL series of aviation life rafts 1, 4, 6, 10, 20 and 30-person rafts followed. TUL XL rafts became standard equipment on Canada's military air fleet and are still in operational service today.
Inflatable Life Preservers — During the 1970's and 1980's, Tul Safety developed and certified a number of inflatable life preservers for commercial airline use. The company also manufactured inflatable life preservers under contract to the Department of National Defense, including the LPU, LPSV and Maritime Pouch.
Military Vehicle Stowage Equipment — To diversify its customer base, Tul Safety began manufacturing protective covers and stowage equipment for the first generation of Light Armored Vehicles (LAVs) under contract to GM Defense. The production techniques and quality systems established to produce life support equipment enabled Tul Safety to become a high quality contract manufacturer of complex fabric parts. This contract manufacturing relationship continues today with various military vehicle and system OEMS.
Tulmar Safety Systems Inc — Tulmar Safety Systems was incorporated in 1992, with senior management and production personnel from the former Tul Safety. Operations began with manufacturing of stowage equipment and diversified into repair & overhaul and manufacturing of inflatable safety equipment, to the design and development of proprietary defence and aerospace inflatable equipment.
Tulmar Manufacturing Inc — In 2004, Tulmar Manufacturing was established in Wixom, Michigan to provide a US manufacturing base for vehicle seating, stowage equipment and military tentage. Now located in Ogdensburg, NY, Tulmar Manufacturing is an SBA qualified Woman-Owned Small Business fulfilling subcontracts for defence prime contractors in the United States.
Tulmar Technical Services Inc — In 2007, Tulmar Technical Services was established to provide custom management and operational services for aircraft cabin emergency evacuation training equipment.
Milestones:
1992 - Transport Canada Approved Maintenance Organization
1996 - Obtained ISO-9002 Quality Certification
1997 - Manufactured first airline evacuation training slide
1999 - Received Canada Coast Guard approval for Cadet Vest life preserver
2001 - Moved into 60,000 sq ft manufacturing facility
2001 - Awarded long-term contract to provide stowage equipment for US Stryker armored vehicle program
2001 - Began manufacturing XL series of life rafts for DND
2002 - Received ISO-9001-2000 Quality Certification
2002 - TSO certification for aviation life preserver
2003 - Introduced inflatable shelter system
2004 - Established Tulmar Manufacturing Inc. in the United States
2005 - Partnership with Irvin Aerospace to provide TUL XL life raft for Irvin Aerial Rescue Kit (ARK) system
2006 - Awarded U.S. & Canadian patents for Hammerhead tactical life preserver
2006 - Approved as Canadian distributor and authorized repair station for AmSafe Aviation seat belts
2007 - Tulmar Technical Services established to provide custom management and operational services for aircraft cabin evacuation training equipment
2008 - Established Tulmar Ridge LLC in the United States, in partnership with Ridgeline Industries
2008 - Tulmar Technical Services awarded long-term maintenance management contract by major Star Alliance carrier
2009 - Received ISO 9001:2008 Quality Certification
Tulmar at a Glance | Capabilities | Careers | Community | Environment | History
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