Blue Point’s NSA Adds Bashlin Industries to PPE and Safety Products Platform

Blue Point Capital Partners and its portfolio company, National Safety Apparel (NSA), announced the acquisition of Bashlin Industries, Inc. Bashlin is a manufacturer of climbing gear, fall protection equipment and accessories designed for power utility and telecommunication lineworkers and industrial professionals.   

Founded by W.M. Bashlin and based in Grove City, Pennsylvania, the fourth-generation, family-owned business has a legacy spanning nearly a century. Built on a foundation of quality, innovation, comfort and safety, Bashlin serves customers across North America and international markets, delivering reliable performance in the most demanding environments.

“Bashlin Industries has built an exceptional legacy rooted in product excellence, trusted relationships and unwavering integrity,” said NSA CEO Chuck Grossman. “NSA’s long-standing relationship with the Bashlin and Schell families goes back to our acquisition of Kunz Glove in 2020. Welcoming Bashlin to the NSA family of brands reinforces our commitment to the safety industry and widens our manufacturing capabilities, setting the stage for continued innovation and growth.”

NSA is a Cleveland-based manufacturer of branded, high-performance personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety products for electrical, industrial and service applications. This acquisition significantly enhances NSA’s product portfolio by adding climbing belts, straps and related gear to its utility and lineworker offerings. It also unlocks valuable cross-selling opportunities through Bashlin’s well-established distributor network and long-standing customer relationships.

“Joining the NSA family marks an exciting new chapter for Bashlin Industries,” said Bashlin President Brad McGill. “Our shared commitment to high-quality manufacturing and safeguarding front-line workers makes this partnership a natural and powerful fit.”

“Bashlin represents the third strategic addition to NSA within the first 15 months of our partnership – underscoring our joint focus on purposeful expansion and thoughtful integration,” said Blue Point Partner Jon Pressnell. “Blue Point’s investment and operational experience in the safety sector, combined with the manufacturing excellence of NSA and Bashlin, positions the platform for continued growth. We’re excited to build on this momentum through both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions.”

NSA is actively seeking additional partnerships with like-minded founders and owners of businesses that specialize in safety products. Business owners interested in learning more may contact Blue Point Managing Director, Business Development Megan Kneipp at [email protected].

Bashlin Industries, Inc., founded in 1926, is a fourth-generation, privately held, ISO 9001:2015 certified U.S. manufacturer of premium climbing gear, fall protection equipment and accessories for power utility and telecommunication linemen and industrial workers. Based in Grove City, Pennsylvania, Bashlin serves customers across North America and internationally, with a legacy built on quality, service, comfort and innovation.

National Safety Apparel (NSA), established in 1935, is a provider of flame-resistant clothing (FRC), electrical PPE and products, high-heat and industrial PPE and uniforms. NSA’s brands (DRIFIRE®, Enespro®, Wild Things® and others) offer products with patented technologies, proven designs and flexible solutions built to meet the demands of today’s most challenging work environments. Trusted by distribution partners and end-users alike, NSA continues to invest in advanced manufacturing and customer-driven innovation to help keep workers protected and productive.

Blue Point Capital Partners is a private equity firm managing more than $1.8 billion in committed capital. With nationwide resources, Blue Point’s geographical footprint allows it to establish relationships with local and regional entrepreneurs and advisors while providing the perspectives and resources of a global organization. Blue Point has over a two-decade history of partnering with lower middle-market businesses to build processes and capabilities to achieve growth. Blue Point’s portfolio is supported by its unique capabilities — which include an integrative team focused on innovative global supply chain, data and digital and human capital strategies — as well as its extensive experience, network of industry resources and focused M&A efforts. Blue Point typically invests in businesses that generate between $30 million and $300 million in revenue.