1970s – The Beginning of Safety Devices
The 1970s marked the birth of Safety Devices, a decade defined by motorsport innovation. Following the FIA’s mandate for roll cages in competitive racing, the company expanded its product line to include front cages, enhancing crash protection for drivers. Motorsport was at the heart of our early operations, which provided the foundation for Safety Devices pioneering the first external roll cages for 4×4 vehicles—technology that would later be adopted by the British Army.
The company’s reputation grew rapidly, leading to expansion into larger premises where we became a leading chassis preparation firm. Our expertise attracted major works teams, including British Leyland and Ford, solidifying our place in the motorsport world paving the way for decades of engineering excellence.
1980s – The Camel Trophy and Beyond
In 1980, the team at Safety Devices converted the fleet for the inaugural Camel Trophy Amazon expedition, still regarded as one of the most challenging endurance events in history. In the mid-1980s we prepared a Vauxhall Astra GTE for rally legend Pentti Airikkala, which competed in the 1985 WRC. Then in 1988, Airikkala achieved an impressive fourth place finish in the WRC, driving a Lancia Delta Integrale prepared by the Safety Devices team. Around that same time, entrepreneur Rex Muldoon acquired the business and the company expanded our product range by integrating a key competitor- Aley Bars. Late in the decade we were commissioned by Land Rover to design a North American Specification (NAS) roll cage for the US Defender range, and by decade’s end the company was acquired by Matter, ushering in a new phase of growth.
1990s – Growing in Soham
Safety Devices relocated to a larger facility in Soham during the 90s, installing CNC machinery for tube profiling and tube bending to elevate production standards. In 1995 the company developed a roll cage for the British Army’s Land Rover Wolf, delivering a contract in excess of 7,500 units. This resulted in the introduction of a CNC robotic welder, to automate the welding of high-volume components, whilst increasing accuracy and repeatability. Safety Devices then went on to support a variety of British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) teams, including the preparation of Matt Neal’s Ford Mondeo. We also continued to support the Camel Trophy, by equipping the Kalimantan fleet with custom roof racks and specialist kits. By the end of the decade, the Soham factory employed around 70 staff; further evidence of the company’s steady growth.
2000s – Precision, Partnership and Progress
The new millennium ushered in a period of innovation and international expansion for Safety Devices, cementing our position in the fleet sector, supplying ROPS for Toyota vehicles used in oil, gas, and mining operations worldwide. We strategically relocated our manufacturing operations to Europe, partnering with a high-quality manufacturer to widen our global reach.
Our brand popularity soared to new heights, as we were regularly featured protecting top Formula 1 drivers and celebrities alike on Top Gear’s “Star in a Reasonably Priced Car” segment. We also provided ROPS for the indestructible Hilux, continuing to showcase our engineering abilities to a mainstream audience.
Safety Devices achieved ISO 9001 certification as a manufacturer, reinforcing our commitment to precision, partnership, and progress. Our innovation extended to emerging technologies, including the development of ROPS for Tesla’s first electric car, as well as proudly supporting United Nations peace keeping initiatives with our safety solutions.
2010s – Bigger and Better
The 2010s was a decade of growth for Safety Devices, from a foray on to the big screen with Mr Bond or the UK biggest race grid, we were at the forefront of it all. We had an exciting project across the pond, manufacturing side cars for Harley Davidson used in presidential inaugurations. We turned our hand to the restoration market, assisting Jaguar in developing modern restraint systems to bring their iconic C & D types back to life. We worked with BAE Systems to create the largest ROPS in our history, and we improved safety for the 7,000 vehicles in the British Army WOLF fleet. The 2010s were a defining era for us; we firmly established our place at the forefront of technology and innovation, further investing in modern plant and machinery.
2020s – 50 Years of Excellence
The 2020s, whilst globally tumultuous at times, started a period of celebration of the 50th anniversary of Safety Devices. We celebrated at Goodwood Festival of Speed, reflecting on our remarkable progress, innovation and ingenuity.
Moving further into the 2020s we are investing significantly in new breakthrough technologies, significantly expanding our engineering consultancy department and working with Tier 1 suppliers and prime contractors across multiple industries. Our product range continues to grow further into new industries, including Automotive and Construction, and we look forward to discovering what the rest of this decade brings.
