A.J. Stone Company Ltd. and Sani Gear Inc. Announce Strategic Partnership to Deliver Full-Service PPE and Bunker Gear Solutions to Fire Services

Vaughan, ON & Kitchener, ON — A.J. Stone Company Ltd. (A.J. Stone) and Sani Gear Inc., two respected Canadian leaders in firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE), are pleased to announce a strategic partnership that will offer a full-service solution for fire departments across Ontario and beyond. The collaboration marks a major step forward in delivering a seamless, end-to-end PPE experience - from gear selection and measurement to cleaning, inspection, and repair - supporting fire departments through the full-service lifecycle, all under one trusted partnership.

 As part of this strategic partnership, A.J. Stone Company Ltd. has acquired a 50 percent ownership stake in Sani Gear Inc. This investment further strengthens the long-term collaboration between the two organizations, while preserving Sani Gear’s operational independence and continuing its commitment to exceptional service standards under the leadership of President, Inge Pudelek.

 With over five decades of experience serving the fire service community, A.J. Stone has developed deep-rooted expertise in bunker gear solutions and a long-standing track record of supporting fire departments with high-quality protective equipment. As part of its commitment to evolving alongside the fire industry’s changing needs, the company sought to expand its service offerings to include PPE maintenance and care.

 Sani Gear, a second-generation, family-run organization, has earned national recognition for its precision-driven decontamination, inspection, repair, and rental services. With over 465 fire departments served and locations in both Ontario and Quebec, Sani Gear brings unmatched experience and commitment to firefighter safety and NFPA compliance.

 In alignment with the upcoming NFPA 1850: Standard on the Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting (consolidating NFPA 1851 and NFPA 1852) and NFPA 1970: Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting, Work Apparel, and Personal Protective Equipment (consolidating NFPA 1971, NFPA 1975, NFPA 1981, and NFPA 1982), both organizations recognized the opportunity to strategically align their strengths. The result is a proactive, forward-looking partnership focused on supporting firefighter health, safety, and compliance through the full lifecycle of their gear.

 “Our teams have worked together for years, and it quickly became clear that our companies share more than just business - we share values,” said Mike Stone, President and CEO of A.J. Stone Company Ltd. “We both come from families deeply rooted in the fire service, and we both believe that taking care of firefighters means going beyond selling gear. This partnership gives departments the confidence that we’ll be with them every step of the way - from selection to service, through the full-service lifecycle.”

 “With the fire service facing increasing demands and regulatory changes, this partnership couldn’t come at a better time,” added Inge Pudelek, President of Sani Gear. “Working with Mike and his incredible team has been a natural fit. We’re detail-driven, family-run, and laser-focused on delivering the safest, highest-quality services to our fire departments. Together, we’re raising the bar for firefighter protection.”

This unified approach allows fire departments to rely on a trusted partnership for their PPE needs -backed by decades of combined experience, regional reach, and an unwavering commitment to the safety of those who serve. The collaboration positions both A.J. Stone and Sani Gear for long-term growth while ensuring departments across Ontario and beyond have access to best-in-class gear and services - from the people who know and care the most.

-30-

About A.J. Stone Company Ltd.
Founded in 1972 by Alfred Joseph (A.J.) Stone, A.J. Stone Company Ltd. is a third-generation, family-owned business that has grown into a leading supplier of innovative and high-quality fire and emergency services equipment in Ontario. With a 20,000 square foot warehouse in Vaughan and a dedicated team of fire service professionals across the province, the company is renowned for its commitment to service excellence, deep product expertise, and its guiding principle: “supporting what we sell.”

About Sani Gear Inc.
Established in 2003, Sani Gear Inc. is a Canadian-owned, second-generation leader in PPE cleaning, inspection, and repair for firefighter bunker gear. With facilities in Kitchener, ON and Gatineau, QC, Sani Gear provides full-service solutions to over 465 fire departments across Canada. Under the leadership of President Inge Pudelek, the company is committed to advancing firefighter safety through meticulous NFPA-compliant services and forward-thinking support, including educational outreach and emergency response programs.

Contacts:

For A.J. Stone Company Ltd.
Mike Stone, President & CEO
T: 416-559-8795
E: mstone@ajstone.com
W: www.ajstone.com

For Sani Gear Inc.
Inge Pudelek, President
T: 519-902-1120
E: inge@sanigear.ca
W: www.sanigear.ca