FC Safety Acquires PacMule Belts

FRANKLIN, Pa. — FC Safety, formerly known as French Creek Fall Protection, is expanding its product offering and investing in the future of its Franklin operations by acquiring PacMule Belts, an established line of firefighter ladder and escape belts, on September 30, 2026.

FC Safety CEO Jack Roser explains this acquisition represents the next step in a broader plan to continually invest in a well-established business within our community, expanding our manufacturing capabilities and creating long-term opportunities in Franklin and the surrounding Northwestern Pennsylvania region.

The addition of PacMule and other innovative product lines will drive immediate operational growth by scaling FC Safety’s manufacturing capacity, enlarging facilities, increasing staffing, and leveraging a nationwide distribution network to introduce our products to thousands of new commercial and industrial customers.

“This acquisition is another step in our broader plan to continually invest in a well-established business within our community. We’re focused on expanding our manufacturing capabilities, introducing new products, and creating long-term opportunities for our employees and the surrounding Northwestern Pennsylvania region.”

— Jack Roser, CEO, FC Safety

PacMule: Emergency Equipment Designed by Firefighters Who Use Them

PacMule’s history makes it a natural fit for FC Safety. The belts were developed by experienced Illinois firefighters who wanted a better solution for the realities of working on ladders and operating in full turnout gear.

PacMule’s ladder and escape belts are designed around practical fire-service needs, including 6,000-pound-rated webbing, high-visibility reflective material, bailout attachment points and drop-down D-rings that allow firefighters to secure equipment while keeping their hands free for climbing.

The company offers ladder and escape-belt configurations, which have helped them develop a recognizable following with firefighters and departments across the country. The products have also made their way into popular culture, including appearing on FOX television series 9-1-1.

After nearly 20 years of working together with PacMule, FC Safety intends to continue supporting the product line through the acquisition while adding the larger organization’s customer service, distribution, and operational resources.

Visit FC Safety’s firefighter belts or the PacMule website for more information.

FC Safety Bought by Roser Group in January 2026

Jack Roser purchased FC Safety (then known as French Creek Fall Protection) through Roser Group LLC in January 2026, maintaining the company’s long-time management team and loyal employees.

As part of its growth strategy, the company transitioned to FC Safety, a simplified name designed to strengthen brand recognition, expand marketing opportunities, and better position the business within the safety industry.

Since the acquisition, Roser Group has remained focused on investing in existing operations, developing new products, pursuing complementary acquisitions, and building a foundation for sustainable, long-term growth.

PacMule Acquisition Drives Expansion

The addition of PacMule Belts expands FC Safety’s presence in the firefighter safety market while creating opportunities to introduce the established product line to thousands of commercial and industrial customers nationwide through FC Safety’s extensive distribution network.

Manufacturing of the PacMule product line will be integrated into FC Safety’s existing specialized manufacturing facilities in Franklin, allowing the company to leverage its workforce, equipment, and established production capabilities.

Alongside the PacMule acquisition, FC Safety is preparing to introduce several innovative new products in 2027. These developments are expected to drive additional investment in manufacturing and assembly operations, facility expansion, and the hiring of additional employees to support future demand.

A Proven Commitment to Franklin Manufacturing

The Roser Group has a history of investing in regional manufacturing businesses, supporting their growth while maintaining a strong commitment to the communities in which they operate.

More recently, Roser Group acquired longtime Polk Borough machine shop Time Machine, now operating as RTI Machine. The company specializes in precision-machined components serving customers in the energy, industrial, and aerospace sectors.

Both RTI Machine and FC Safety share a commitment to preserving experienced workforces, expanding manufacturing capabilities, and positioning established businesses in the Franklin area for long-term success.

These investments reflect a consistent philosophy of strengthening local manufacturing operations, creating sustainable employment opportunities, and building on the skilled workforce that has supported Franklin and Venango County for generations.

FC Safety’s More Than 30-Year History in Franklin

In 1992, the late Carl Wible established French Creek Fall Protection in Franklin, PA. Joined shortly thereafter by longtime friend and industry colleague Frank Davison, they started building a company within the fall protection industry at their original location of 626 13th Street in downtown Franklin.

After growing up for years around the business, Carl’s son, Jason Wible, eventually started to manage day-to-day operations and later continued his father’s and Davison’s tradition after their respective retirements, taking the company to new levels.

Under Jason’s direction, the company continued to grow, increase revenue, and expand product offerings, eventually relocating to French Creek’s current manufacturing headquarters at 100 North 13th Street. This hard work has positioned FC Safety today as a highly respected, high-quality niche company within the safety industry.

Franklin itself has deep roots in the fall protection industry. Generations of local workers have been involved in designing and manufacturing safety equipment, going back to the longstanding presence of former Miller Fall Protection, founded by Robert Miller in 1945, where Carl Wible and Davison worked together before starting French Creek Fall Protection in 1992.

Growing the Local Workforce

FrenchCreek spent more than 30 years building a fall-protection company in Franklin. Now, as FC Safety, the company intends to use that foundation to expand into additional products, markets and capabilities. PacMule Belts is one of the first additions to that next chapter.

And for Roser Group, the larger objective remains firmly rooted in this region: grow companies, invest in people and build more opportunities in Northwestern Pennsylvania.

Both RTI Machine and FC Safety seek to continue investing in manufacturing and assembly jobs in the Franklin community by retaining experienced employees, expanding manufacturing operations, and adding new employees through in-house training and apprentice programs.

That future will require people. As FC Safety grows its product lines and pursues additional opportunities, the company expects that growth to create needs across a wide range of careers, including: manufacturing, industrial sewing, fabrication, mechanical assembly, engineering, quality, operations, purchasing, information technology, customer service, marketing, sales and management.

With new innovations and support, FC Safety will continue to evolve and build a larger entity within the industry that all employees and the community can be proud of.

As FC Safety integrates PacMule Belts and prepares for additional product launches in 2027, the company remains committed to strengthening its operations while contributing to the region’s economic future.

With local ownership, continued investment, and a long-term vision, Roser Group is focused on building stronger manufacturing businesses, creating sustainable employment opportunities, and reinforcing Franklin and Venango County’s reputation as a center for American manufacturing.