What we do

Protec Helmet Factory

Fast Facts:

• World’s first nonprofit helmet factory
• Light-weight “tropical” helmets designed especially for Asian climates
• 500,000 units annual capacity per plant
• Supplies Helmets for Kids program
• Employs physically disabled workers as 30% of total workforce
• Successful self-sustaining model that can be replicated throughout the developing world

History

Completed in May 2002, the nonprofit Protec helmet factory is a modern manufacturing plant, utilizing the latest technology to produce high quality, affordable helmets that address the needs of Vietnamese and South Asian consumers.

About Protec

Previously, Vietnamese drivers complained that the full-face helmets on the market were too hot and heavy, restricted vision and hearing, and were not fashionable. Protec designers set out to produce an innovative new helmet design that met the unique climatic and traffic demands in Vietnam. The result was the Protec ‘Tropical’ helmet.

At 500 grams, Protec helmets are extremely lightweight and have multiple air vents to ensure a cool, comfortable ride. Protec helmets are designed more like a cycling helmet, rather than a traditional motorbike helmet. They do not cover the ears or side of the face, allowing for maximum peripheral vision and hearing. All products are tested and certified at an on-site laboratory and adhere to the Vietnam National Standard TCVN 5756:2001.

Protec was established not only to provide quality safety equipment, but also to enable the Asia Injury Prevention Foundation (AIP Foundation) to be self-sustaining. The Protec helmet factory was partly founded through grants by American President Lines, British Petroleum, the Atlantic Philanthropies and the Starr and Freeman Foundations. While the factory is a for-profit enterprise, it is owned by the AIP Foundation and 100% of profits are directed back to AIP Foundation to fund further traffic safety programs. The pilot phase of our “Safe Fleet” program for motorbike taxi drivers in 2005 was the first project to be entirely funded by Protec. Protec employs physically disabled workers, who comprise 30% of the factory’s workforce.

For more information on Protec, please visit the Protec website.