Manufactured in North Carolina

About Our Company

Primary Industry Classification:Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing
Established:1972
For 40 years, Hurst Jaws of Life® has set the standard in emergency rescue products. Our commitment to research and development, along with our dedication to quality engineering and manufacturing, has resulted in a line of products known for their outstanding safety, durability, and performance. Because of this commitment, Hurst Jaws of Life® rescue systems have been instrumental in saving hundreds of thousands of lives throughout our 40 year history. The Hurst Jaws of Life® rescue tool system was the first ever to be designed and the patent application was made on April 26, 1971. The tool was introduced shortly thereafter. Originally manufactured by Hurst Performance Inc, in Warminster, PA, the tool was developed for use in the race car industry. Hurst Performance also manufactured the famous Hurst Shifter which was used extensively in race cars. The original tool was a two-part system consisting of a 32-inch hydraulic spreader powered by a two cycle gasoline power unit. When activated, the scissor-like spreaders opened and forced crushed metal away from trapped victims. Because the tool reduced the time to extricate a victim from a car crash, literally snatching them from the “jaws of death”, the tool earned the name Jaws of Life®. Today, Jaws of Life® is a registered trademark of Hale Products Inc. and Hurst Jaws of Life® is located in Shelby, NC. From race track beginnings in 1972 to the rescue heroes of today, Jaws of Life® systems travel with more than 35,000 rescue squads, fire and police departments throughout the world. During the past 40 years the Jaws of Life® product line has grown significantly. New spreaders, cutters, rams, and very lightweight tools have been added to the world-renowned line. In 2005, Vetter pneumatic products were acquired to add high and low pressure airbags and many hazmat products. In 2006, Airshore International was acquired and brings to the Jaws of Life® family of products quality shoring products. In 2010, Hurst Jaws of Life® introduced the next generation in rescue tools – the eDRAULIC ® line of electric-hydraulic tools. The new, game-changing eDRAULIC ® line of rescue tools feature the un-tethered power of hydraulics coupled with the freedom of no power unit. Continuous development of the product line continues in both the pneumatic and hydraulic areas as the Company strives to provide the finest, most reliable rescue products to its customers.