Special Devices Snapshot
For now, Special Devices is facing delays in blasting off. The company aims to take its place among the leading US makers of initiators (pyrotechnic devices) -- used primarily in automotive airbag systems. The airbag initiators activate inflators that enable the airbag to be deployed. The company also makes micro gas generators that remove seatbelt slack in the event of a collision. Special Devices sells its products primarily to airbag manufacturers, including Autoliv and TRW Automotive. Special Devices filed for Chapter 11 protection from creditors in late 2008. The company's initiators have since exited their application in aerospace/military and mining blasting operations.
