Fox Labs
AcquiredOverview
Fox Labs is a manufacturer of pepper spray and aerosol defense products primarily serving law enforcement, correctional officers, military personnel, and security professionals. The company is recognized for producing high-potency pepper spray formulations, particularly its flagship products featuring Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) ratings among the highest in the industry. Fox Labs built its reputation on rigorous product development and transparent communication about formulation specifications, establishing itself as a technical leader in the non-lethal defense spray market.
History
Fox Labs was founded in 1992 in Canton, Ohio and became known for introducing the first true 2 Million SHU aerosol defense sprays in 1993-94. In August 1998, the company established a new industry standard by introducing FIVE POINT THREE, a 2% OC formula with a 5,300,000 SHU resin rating. The company expanded internationally throughout the 1990s, with products distributed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and other regions. In July 1997, the company changed its name to Fox Labs International, Incorporated to reflect its global presence. On May 26, 2022, Fox Labs was acquired by Byrna Technologies Inc. for $2.17 million.
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| ONE POINT FOUR | Police-strength oil-based pepper spray | $25 - $60 |
| FIVE POINT THREE | High-potency legacy formula for law enforcement and military | $30 - $75 |
| Mean Green | Water-based spray with green dye marking | $20 - $50 |
| White Lightening | Clear water-based spray with UV dye | $20 - $50 |
Manufacturing
Manufacturing details are not publicly specified in available sources. Products are distributed through specialty shops and online stores across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and other regions. The company operates under Byrna Technologies ownership as of 2022.
Notable Products
- FIVE POINT THREE - 2% OC formula with 5,300,000 SHU resin; widely carried by law enforcement, correctional officers, and US Military
- ONE POINT FOUR - Oil-based police-strength pepper spray offering greater distance and stronger impact effects
- Mean Green - Water-based pepper spray with green dye to mark assailants
- White Lightening - Clear water-based spray with ultra-violet dye for identification purposes
Reputation
Fox Labs is regarded by law enforcement and security professionals as a technical leader in pepper spray formulation, known for transparent communication about product specifications and high-potency formulations. The brand has established credibility through decades of use by military and correctional personnel. The company's reputation is built on rigorous product development and factual marketing rather than exaggerated claims. Some competitors have attempted to counter Fox Labs' technical superiority through alternative marketing approaches, though Fox Labs products remain among the most respected in the non-lethal defense market.
Sources (8)
- https://www.cbinsights.com/company/fox-labs
- https://foxlabs.com/pages/template
- https://www.vision-net.ie/Company-Info/Fox-Labs-Limited-744127
- https://ir.byrna.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/148/byrna-technologies-acquires-the-assets-of-fox-labs
- https://www.pubrio.com/companies/04368c43-824c-493d-ab74-6e70c128273d/foxlabs-com
- https://foxlabs.com/pages/about
- https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/12019797/filing-history?page=2
- https://foxlabs.com/pages/about-our-pepper-spray