Ivan Akrapović was a young engineer with his own innovative vision, passion, and enthusiasm for work and new discoveries. In 1953, he founded the company PAB Akrapović and dedicated himself to researching various plastic materials.
Living in Croatia’s Istria region, where fires ravage the landscape every summer, he recognized the need for new high-quality products and a new market, and soon he specialized in developing and producing helmets for firefighters. This and his passion for handcrafted design led to the development of his first helmet in 1978.
The company is now growing and operating under the leadership of Ivan’s grandson, Miha Akrapović, who is continuing his mission with great enthusiasm and passion. In the last decade the company has evolved and transitioned from a craft workshop to a modern, high-tech, and world-renowned company.
Over the years, the company has changed and developed considerably. Along the way, many important events took place and many great products have been made, contributing to the growth of the company. A success story has been written.
RED DOT AWARD FOR PAB FIRE 05
Our PAB FIRE 05 helmet received the exclusive Red Dot award for its fine design and quality. We are proud to be among the winners of the world’s most prestigious design competition. 
PAB FIRE 05 / PAB MP2 / PAB WH1
With a continuous research and development approach, we launched three different products in one year and expanded our market in three different segments: structural firefighting, wildland firefighting / technical rescue, and industrial safety.
PAB MP1 PROFESSIONAL
Another high-quality product was launched and presented to rescue professionals: the PAB MP1 Professional. Conforming to five different EN standards, it is our most versatile product.
PAB MP1 STANDARD / PAB FIRE COMPACT / CROMA AWARD
We launched two new helmets on the market to complement the product range for structural firefighting and wildland/technical rescue. The MP1 Standard is still one of the best-selling products in our range.
Miha Akrapović received the manager of the year award from the Croatian Association of Managers and Entrepreneurs (CROMA).
NEW R&D DEPARTMENT / BEST PRODUCTION COMPANY AWARD
A new R&D department was established at our premises in Buzet. Skilled professionals and engineers joined, and to this day they are continuing to develop many excellent products.
PAB Akrapović was named the best production company in Croatia.
NEW CORPORATE IDENTITY / PAB FIRE HT04
In 2009 we decided to freshen up our visual communication approach and strengthen the brand. A new and modern corporate design was introduced.
The PAB FIRE HT04 firefighting helmet was introduced to the market. Over the years it has become one of the company’s best-selling products.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Between 2000 and 2004, our main focus was on expanding our product range and continuous improvement.
Three firefighting helmets were launched: PAB FIRE (2000), PAB FIRE 02 (2002), and PAB FIRE 03 (2004). The PAB Fire 03 firefighting helmet was launched as an upgrade of model PAB Fire 02.
PAB COMPACTA
The year 1997 saw a second milestone: we launched our first firefighting helmet, the PAB COMPACTA, and entered the professional firefighting segment.
FORESTRY SAFETY HELMET
After the successful launch of the first safety helmet, we decided to extend the range and also introduced a forestry helmet.
AKRAVIT
The year 1978 saw a milestone: we developed and launched the first AKRAVIT safety helmet. Intended for use in industrial environments, it remained on the market for over twenty years..
RELOCATION
The company headquarters and production facilities moved to Buzet, Croatia.
At the same time the product range expanded to protective masks and items for road signalling.
We started producing items for use in the textile industry and plastic items for domestic use.
FOUNDATION
The young engineer Ivan Akrapović founded a company in Ljubljana, Slovenia and started a success story that has spanned generations.
