New research has revealed that half of construction workers (51%) would not know what to do in the event of a fire at work. The study1, commissioned by Phoenix Health & Safety, surveyed 1,500 participants UK-wide to uncover how well Brits understand fire hazards in the workplace. Each year there
Siemens Smart Infrastructure is launching a new version of ‘Fire Manager’, its dedicated web-based SaaS (Software as a Service) fire app that offers service providers and fire safety managers the capability to have all fire safety sites in one view. The status of buildings can be easily monitored, with more
A major fire at an industrial estate in Bridgend destroyed a huge 20,000m2 building used largely for warehousing, sending plumes of smoke into the surrounding area. One of the largest fires in Europe in recent times, the scale of the blaze was immense, impacting a number of businesses and highlighting
The LPC Rules for Automatic Sprinkler Installations 2015 is the UK’s most significant sprinkler installation standard which incorporates the full BS EN 12845:2015+A1:2019 standard and related Technical Bulletins. Published by the Fire Protection Association, this document is regularly updated to incorporate new Technical Bulletins and update existing ones, thereby providing
Hochiki Europe, a global leader in the design and manufacturing of fire detection and emergency lighting solutions, is thrilled to announce its participation in SICUR 2024, Spain’s premier international security event. The company is set to exhibit a range of products including its groundbreaking Ekho Hybrid Wireless fire detection range,
SOCOTEC UK played a key role in a refurbishment project at a secure school catering to students sentenced to custody and remand by the courts. The school premises include two education blocks, one services block, and three residential blocks. SOCOTEC UK’s specific focus was on the residential blocks, namely Blocks
Warringtonfire has appointed Rob Axe as the General Manager of its fire testing laboratory in High Wycombe. Rob, who began his career as a Technical Officer at the High Wycombe laboratory, most recently held the role of Technical Manager for Warringtonfire – a global leader in Fire Testing, Inspection and
The Passive Fire Knowledge Group aims to investigate, understand, inform, and promote knowledge and research in all areas of passive fire protection. The tragedy of the Grenfell Tower has induced many positive changes in the industry, including more emphasis on service penetration sealing and early engagement. The traditional approach to
Sentry Fire Safety Group (Sentry), the leading fire safety and security doorset manufacturer, was delighted to welcome Ed Miliband, Shadow Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, to its Doncaster manufacturing facility on 12th January. Having last visited the firm in 2011, Mr Miliband toured Sentry’s newly expanded facility,
The new $30 million facility in Warrington, UK, is expected to open in 2025 creating 50 new jobs Warringtonfire, a global leader in Fire Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC), has announced plans to open a new facility in Warrington, UK. Expected to open in 2025, the new facility will be
BDC 322 : Nov 2024
New research has revealed that half of construction workers (51%) would not know what to do in the event of a fire at work. The study1, commissioned by Phoenix Health & Safety, surveyed 1,500 participants UK-wide to uncover how well Brits understand fire hazards in the workplace. Each year there are around 22,000 workplace fires around the UK2, highlighting the importance of having adequate fire safety knowledge. Phoenix Health & Safety has gathered insightful data to understand if Brits would know what actions to take in the event of a fire, and how businesses should take action to reduce the risk of fire-related workplace incidents. Overall, the study found that around half of construction workers (51%) would not know what to do in the event of a fire at work. Commenting on this finding, Nick Higginson, CEO of Phoenix Health & Safety, shares; “For fire safety to be most effective in a workplace, it’s key that individuals at every level of the organisation understand the procedures in full. “Without a well-rehearsed fire safety procedure, there can be delays to taking appropriate and immediate action, so it’s essential that businesses ensure their staff are fully aware of every aspect of the process.” The study also found that two-thirds (66%) of construction workers would not be able to locate their fire safety assembly point, and only around 6% have had a fire safety drill in their workplace in the past year. As well as this, barely over a quarter would be able to state who the fire officers in their workplace are. Technical Director of the IFE, Paul Trew, commented: “Fire extinguisher use is a small yet vital component of overall fire safety training, especially within the remote nature of construction environments. CPD programmes designed for the transitional work settings can provide useful insights and hands-on training on fire extinguisher usage, alongside fire prevention, evacuation, fire alarm use. Nick says: “According to government fire safety regulations, all workplaces should have a fire drill at least once a year and not doing so can result in a fine for the business3. Fire drills are important as they allow persons with fire safety responsibility to evaluate the effectiveness of the evacuation plan that is in place and make any necessary changes. To see that such a small percentage can recall a fire drill occurring in their workplace in the last year is a cause for concern. “Not knowing the location of the fire assembly point is just one example of why having a clear and well-rehearsed procedure is so important. All new staff should be made aware of the location of the assembly point and any fire exits, and should be reminded periodically through training to refresh their memory of fire safety protocol.” Only around a fifth of construction workers (20%) stated that they would know which fire extinguisher they could use to put out fires on different types of materials. To test fire extinguisher knowledge, respondents were given two scenarios to test their understanding of fire extinguisher types and their differences. In the first scenario, respondents were asked to identify which fire extinguisher was not safe to use to put out a fire caused by combustible materials such as paper and wood. A large majority of respondents answered incorrectly, with over four in five (82%) unable to identify that the black CO2 extinguisher is not safe to use. For the second scenario, respondents were tested on which fire extinguisher would be safe to use to put out a fire caused by an electrical fault. Once again, most respondents answered this incorrectly, with over three-quarters (78%) of respondents failing to identify that ‘black, blue or green’ extinguishers should be used. Nick says: “Understanding which fire extinguisher to use in the event of a fire could be the difference between the fire being dealt with quickly and safely, or a full-scale emergency. “In most workplaces, the fire extinguishers available should have signage that shows the extinguisher type and what sort of fire it can be used on. Whilst you may want to react quickly, taking a few seconds longer to identify the correct fire extinguisher could potentially be life-saving.” Nick continues: “It is the responsibility of organisations and their appointed persons with fire safety responsibility to ensure that all fire safety regulations are adhered to and a culture of following the rules is ingrained in the workplace, but it is also the responsibility of employees themselves to ensure the regulations are followed. Managers and supervisors who want to attain the necessary knowledge and skills to manage fire hazards can take a relevant fire safety course to get accredited, such as the NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Siemens Smart Infrastructure is launching a new version of ‘Fire Manager’, its dedicated web-based SaaS (Software as a Service) fire app that offers service providers and fire safety managers the capability to have all fire safety sites in one view. The status of buildings can be easily monitored, with more information available by clicking on a site of interest via a fully encrypted connection that ensures the safety of the data. The move is part of the ongoing development of Siemens Building X, a digital building platform that supports customers in digitalising, managing, and optimising their building operations (Energy, HVAC, Security and Safety). It enables remote monitoring and intervention, real-time notification, and efficient and predictive maintenance. Fire Manager offers a range of benefits, including a status overview of a site/sites, both live and historical events, customisable notification via SMS and/or email, and data that assists with maintenance and planning. Included in the data that Fire Manager provides from a fire safety system is the potential for disturbance free testing (DFT), which allows detectors to be tested automatically, with the results recorded in the portal. Alongside Fire Manager, which automatically transmits notifications of the fire system status to service providers, notifications can also be sent to their customers by Fire Connect, a native iOS and Android app. Fire Manager and Fire Connect work easily with Siemens fire safety solutions such as Cerberus PRO, the company’s comprehensive EN54-13 approved fire alarm system. For those that want to maintain their own dashboards, Fire API provides the opportunity to integrate the data into their own dashboards. All three offerings – Fire Manager, Fire Connect and Fire API – are part of a new licensing model which paves the way for increased customer flexibility by offering choice regarding which data and app bundle best suits a specific need. The Fire Apps and API are designed to digitalise the customer workflow for fire safety operation and maintenance. This saves time and resources while improving safety and minimising the disturbance of building users. It enables service providers to monitor all sites at any time remotely and connect directly to the fire panel. This transparency allows for maintenance activities to be planned, carried out and documented efficiently. The enhanced solutions not only drive digital transformation, but also yield sustainability benefits. By offering maintenance options and a fire system status remotely, it is possible to save CO2 emissions related to yearly site visits. For further information on Siemens Fire Products www.siemens.co.uk/cerberus Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major fire at an industrial estate in Bridgend destroyed a huge 20,000m2 building used largely for warehousing, sending plumes of smoke into the surrounding area. One of the largest fires in Europe in recent times, the scale of the blaze was immense, impacting a number of businesses and highlighting gaps in fire safety measures. The devastating fire broke out on January 19th in a building largely housing a warehouse owned by the Owens Group. This was also home to a number of businesses ranging from a tyre company and storage facility to a company selling paper products, the building was completely destroyed. The blaze required 10 fire crews, four water carriers and two aerial ladder platforms from the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service who worked hard to contain it. Local residents had to contend with large plumes of smoke shortly after the fire broke out and there were also reports of explosions. Police have since opened an arson investigation. Thankfully, there were no reported injuries in the blaze but there will be repercussions for businesses within the warehouse, as well as adjacent businesses close to the main warehouse who lost access and power to their premises. There will also be disruption to all the other businesses that used the services of the affected companies. A training facility and a satellite operation of Bridgend College were also closed because of their proximity to the blaze. The impact on the local community and environment was significant with local road closures and nearby residents forced to close windows and doors. This former Sony factory was reportedly sold off in 2005 when the company ceased manufacturing televisions in Wales. It was then bought by a developer who turned it into units of varying sizes. There was no original change of use as it retained B1/B8 classification (i.e conceived as a factory/warehouse). It’s important to point out that unless the whole building was storage, automatic sprinklers would not have been required from a Building Regulations perspective. However, any partitions erected within the building to separate units and changing uses within the building were ineffective. It points to the fact that for such buildings the unit of control is the entire building and not a smaller compartment within it. The stark contrast between buildings equipped with sprinkler systems and those without becomes evident in the event of a fire. Recent statistics reveal the average cost of a large warehouse fire amounts to £5.9m1 and at least one warehouse fire occurring every working day in England alone. These figures underscore the critical importance for businesses to carefully consider the impact of fire and its devastating consequences. Quickly stopping the spread of fire when it is first detected is the best way to limit damage and minimise costs and impacts. Sprinklers have been shown to contain, control or extinguish fires in 99% of cases when caused to operate2. The affected business can be operational within hours, avoiding the economic and social costs. Fire incidents remain the primary cause of damage in warehouse buildings, and although the number of industrial fires may have decreased, the severity and cost of such incidents that do occur are on the rise. Implementing systems like sprinklers can effectively contain and extinguish fires, thereby safeguarding firefighters and preserving businesses, jobs, and the economy. This is why the Business Sprinkler Alliance campaigns for the inclusion of such sprinkler systems into warehousing units. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 1Fears pandemic-led e-commerce boom could spark rise in warehouse blazes 2Efficiency and Effectiveness of Sprinkler Systems in the United Kingdom: An Analysis from Fire Service Data – Optimal Economics May 2017
The LPC Rules for Automatic Sprinkler Installations 2015 is the UK’s most significant sprinkler installation standard which incorporates the full BS EN 12845:2015+A1:2019 standard and related Technical Bulletins. Published by the Fire Protection Association, this document is regularly updated to incorporate new Technical Bulletins and update existing ones, thereby providing a specification designed to ensure the highest practical levels of resilience to fire can be achieved. To improve the distribution of new and updated Technical Bulletins for our customers in a cost-effective way, the FPA is pleased to launch a subscription model which means you will automatically receive updates to the LPC Sprinkler Rules (including new and revised Technical Bulletins) throughout the year for an annual fee, ensuring you remain at the forefront of changes for life safety and property protection purposes. With the BS EN 12845:2015 standard published by BSI currently under major review, which could result in significant changes to the Technical Bulletins, the subscription model will support the timely release of updates. New and updated Technical Bulletins The FPA is also pleased to announce the release of several new and updated Technical Bulletins which are now available via the subscription service: The following Technical Bulletins are in progress and will therefore be released via the subscription model once finalised: You can find out more about the updates here. How to subscribe To access the latest LPC Sprinkler Rules and related Technical Bulletins, new customers will pay an initial fee which includes the first year’s subscription fee. The subscription fee will then be due on an annual basis thereafter for updates to the Technical Bulletins. If you have already purchased the LPC Rules for Automatic Sprinkler Installations 2015 incorporating the full BS EN 12845:2015+A1:2019 standard and related Technical Bulletins from the FPA, you will only need to pay the annual subscription fee. You can choose to receive updates in print or digitally. Purchasing the online version enables access to the LPC Sprinkler Rules App so you can view the document on a mobile phone or tablet, as well as via the FPA website. Pricing Print Version Initial fee for access to the LPC Rules for Automatic Sprinkler Installations 2015 including 1 year’s subscription for updates: £695.00 (£625.50 for FPA Members) Annual subscription fee: £250.00 (£225.00 for FPA Members) Digital Version Initial fee for access to the LPC Rules for Automatic Sprinkler Installations 2015 including 1 year’s subscription for updates: £595.00 (£535.50 for FPA Members) Annual subscription fee: £190.00 (£171.00 for FPA Members) Please note that the initial subscription fee is for the 2015 standard only and does not include the upcoming standard due to be released in 2025/26. To receive the latest Technical Bulletins, you can subscribe to the LPC Sprinkler Rules here or contact us at shop@thefpa.co.uk or on 01608 812 500 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hochiki Europe, a global leader in the design and manufacturing of fire detection and emergency lighting solutions, is thrilled to announce its participation in SICUR 2024, Spain’s premier international security event. The company is set to exhibit a range of products including its groundbreaking Ekho Hybrid Wireless fire detection range, leading intelligent emergency lighting system FIREscape Nepto and life safety platform Latitude, the team will be providing attendees with a hands-on look at the technology. SICUR, recognised as the leading event in Spain for security and safety, offers an ideal platform for Hochiki Europe to demonstrate its commitment to innovation and excellence in the Fire industry. The event will take place from the 27th February to the 1st March at the Feria de Madrid, where Hochiki Europe will be in Hall 8 stand G10A. Visitors will experience a full showcase of this world leader’s range of cutting-edge fire detection products, and how they integrate with the manufacturers’ renowned ESP intelligent range. Richard Wharram, Export Sales Manager at Hochiki Europe, expressed his enthusiasm about the company’s participation in SICUR and the opportunity to present such a wide range of products “SICUR is a key event for the security industry, and we are excited to be part of it. Amongst the many products we’ll be showcasing, I’m particularly excited to share our Ekho Hybrid Wireless range with visitors. A second-generation hybrid wireless solution, first launched in the UK in 2020, represents a significant leap forward in wireless fire detection technology, offering enhanced flexibility, reliability, and ease of installation. We look forward to meeting and talking to industry professionals, partners, and potential clients to share our vision for the future of fire safety.” Joining the team at SICUR 2024 is Raul Solinz, Hochiki Europe’s newly appointed Regional Sales Manager for the Iberian and Mediterranean regions. Solinz brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, and his presence at the event underscores Hochiki Europe’s commitment to strengthening its presence in the Spanish and European markets. Raul Solinz commented on his new role and the significance of showcasing Ekho Hybrid Wireless at SICUR: “I am delighted to be part of the Hochiki Europe team and excited about the opportunity to meet with industry stakeholders at SICUR. The range we’ll have on offer addresses the evolving needs of the market and is a testament to Hochiki Europe’s dedication to providing state-of-the-art solutions. I look forward to discussing how our innovative products can contribute to enhancing fire safety across various sectors in the region.” Visit Hochiki Europe in Hall 8 stand G10A during SICUR 2024 to explore Latitude, FIREscape Nepto and the Ekho Hybrid Wireless fire detection ranges, and engage with the experts shaping the future of fire safety technology. Learn more about the Ekho Hybrid Wireless Range https://www.hochiki-ekho.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SOCOTEC UK played a key role in a refurbishment project at a secure school catering to students sentenced to custody and remand by the courts. The school premises include two education blocks, one services block, and three residential blocks. SOCOTEC UK’s specific focus was on the residential blocks, namely Blocks A, B, and C, two-story existing buildings providing secure residential accommodation and day facilities. The Fire Engineering team at SOCOTEC UK produced the RIBA Stage 4 Fire Strategy Report and mark-ups, offering ad-hoc support throughout the project. Refurbishment adjustments included modifications to existing compartment lines to accommodate communal or shared spaces. For instance, communal kitchen/living spaces were created by incorporating multiple bedrooms, fostering a shared living environment. Each bedroom was equipped with automatic suppression systems, and common corridors were covered by a smoke control system. Innovative solutions were imperative to integrate life safety systems within the constraints of existing buildings and meet specific security requirements outlined by the client. Operating as a hybrid between a boarding school and a secure/custodial facility, the secure school’s unique nature required a thorough understanding of the client’s security requirements. SOCOTEC UK’s expertise enabled them to develop creative solutions to address challenges uncommon in traditional schools or secure facilities. For more information, please contact SOCOTEC on 0845 603 2112 or salesuk@socotec.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Warringtonfire has appointed Rob Axe as the General Manager of its fire testing laboratory in High Wycombe. Rob, who began his career as a Technical Officer at the High Wycombe laboratory, most recently held the role of Technical Manager for Warringtonfire – a global leader in Fire Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC). With over 15 years’ experience in the field of fire resistance testing and passive fire protection systems, Rob is one of the industry’s leading authorities on testing timber fire doors, penetration seals, cavity barriers, load bearing and non-load bearing wall systems and glazed screens. In his new role, Rob will assume responsibility for Warringtonfire’s testing team in High Wycombe, including recruitment, training and management; as well as developing the laboratory’s on-site testing capabilities. Since his appointment, Rob has already recruited several new team members into varied roles and is currently scoping out the expansion of the laboratory’s mid-scale furnace to accommodate penetration seal testing and increase overall testing capacity at the site. Rob commented: “Having spent the majority of my career working at the High Wycombe laboratory, it is a real privilege to be appointed General Manager for testing at the High Wycombe site. It is an incredibly dynamic time for the industry, as building product manufacturers adapt to the ever-evolving legislative landscape. I am looking forward to working closely with our customers to deliver best-in-class fire resistance testing, while also collaborating with our management team to evolve our own testing capabilities and capacity here in High Wycombe.” Leigh Hill, Director – Built Environment at Element Materials Technology, added: “Rob brings with him a wealth of technical expertise alongside a deep understanding of our testing facilities here in High Wycombe. Our fire testing laboratory is set to play a pivotal role in our wider strategy for the built environment throughout 2024 and beyond, and we are delighted to have an individual of Rob’s calibre at the helm.” Warringtonfire is part of the Element Materials Technology group. Both UKAS and ISO/IEC 17025-accredited, it undertakes testing for fire resistance, smoke leakage, structural integrity and performance, as well as acoustic and mechanical testing for construction products. For more information Warringtonfire’s fire resistance testing offering, please visit: https://www.warringtonfire.com/testing-services/fire-resistance-testing. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Passive Fire Knowledge Group aims to investigate, understand, inform, and promote knowledge and research in all areas of passive fire protection. The tragedy of the Grenfell Tower has induced many positive changes in the industry, including more emphasis on service penetration sealing and early engagement. The traditional approach to service penetration sealing was to construct a building, create the apertures, and run all the services through before initiating contact with the firestopping contractor. However, as Craig Wells highlighted, the industry must approach construction from a ‘design, then build’ method – not the other way around. Dame Judith Hackitt, author of the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, stated: “The industry must prepare and should be taking action ahead of legislation coming into force.” Service penetration seals involve the direct participation of many trades, requiring early engagement, attention to detail, and collaboration. For these concepts to be successful, an element of cultural change is needed. Does this start with the vocabulary the industry uses? The industry has long used the terms ‘passive fire protection’ and ‘firestopping’. While not inaccurate, these terms may be considered too generic, potentially misleading individuals unfamiliar with fire safety. In recent years, there has been an effort to introduce the term ‘service penetration sealing’ as a more descriptive alternative. This term conveys the action of preserving the fire ratings of walls and floors by appropriately sealing service penetrations in a given application. Also finding that vocabulary is often misused in the industry, Joe Cilia noted that terms like soundproof and fireproof do not exist. He also emphasised the prevailing attitude of the industry around stating that ‘it is just a wall’. Cilia said, “It is not just a wall. We have fire doors, fire glass, and fire doors – so why not fire walls?” He said, “They are the largest passive fire product by area, yet we don’t describe them as such; if we did, we would be more likely to consider the detail and interface with the structure and elements such as MEP, leading to a safety-first approach.” Further to this, Paul McSoley emphasised the importance of accuracy in service penetration sealing, noting that achieving success in this area begins with getting the language right first. Firestopping of Service Penetrations: Best Practices in Design and Installation In the guide jointly published by several industry associations titled Firestopping of Service Penetrations: Best Practices in Design and Installation, there are nine Golden Rules, seven of which relate to the building’s design. This emphasises the importance of all parties, from architects to specialist firestopping contractors, engaging from the early stages of design to installation. Nick Pickles highlighted the need for a mindset shift regarding design and build contracts. He pointed out that contractors often outline the project’s design only for it to be deviated from later down the line. Adding to this point, Wells highlighted the importance of understanding the ‘what’ and the ‘why’ for all parties involved. He expressed the need to increase education and awareness in the industry while acknowledging greater collaboration. Golden Rules One & Four The Golden Rules have proved to be an invaluable resource across the industry post-Grenfell. The panellists referenced Golden Rule One and Golden Rule Four. Golden Rule One relates to issuing early engagement with service penetration seal manufacturers and specialist installers. Golden Rule Four is about following the design process for penetration seals. Wells stated that early engagement needs to be implemented because products must be installed as per the tested scope of application. First and foremost, to save lives, but also to avoid extra costs and delays and improve reputations. Aspects like the positioning of services, types of services and insulations, and sizing of letterboxes affect the products and system’s efficiency. Today, firestopping solutions are typically selected by the main contractor. Because of this, they have the responsibility to ensure the chosen solutions are compliant and installed accordingly. As many external trades need to be involved, making it a complex process, implementing a standardised design process for each project is highly recommended. Laing O’Rourke has defined a robust process from design through to handover, which clearly explains to designers how to position and size apertures, Richard Fordyce stated. He highlighted that this gives them the option to choose from multiple tested details as there will be enough space to accommodate services. Additionally, because of a robust design, the application becomes more straightforward, the installation is compliant, and an easy-to-follow document is issued upon handover. McSoley added that project planning is a complicated process; he said, “You may select a lovely system of seals only to find out that the product is in the wrong location.” Thus, early engagement and standardising processes are crucial to solving any grey areas before the build commences. Professor Stuart Green’s research into procurement practices found that 17% of rework on drylining could be avoided, but this could be applied across all areas. Cilia further highlighted that “we’re paying up to 17% more than we need to, at the back end of the job, because it is not being designed and scheduled properly in the first place.” He emphasised that the money wasted at the end of a project could be used at the forefront of the project instead, ensuring the layouts are agreed to in as much detail as possible. Extra costs and delays on remedial work can be avoided by involving the specialist drylining and firestopping contractor, as well as the manufacturers in the early stages of the project. Meanwhile, Fordyce stressed that having a plan is essential. When the plan contributes to improved outcomes in terms of penetration sealing, there is no alternative approach. This provides better metrics and established rules and frameworks, as well as facilitates continuous improvement in construction practices each year. Consequently, this requires internal collaboration within the industry to establish compliant processes and external collaboration to ensure the golden thread is easily traceable and followed. The construction industry and competency Competency can be hard to
Sentry Fire Safety Group (Sentry), the leading fire safety and security doorset manufacturer, was delighted to welcome Ed Miliband, Shadow Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, to its Doncaster manufacturing facility on 12th January. Having last visited the firm in 2011, Mr Miliband toured Sentry’s newly expanded facility, chatted to staff, learnt about the company’s transformation and impressive growth trajectory, and saw first-hand how Sentry is leading the way in sustainable manufacturing. Sentry manufactures compliant, certified timber fire safety door sets for use in social housing, education, healthcare, care, and commercial environments, from a 35,000 sq. ft factory in Adwick le Street. It works closely with social housing and other sector providers to replace unsafe fire doors and advance the aims of the Fire Safety Act, which has become an important focus following the Grenfell tragedy. Investment in new facilities and state-of-the-art machinery Following its partnership with strategic advisers Cairngorm Capital in 2019, Sentry has benefited from a £2m investment in new facilities and state-of-the-art machinery and equipment, and investment in a new ERP system to streamline procurement and automate the ordering process and contribute to ongoing staff training. The company has also gained a second facility in Birmingham following its acquisition of Knowles in August 2022, a move which saw Sentry become the UK’s leader in fire safety and security doorsets market. Employee numbers have increased from 28 in 2019, to 200 today across both the Doncaster and Birmingham factories and has been supported by investment that has been made in staff training. Overall, this investment has resulted in an astonishing 100% increase in turnover and profits. A sustainable approach to manufacturing As Shadow Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Mr Miliband was particularly keen to find out more about Sentry’s sustainable approach to manufacturing, which guides everything that the firm does from product design to selecting their supply chain. Sentry leads the way in sustainable doorset production, through a variety of initiatives. For example, sawdust created during the production of Sentry’s timber fire doorsets is recycled by a local mill and the warehouse is heated using a return air duct from their extraction system. Sentry’s Birmingham factory is proud to hold IS0 14001 certification and FSC Certification, and the company is a strong supporter of green initiatives including Trees for Cities. Ty Aziz, Sentry’s CEO who spent time with Mr Miliband during his first visit, commented: ‘We were delighted to welcome Mr Miliband to our facility once again, we thoroughly enjoyed his company and welcomed the opportunity to demonstrate the transformation in our business and the growth that we’ve achieved since he was last here. It was also great to discuss our various ESG initiatives with him and be able to introduce Mr Miliband to some of the people that make Sentry the fantastic, forward-thinking business it is today.” Following his visit to the Sentry Doors facility, Mr Miliband commented: “I’m delighted to visit Sentry again and witness the growth in the business that has occurred since I was last here. Sentry provides jobs for local people and is a great example of how quality companies can thrive with committed partners. I look forward to Sentry continuing to support local people’s livelihoods for many years to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The new $30 million facility in Warrington, UK, is expected to open in 2025 creating 50 new jobs Warringtonfire, a global leader in Fire Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC), has announced plans to open a new facility in Warrington, UK. Expected to open in 2025, the new facility will be the largest in the UK and provide fire testing, technical and certification services. Customer demands for Warringtonfire’s product testing are set to continue to grow significantly, due to increasing regulatory requirements, the introduction of additional standards, the rising importance of third-party certification and product assurance as well as the need for shorter testing lead times. The new facility will meet this increased demand; it will represent an almost 80% increase in size over its existing facility in the region and is expected to triple Warringtonfire’s testing capacity in the medium term. The new facility, which is being built at Birchwood Park near Warrington, will add unique capabilities including eight state-of-the-art fire resistance testing furnaces, comprising three horizontal and three vertical furnaces (designed to evaluate the fire performance of different products or assemblies built either horizontally or vertically), and two indicative furnaces (which provide a very focused testing method to quantify the ability of a material or assembly to withstand exposure to high temperatures). The new facility will also provide larger preparation areas to improve workflow as well as higher quality and more accessible customer reception and viewing areas. In line with the commitment to be more sustainable, the new facility will implement extensive measures to reduce energy use, maintain air quality and potential environmental impacts, including built-in recycling systems, energy-efficient fans, plus smoke & odour capture and treatment. The new facility will create over 50 new jobs in the Warrington region, with a commitment to training and upskilling new and existing employees. The 200 strong team will be one of the world’s largest teams of fire technical experts. Jason Dodds, VP of Warringtonfire, said: “Our new fire testing facility in Warrington is a major investment in the region and a statement of our ambition for the business. We are excited to be expanding into Birchwood Park and undertake our essential product testing in this state-of-the-art business park. “The new facility will significantly improve Warringtonfire’s testing offering for our customers, providing a faster and more wider ranging service, as well as expanded access to technical excellence delivered by the foremost experts in the fields of fire testing and certification. It will solidify our position as the go-to partner for fire testing and related services and broaden our ability to serve customers across the value chain. Using best in class building design and new technology, we will also be able to greatly improve our environmental footprint, which is incredibly important to us as a company and is becoming increasingly important for our customers.” Warringtonfire’s existing facility will continue to operate at full capacity while the new facility is under construction. Following the transfer of fire resistance testing to Birchwood Park, part of the existing facility will be used to create a center of excellence for reaction to fire testing, which are smaller scale tests including spread of flame and heat release. Construction of the new 101k sq. ft. facility has begun and is expected to be completed in 2025. The total investment in the new facility will be circa $30 million. The designers were TP Bennett Architects and Hoare Lea and construction is being managed by Arcadis with Tilbury Douglas as the principal contractor carrying out the works. Warringtonfire specialises in providing comprehensive testing and certification services related to infrastructure, with a portfolio of services including fire resistance and reaction to fire testing, security, durability and weather testing, product certification and inspection. Warringtonfire works with key stakeholders at every stage of the project lifecycle, from architects and designers to contractors and developers, planning and local authorities, building owners and operators and product manufacturers. The new enhanced facility will be of particular use for product manufacturers for their R&D development for bringing a product to market or for achieving certification.
