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Firexpress teams up with ACIto help fight fires faster
F IREXPRESS, a Danish company, began its journey in 1998. It has been approved as supplier to NATO since 1999 and has been assigned manufacturer’s code R3971 in the NATO Codification System. Firexpress is working to introduce this upgraded concept in the whole region. The aim is to enable firefighters to fight fires faster, safer and more effectively while using less water resources. The company has teamed up with ACI, Bangladesh’s leading conglomerate, to grab a share in the local market.
Recently, The Daily Star interviewed its Managing Director Henrik Naaby.
What has encouraged you to come to Bangladesh?
The security sector is an area about which people in Bangladesh are currently becoming more aware. It is a mandatory requirement from the buyers to maintain standard safety in the manufacturing facilities. The average response time is very high for the Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence. There are traffic jams and lack of water and access.
Who are your competitors here?
Most of the products are import-dependent from other countries, mainly from China. There are no direct competitors towards us, although the market itself will be a challenge as there are similar but inferior solutions provided by the existing vendors.
Firexpress will provide solution through its authorised dealer who will also provide after-sales and parts support. The unique technology that is used by Firexpress is unavailable in the competitor’s products such as Firexpress’s nozzle system. Firexpress’s patented technology is a nozzle that controls water in ways traditional firefighting methods cannot. Less water – approximately one-twentieth compared to a fire truck - is needed and Firexpress has been able to design firefighting systems that are exceptionally mobile and flexible. We call it “First strike firefighting”. The dual nozzle is able to produce micro drops at a pressure of only 20-40 bar and still achieve an amazing range of up to 15 metres. The lance can also produce aspirated foam, which enables the operator to fight almost all type of fires with the same equipment. No recoil is experienced and it is very easy to handle even without training.
Tell us something about the partnership with ACI
ACI has a multinational root and ACI Motors is one of the major subsidiaries of the group. The company is affiliated with various foreign companies in sectors such as automobile, engine, musical instruments, construction equipment etc. The target group of fire safety equipment is similar to the other target groups of ACI Motors. ACI Motors is well-known for its affiliation with premium products in their respective markets such as Yamaha and Kobelco. ACI’s vast sales and service network throughout the country, connection and reputation will be helpful.
Give us idea about retail prices of products
After considering the market scenario and the competition in the Bangladeshi market, the pricing will be determined later and it will be competitive.
Firexpress’s business and exports
The system is being used in more than 45 countries. The headquarters of Firexpress is located in Denmark and there is a production facility operating since 2007 in Thailand.
The Danish fire brigades commonly use the system with good results, which are now widely used in all over the Scandinavian region and in the rest of the EU. The military in the EU has fully adopted the concept as well as the UN forces from Norway, the Netherlands, Denmark and the UK. The UN missions in South Sudan also use the system. The concept is being used by police forces in many countries and has proven its strength during riots and other emergencies.
Major products of the company
Pump-driven Units: These have the ability to deliver 30 litres of water per minute or 150 litres of aspirated foam per minute at a range of 15 metres for micro-drops and 18 metres for a jet of aspirated foam.
Tank Units: It is designed to be placed on the bed of a pick-up, hereby turning ordinary vehicles into fire-fighting vehicles.
Cart Unit: The unit can be used in places where it easily can be moved around by the user to reach any point in the location.
All-terrain Vehicles: These fast response firefighting tools can be used in congested traffic or narrow roads, where four-wheelers cannot get through.
Fire Fighting Motorcycle: With its high speed and easy maneuverability, the motorcycle is the optimal solution when the fire fighter faces the challenge of being a great distance away from the fire and narrow environment like congested traffic.
Mobile and Trolley Units: With 50 litres of premixed water with 1 percent foam, these wheeled units are very useful in industrial areas such as factories, engine rooms on ships, aircraft hangars etc.
Fire Fighting Backpacks: The 10-litre backpack is ideal to use in high-rise buildings. The firefighters can easily carry it, get quick access to the fire and start extinguishing it.