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Three Oshkosh Striker Vehicles on duty in the U.S Virgin Island

Striker 1500 model features advanced performance and safety technologies. Oshkosh Airport Products Group, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK), has placed three Oshkosh® Striker® 1500 aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) vehicles into service in the U.S. Virgin Islands – one on the island of St. Thomas and two on the island St. Croix. The Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) purchased the Striker vehicles.   “We are very pleased to have three Oshkosh Striker vehicles on duty in the U.S. Virgin Islands to enhance the emergency response capabilities of ARFF professionals who help protect air travelers,” said Jeff Resch, Oshkosh Corporation Airport Products vice president and general manager. “The Virgin Islands is a high profile vacation destination, and we are honored to work with VIPA to bring the Striker to these international airports.”   “We strive to embrace new technologies, such as the driver enhanced vision system and easy-to-use electronic joystick controls, and are thankful that VIPA leadership has supported our department’s drive to advance our ARFF capabilities to a higher level,” said Derek Smith, ARFF Fire Chief for the U.S. Virgin Islands Port Authority. “Oshkosh has supplied us with a far superior product than we could have ever expected, and has given us an elevated level of confidence in their ability to provide excellent service and support.”   The Striker 1500 model offers a 4×4 all-wheel-drive axle configuration and proprietary technologies such as TAK-4® independent suspension, triple agent firefighting capabilities and Command Zone™ advanced electronics for enhanced maneuverability, firefighting power and reliability. The Striker 1500 accelerates from 0 to 50 mph (80 km/h) in 25 seconds. Other features include a 1,500-gallon (5,678 L) water capacity, 210-gallon (795 L) foam capacity, roof turret, bumper turret and six under truck nozzles. The U.S. Virgin Islands vehicles also feature a Driver Enhanced Vision System (DEVS) and infrared cameras to improve safety while responding on the airfield.   The Oshkosh Striker is on duty at some of the largest airports in the world, including Anchorage International, Las Vegas International, Dallas-Fort Worth International, Dubai World Central, Shanghai International, Incheon International, Phoenix International, and Chhatrapati Shivaji International in Mumbai.   The U.S. Virgin Islands is located in the eastern Caribbean, 1,100 miles southeast of Miami, and consists of the main islands of Saint Croix, Saint John and Saint Thomas and many surrounding smaller islands.        About Oshkosh Airport Products The Oshkosh Airport Group, a division of Oshkosh Corporation, is a designer and builder of industry-leading airport firefighting and snow removal vehicles. Its flagship Striker® Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicle and Oshkosh® H-Series™ snow removal chassis are known for their durability and superior performance and sold throughout the world. For more information, visit www.oshkoshairport.com. About Oshkosh Corporation Oshkosh Corporation is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of specialty access equipment, commercial, fire & emergency and military vehicles and vehicle bodies. Oshkosh Corporation manufactures, distributes and services products under the brands of Oshkosh®, JLG®, Pierce®, McNeilus®, Medtec®, Jerr-Dan®, Oshkosh Specialty Vehicles, Frontline™, SMIT™, CON-E-CO®, London® and IMT®. Oshkosh products are valued worldwide in businesses where high quality, superior performance, rugged reliability and long-term value are paramount. For more information, log on to www.oshkoshcorporation.com.   ®, TM All brand names referred to in this news release are trademarks of Oshkosh Corporation or its subsidiary companies. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains statements that the Company believes to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s future financial position, business strategy, targets, projected sales, costs, earnings, capital expenditures, debt levels and cash flows, and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “should,” “project” or “plan” or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company’s control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include the impact on revenues and margins of the decrease in M-ATV production rates; the cyclical nature of the Company’s access equipment, commercial and fire & emergency markets, especially during periods of global economic weakness, tight credit markets and lower municipal spending; the Company’s ability to produce vehicles under the FMTV contract at targeted margins and at required volumes to receive and sustain performance-based payments; the duration of the ongoing global economic weakness, which could lead to additional impairment charges related to many of the Company’s intangible assets and/or a slower recovery in the Company’s cyclical businesses than equity market expectations; the expected level and timing of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) procurement of products and services and funding thereof; risks related to reductions in government expenditures in light of U.S. defense budget pressures and an uncertain DoD tactical wheeled vehicle strategy; the potential for the U.S. government to competitively bid the Company’s Army and Marine Corps contracts; the consequences of financial leverage, which could limit the Company’s ability to pursue various opportunities; increasing commodity and other raw material costs, particularly in a sustained economic recovery; the ability to pass on to customers price increases to offset higher input costs; risks related to costs and charges as a result of facilities consolidation and alignment, including that anticipated cost savings may not be achieved; risks related to the collectability of receivables, particularly for those businesses with exposure to construction markets; the cost of any warranty campaigns related to the Company’s products; risks related to production delays arising from supplier quality or production issues, especially in light of the significant recent earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Japan; risks associated with international operations and sales, including foreign currency fluctuations and compliance with the Foreign Corrupt

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Victaulic showcases devices, couplings and fittings at International Firex – stand E30

Victaulic, the world leader in mechanical pipe-joining systems, is displaying a range of products designed to give fast, efficient, cost-effective fire protection installations at International Firex, NEC Birmingham, from 16–19 May.   They include the LPCB-approved Series 769 FireLock NXT® Preaction Alarm Valve.  The device operates at pressure up to 300psi/2065 kPa and comes available with several release mechanism options.  It is ideal for use where safeguards against activation are required such as in data centres, storage areas for valuable items, and libraries.      The Series 769 is part of the Victaulic FireLock NXT® range of valve systems which deliver a wealth of advantages.   Requiring lower operating pressure, the valve systems offer ultra-fast trip time and water delivery and eliminate air-to-water differential.  Their light-weight design with fewer internal moving parts makes them easy to install, service and maintain – which reduces labour costs – whilst their compactness reduces the installation footprint.     “The Series 769 has advantages for the installer, maintainer and owner,” said Nick Scull, Victaulic’s UK Fire Protection Market Manager.  “It’s the quickest and easiest preaction device to set up, install and maintain, which brings contractors considerable time- and cost-saving benefits.  Because the device is simple to operate and maintain, end users can be confident that the system functions correctly to give them reliable protection.”    Also on display will be the Victaulic FireLockEZ® Style 009H Rigid Coupling.   The redesigned Style 009H Rigid Coupling for fire protection piping systems can be installed without the use of an impact wrench, offering the benefits of quick, easy, efficient connections to those equipped with standard hand tools.  The coupling utilizes the Victaulic unique installation-ready design.  With no need to disassemble and reassemble, it gives faster, more consistent installations – with or without power tools – and a right-first-time solution that avoids rework.   “Victaulic listened to contractors looking for a fast, simple coupling solution that is safe to install, even with hand tools, and delivers solid performance,” said Eddie Pearson, Victaulic Market Manager Fire Protection Northern UK.  “The FireLockEZ rigid coupling has no loose parts to drop or cause injury, ships to the jobsite ready to install and offers the fastest installation.” The Style 009H Rigid Coupling is available in 32-100 mm sizes and is LPCB, FM and VdS approved and cULus listed for fire protection services up to 365psi/2517kPa. Those stopping by Stand E30 at International Firex can have a go at installing the coupling to see for themselves how simple and efficient it is.   Visitors can also view the Victaulic AquaFlex® stainless steel sprinkler fitting range.   The fittings are suitable for commercial suspended and hard ceilings and for round or square duct work to provide fire protection where combustible gasses may be present. The range comes preassembled and consists of a flexible stainless steel hose, available in 790-1830 mm (31-72 inches) in length, a reducer for connecting the sprinkler and a branch nipple for attachment to the piping system. The AquaFlex® line also includes the patent-pending 1-BEE2 installation-ready bracket that installs up to five times faster than any competitive bracket technology. The new bracket provides easy three dimensional positioning of the sprinkler and secures mounting to the ceiling grid without tools, allowing instant, center-of-tile sprinkler positioning.   “The AquaFlex® patent-pending 1-BEE2  bracket is designed to firmly grip the ceiling grid, locking the sprinkler into proper operational position,” adds Scull. “The unique, adjustable open-gate center bracket saves time and money during installation by allowing for easy pressure testing of the system and final placement of the sprinkler head after the ceiling grid is installed.” Victaulic offers a complete range of fire protection products, enabling installers and specifiers to source all their needs from a single quality-assured supplier.  Other Victaulic products on display and in demonstration at International Firex include riser manifolds, valves and sprinklers.  

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Chubb chosen for prestigious new Westfield Stratford City

Chubb has been chosen by the developers of Westfield Stratford City… Chubb has been chosen by the developers of Westfield Stratford City – the gateway to the Olympic Park – to provide fire and security systems for what will be the largest urban shopping centre in Europe. Chubb is part of UTC Fire & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).   Chubb drew on the capabilities of the entire UTC Fire & Security group to successfully secure contracts that will include over 1000 alarm points, 300 access control readers, 750 IP video cameras together with sprinkler systems.   The security project is led by Chubb, with the support of UTC Fire & Security company Lenel, experts in access control and integrated security solutions.  Hall & Kay, also part of UTC Fire & Security, will be providing specialist fire fighting equipment and sprinkler systems. Otis Elevator Company, another United Technologies unit, has also secured a significant contract for the centre.   Westfield Stratford City and London’s Olympic Park together span 700 acres and account for one of the largest urban regeneration projects ever undertaken in the UK. Housing more than 300 retail units and covering over 1.9 million square feet of retail and leisure space, Westfield Stratford City will also include multiple mixed-use facilities including a cinema, hotels, offices and homes.   The UTC Fire & Security businesses leveraged existing customer relationships as part of its 2012 Olympic Project strategy to secure the contract, says Paul Winnowski, President of UTC Fire & Security’s United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa (UKISA) business: “It is the combination of expertise that gives Chubb its strength,” he says.   “We have a unique value proposition that we can bring to the table and are creating a cross business unit collaboration blueprint for the future – a new template where the sum of our strengths enables us to demonstrate commercial and operational advantages that have broad appeal, especially for major customers such as Westfield.”  

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Mobitech knows what you really need to know

New developments in vehicle technology increase complexity & potential safety risks for emergency services. In the automotive industry new developments and technologies are evolving quickly. The use of high-strength steel, reinforcements and numerous safety restraint systems in modern vehicles provide excellent protection of the occupants during a crash. Due to all these builtin safety systems the occupant survival rates during traffic incidents has increased significantly. Also, vehicles are more and more often equipped with alternative propulsion systems, making them environmental friendly due to their low emission. After the crash however, all these new technologies present new safety hazards and challenges to the emergency services when responding to the incident and extricate occupants trapped in the vehicle. Not only the safety restraint systems like airbags and belt pretensioners, but also the new environmental friendly propulsion systems present new safety risks. What does a first responder need to know when such a vehicle is involved in an accident? What exactly are the challenges and hazards that such vehicles present? What knowledge is required to respond safely and effectively, but most important, what knowledge is irrelevant and overkill? It is the mission of Moditech Rescue Solutions B.V. to provide the relevant tools and skills required to effectively respond to today’s traffic incidents around the world. The solution: Know what’s inside with the Crash Recovery System®! Moditech Rescue Solutions B.V. has recognised the need of an effective and practical solution for these challenges at a very early stage. Back in 2003, this awareness led to the development and introduction of the Crash Recovery System®: a mobile vehicle safety information database available for virtually every laptop or tablet PC in 18 languages. Using this information system at the scene of the accident, emergency services can quickly and easy access all relevant information about the vehicle’s safety systems and propulsion type. Moditech Rescue Solutions B.V. offers emergency services the missing link in emergency response: digital vehicle information. The selection of the correct vehicle model is automated by entering the license plate or VIN number. Using any mobile (3G) internet connection, the correct vehicle model is then selected within seconds. As a backup method in case the mobile network is unavailable, manual selection of the vehicle model is always possible as all vehicle data is stored on the local hard drive. Immediately after completing the selection, an interactive and model-specific top- and side view graphic is displayed on the screen.   Depending on the country, right hand drive or left hand drive vehicles are available in the database. The interactive top- and side view of the vehicle displays all hazardous vehicle safety components as well as other relevant items such as the battery, fuel tank, windshields, etc. in a single window. In the case of a vehicle with alternative propulsion, a notification screen is automatically displayed. In addition, all required deactivation procedures for quick and safe immobilisation of the vehicle are shown. In the graphic display, component information and possibly, deactivation instructions, are easily accessible by clicking on the component of choice in the diagram. With this unique functionality, the Crash Recovery System® ensures an efficient and safe extrication process and supports first responders in choosing the best and safest methods. Moditech Rescue Solutions B.V. maintains a close cooperation with all major car manufacturers, resulting in an unmatched online update frequency of our data for the Crash Recovery System®. Moditech Rescue Solutions B.V. has a worldwide network of experts from the rescue and car industry who is continuously preparing the required information and make this available at the same time a new vehicle model is available on the market. Editions and options The Crash Recovery System® software is available in five editions: the ‘Lite edition’, the ‘Standard edition’, the ‘RDW edition’, the ‘VIN edition’ and the ‘Web edition’. All editions feature manual selection of the vehicle through make, model, type and year of the vehicle. The Lite edition provides vehicle models and graphics containing danger zones and safety component locations only and is updated once a year. The Standard edition includes danger zones, locations, deactivation procedures and digital photos of all relevant safety components. With the RDW edition, vehicles selection is automated using the license plate number (only available in certain countries, see our website www.moditech.com for a full list of countries included). The VIN Edition is currently available for the North American market only. It allows the selection of the vehicle by entering or scanning the 17-digit VIN number. The Web edition provides real-time internet access to the Crash Recovery System® database. With a prepaid credit balance or yearly flat rate subscription, users have access to all databases. Purchasing credits is easy via the web shop of Moditech Rescue Solutions B.V. All editions run on every modern Windows PC, laptop or tablet PC. Also mobile / smartphone platforms are supported. For detailed information regarding hardware options and requirements, contact sales@moditech.com. Online updates The Crash Recovery System® has been developed with the future in mind. As a result, database and/or software updates are available online every 2 weeks (except for the Lite edition). This ensures that the information in the database is always up to date, with the latest developments in the automotive industry available for the emergency services. Emergency services have the option to schedule online update retrieval using a central update server at their premises or download updates directly from the update server at Moditech Rescue Solutions B.V. The Crash Recovery System® software is available in five editions containing all relevant vehicle information for emergency services e-Call As a member of the European project committee for of the e- Call development, Moditech Rescue Solutions B.V. is setting the standard in the use of e-Call information effectively. Vehicles equipped with e-Call transfer valuable crash data directly after the crash to the alarm central. This data will be used to identify the vehicle involved in the incident and this information is then transferred automatically to the Crash Recovery System®, allowing emergency services to review the vehicle

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Risk and Reward

Certification benefits the buyer For those involved in specifying or buying fire products there are challenges and demands to be met in managing and reducing risk as well as ensuring that liabilities are covered, corporate manslaughter obligations addressed and Health & Safety regulations complied with. Reducing risk remains a key target for most organisations today and testing and certification are effective ways to do this, whether because of legal obligations or voluntary commitment, they demonstrate that products or services meet certain minimum criteria in terms of quality or safety and so can add much needed reassurance to specifiers and buyers. Arguably the most prestigious of certification marks is BSI’s own Kitemark. It is a voluntary mark, so clearly the manufacturer or service provider has opted to raise their product standard to meet the more substantial quality and safety requirements of a Kitemark scheme. In so doing, they can proudly stand above other non-Kitemark products and services. Consumers have said they believe Kitemark products to be safer and that they trust them. For fire product specifiers and users it means you, your organisation and your customers can rely on the equipment to offer the best protection. BSI has an impressive portfolio of fire product certification and has some of the finest expertise in the industry qualified to test and certify fire products. As such you can look for Kitemark on any of the following products for peace of mind as well as demonstrating your commitment to safety Fire detection ALARMS: The key to a reliable and successful fire detection and alarm system in terms of offering the maximum protection of people and assets, while reducing false alarms, is to use the correct type of detector, in the correct site, to cover the risk as appropriate. Domestic use: Smoke/heat or CO alarms: The primary purpose of the smoke, heat or CO alarm in domestic dwellings is the protection of life as opposed to the protection of property and assets. Combination alarms: Domestic alarms can incorporate three or four types of sensor such as heat, smoke and CO within one alarm unit. Combustible alarms: Combustible gas alarms warn of the presence of gas. This type of alarm samples air at regular intervals and provides an immediate alert to leaks of natural gas, propane or butane. Voice alarms and alarm systems: People tend to react quicker and more appropriately to clear instructions than to the sound of bells or sirens. They relay clear and precise speech messages, helping to minimise uncertainty and confusion in an emergency situation. Smoke alarms for the deaf and hard of hearing: Smoke indicators for the deaf and hearing impaired take one of two forms a) visual – using a beacon and b) Tactile – in the form of a vibrating pad Installation of visual smoke alarms in sleeping areas satisfies Part M of the Building Regulations. Commercial use ; In commercial use the fire alarm must perform a wider function – it must be linked to Control & Indicating Equipment (CIE) so that the appropriate action is identified and activated. Smoke detectors: Sometimes called sensors, are sensitive to smoke in the surrounding atmosphere. Heat detectors: These detect changes in ambient temperature and send an alarm state to the CIE. Multi-criteria detectors: These are a combination of smoke and heat sensors which enter the alarm condition when exposed to predefined levels of smoke or heat or both. The alarm state is then sent to the Control and Indicating Equipment (CIE). Control & indicating equipment & supply Control and indicating equipment: The fire alarm control panel or Control and Indicating Equipment (CIE) is the main switchboard of the fire detection and alarm system and can give detailed or more general information. Extinguishing panels: Fire extinguishing panels or Electrical Automatic Control and Delay Devices (ECD) are used to protect specific high risk or high asset value areas such as computer suites. Power supply: These are used as part of, or independent to, the control and indicating equipment. They can be used by any application in a fire system that requires an additional power supply, such as aspirating smoke detectors. Input/output devices: These are used to add extra functionality to a fire system, acting as an interface between the fire system and its peripheral devices for example to initiate plant shutdown or activate smoke dampers. Short circuit isolators: These are used to protect the detection loop from damage due to short circuit fault conditions. Sounders: Sounders or fire alarm devices are the fire detection and alarm system’s means for alerting the occupants of a building to potential or imminent danger from fire – inside or outside. Manual call points: The most reliable form of fire detection is still human observation so fire detection and alarm systems always include the Manual Call Point (MCP) so someone can physically raise the alarm. Fire alarm system installation The Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) now strongly recommends third party certification by a UKAS accredited organisation for companies who design, install, commission and maintain fire detection and alarms systems. Fire fighting & suppresion Fire extinguishers All fire extinguishers must be coloured red regardless of content. However, a patch of colour, taking up no more than 5% of the surface area will indicate the type of extinguishing content. The colours and uses are: RED Water – for wood, paper, textiles and solid material BLUE Powder – for liquid and electrical fires and some metal or gaseous fires with no explosive risk CREAM Foam – for all liquid fires and wood, paper, textiles and organic material BLACK Carbon Dioxide – for liquid and electrical fires YELLOW – Wet chemical – for fires involving cooking oils or fat Fire ratings: Extinguishers are related to risk by class and area of fire for which they are suitable and all fire extinguishers display these prominently for the relevant types of fire. Fire blankets: Often used in kitchens they are also an effective method of smothering fire on a person Fire hoses &

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Frost and Sullivan

Research objective and market segmentation Geography Western Europe Research objective and market segmentation The objective of this research service is to track the trends, growth, dynamics and recent developments in the western European firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE) market from 2006 to 2016. This study segments the market by product type as follows: fire helmets, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), turnout gear, fire gloves and fire boots. The base year is 2009. Total firefighter PPE: Market Segmentation (Western Europe), 2009 Introduction The total western European firefighter PPE market is in the mature stage, with limited opportunities for growth. This is due to the less number of new end users as well as the relatively long intervals between product replacements of the various PPE used by firefighters. The market is stable and has more scope for replacements. Though the sales are likely to decrease gradually due to the consolidation of fire departments across Europe, it will not affect the market drastically in the short term. However, the total western European firefighter PPE market will stabilise once the consolidations are completed. The mature state of the total western European firefighter PPE market is characterised by intense competition. This has resulted in competitive pricing strategies by large manufacturers. Although the total western European firefighter PPE market is not growing significantly, most firefighter PPE manufacturers are realising the potential of firefighter PPE markets in Eastern Europe, China and the Middle East. Key Findings The total Western European firefighter PPE market was worth 412.7 million in 2009 and is forecast to increase to 439.2 million by 2016, presenting a 26.5 million opportunity. The market witnessed high growth rates in 2008 and 2009 due to upgrading of fire helmets, which can be attributed to an update of legislation, as well as technology developments in the SCBA market. Though the market witnesses growth in terms of units, competitive pricing limits its revenue growth. As with all PPE markets, growth of the firefighter PPE market is dependant on the end-user industries requiring these PPE. As the number of firefighters is not set to increase, revenue growth in this market will be nominal. The SCBA market has the most significant opportunity, despite having the smallest revenue share in the total firefighter PPE market. This is due to the relatively long lifespan of the product. The fire boots market has the second most significant growth opportunity. The turnout gear market provides growth opportunities of moderate significance, while the fire helmets and fire gloves markets provide the least significant growth opportunity. Market Structure The firefighter PPE market is fragmented, with its leading participants catering to one country rather than entire Western Europe. The SCBA and fire helmets markets are the most consolidated. Key market participants include MSA, Dräger Safety, Rosenbauer, Schuberth, Casco, PAB, Bullard, Sicor, Scott, Sperian, Interspiro, W+R Seiz, Eska, Procoves, Texport, Southcombe Brothers, Bennet Safetywear, Viking Lifesaving Equipment, Bristol Uniforms, Lion apparel, Cosalt, Sioen, Carhartt, HAIX, Fal Seguridad, Jolly Scarpe, Steitz Secura, baltes, Hevea, Harvik, Bekina and Hunter. PPE supplied through local manufacturers is dominant; however, there is an increase in the number of production facilities in Eastern Europe due to the significantly lower manufacturing costs in the region. The preference for a ‘one-stop shop’ and the existence of very few manufacturers that produce more than three PPE required by fire fighters increases the significance of distributors. Both local and international suppliers work through distributors (95 per cent), while some conduct business directly (5 per cent). Purchasing is done either through a central procurement agency (government department, municipality or fire services representative body) or directly with fire services. Public funds are used to purchase PPE. Manufacturers with a strong presence or local subsidiary prefer to conduct business directly; however, it is still dependant on approach followed to make purchases historically through central procurement agencies. Bristol Uniforms, for example, is dominant within the UK market, and it supplies brigades directly. Recommendations and conclusions Recommendations are split into two categories – short medium- term and long-term recommendations. Increasing brand awareness and improving service levels are the important factors in securing contracts, specifically in the short term, for relatively low cost implications. Setting up local offices within target countries is another effective strategy for gaining more market share. Long-term recommendations include geographic expansion, mergers and acquisitions as well as expanding into other firefighter PPE applications. In the stable total western European firefighter PPE market, there are limited drivers; however, improvements in technology are the significant among them, while price war, expansion into other fire fighting applications and shrinking number of end users are the restraints. As the market is stable and has limited growth opportunities, the importance of winning and retaining contracts is more important for manufacturers. Manufacturers can do the following to ensure that they win contracts: Upgrade products according to legislation changes and (if possible) pre-empt legislation changes – If a manufacturer cannot offer products that meet the latest legislation requirements at the time when fire services replace their equipment, they are likely to award the contract to another supplier that is able to do so. Provide excellent customer service and value added services – Servicing customers and ensuring that they are satisfied with the functioning and performance of their products is important. However, providing additional services, such as repair, cleaning, maintenance and life-time tracking, increases customer confidence. Recommendations and conclusions Meet customer needs and adjust to changing roles – Meeting the needs of customers is a basic business success tool, but in a stagnant market, the response to changing needs (such as expansion into other types of firefighting roles) can play a significant role in retaining customers. R&D and new product development – Increased levels of market competition has resulted in manufacturers spending extensive amounts of time on improving the existing products and developing new ones that improve the current performance levels. Innovations to reduce stress on the wearer are becoming important to win contracts, and constant R&D is vital to retain contracts.

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Fire experts enable compliance worldwide

Working closely with major trade associations, regulators, enforcement authorities, installers and international bodies, Exova Warringtonfire believes in the highest levels of safety and quality across its diverse range of fire testing, engineering and certification services.   With more than 40 years’ experience, it is a world leading authority independent fire and security testing, fire engineering and certification organisation. It offers a diverse range of specialist fire safety and security services to international markets from a network of accredited sites around the world including Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia, with a network of accredited laboratories to enable the very latest standards, legislation and compliance. The company works with manufacturers, suppliers, designers, architects and engineers across a wide range of sectors including construction, rail, aerospace, automotive, marine, oil & gas, power generation and defence. When it comes to fire testing, Exova Warringtonfire has considerable experience in assessing the performance of materials and constructions by replicating standardised fire scenarios. Its knowledge of material behaviour and fire protection products position the company as a market leader in the field of fire safety and its commitment to excellence is reflected with representation on numerous national and international committees. In addition to its comprehensive range of standardised product testing, Exova Warringtonfire also conducts many bespoke tests which range from desktop analysis to complex large-scale projects. All tests can be undertaken to meet national and international legislation and standards, and a close relationship with customers ensures that all test specimens are prepared, tested and reported to a very high level. John Willox, Director of Exova Warringtonfire, said: “Our global reach means that we are highly placed to deliver our specialist knowledge to help companies working regionally, nationally and internationally. “We have involvement at all levels including enforcement authorities, regulators, installers and trade associations. Our knowledge and experience places us firmly ahead of developments and means our understanding of fire safety is unrivalled. “Every day we communicate with manufacturers, suppliers, specifiers, product designers, engineers and architects to not only ensure that each product-design complies with the appropriate regulations and standards, but also to give them absolute confidence that they are working with the most reliable and professional fire safety teams in the world. “No matter who we work with, we have the confidence on delivering the same level of excellence in all aspects of fire safety for any project large or small, offering ongoing advice to ensure the best possible results and to create solutions that will exactly meet the needs of business.” John Willox was formerly Hilti global Vice President of Marketing – Fire Protection Systems. He has more than 25 years’ experience in the construction industry supply chain, 22 years of which have been with the Hilti Group both in the UK and at the company’s corporate HQ in Liechtenstein. In the last 10 years, he has held senior positions within the area of fire protection and HR. He has extensive experience in the development of fire protection strategy throughout Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia and will be responsible for driving Exova Warringtonfire’s position in the fields of fire testing, advisory and certification from its laboratories and offices in Europe. Indeed, design teams and clients are becoming increasingly global in their approach, with designers located in one country developing solutions for buildings on the other side of the world. There is a wide range of standard guidance on the design of fire safety wherever in the world you are. Some of these documents can be relatively complex or may have a range of possible approaches. Exova Warringtonfire can identify the best guidance document or approach and can assist in developing the fire strategy to meet those regulations. In some cases the design would also benefit from more detailed fire modelling to support or justify certain aspects to the design. For example, smoke modelling might demonstrate that a particular space will remain tenable for a long period of time, which would help justify longer travel distances than would normally be allowed. Incorporating smoke extraction within a design may also achieve a similar result. Exova Warringtonfire’s engineers are also experts in all types of fire modelling, including computational fluid dynamics (CFD) smoke modelling, evacuation analysis, structural fire engineering and radiation analysis, and can therefore identify the best approach for any particular situation. As part of its range, Exova promotes its independent accredited certification and inspection of fire protection and security products and services through Warrington Certification Ltd (WCL), a nonprofit company. WCL has more than 25 years’ experience of working closely with all sectors of industry, including manufacturers, installers, assessors, specifiers, regulators and enforcement authorities to deliver services to a diverse range of clients around the world. Its services assist in delivering competitive advantage and peace of mind for its customers by continually pushing the boundaries in the fire protection industry to help safeguard buildings and the people who use them. WCL is recognised worldwide by regulators, enforcers and market influencers as the leading supplier of independent certification services supporting the global fire protection and security industry. www.warringtonfire.net www.warringtoncertificaiton.com

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New CEO of Cold Cut Systems

Johan Biörsmark has been recruited as the new CEO of Cold Cut Systems Johan Biörsmark has 18-years experience from fire fighting and fire brigades where he has worked as a fire fighter as well as in leading positions. Johan has previously successfully worked with sales at Cold Cut Systems. The current CEO Lars Hellström has on his own request chosen to resign as CEO. Lars Hellström will continue to work for Cold Cut Systems as a Senior Advisor and will thus remain within the company sphere. Lars Hellström leaves Cold Cut Systems after serving as CEO for 3 years. Johan Biörsmark will begin April 4th 2011. “Johan’s most important challenge will be to lead the way for Cold Cut Systems’ continued market expansion, nationally as well as internationally. With his experience, commitment and leadership Johan will contribute to Cold Cut Systems’ future development” says Ditlef Fürst, newly appointed Chairman of the Board of Cold Cut Systems. Next generation fire fighting More than 500 systems of the Cold Cut Cobra cutting extinguisher have been delivered worldwide, and it provides the fire fighter with a unique and highly efficient method to fight fires from the outside, at safe distance from the fire, by using high pressure water cutting to penetrate all building materials extremely quick. The water mist created on the inside drastically lowers temperature and thus in an efficient way extinguish the fire. The method has been developed in close cooperation with Swedish authorities, and it does not only make fire fighting more efficient, it also enables a safer working environment for fire fighters. For further information: www.coldcutsystems.com

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