Gulf Construction Online - Bristol sets new standards

Fire Protection

Fire pumps, extinguishers, and hose reels ... quality products from Bristol.

Bristol sets new standards

01 March 2005

Bristol Fire Engineering has established itself as one of the premier manufacturers of innovative firefighting equipment over the past 15 years by setting new standards in quality, dependability and durability in the firefighting industry of the region, according to Imad Awad, business development manager of Bristol Fire Engineering.

Bristol, a member company of Concorde-Corodex Group (CCG), has been manufacturing fire-fighting equipment based on the British Fire Industry technology, since 1989. Its state-of-the-art production facility in Dubai is working full-swing under the supervision of qualified and highly experienced engineers in the field of fire fighting.
“Bristol has secured the top slot in the market by continuously innovating and maintaining the highest standards of quality in the manufacture of fire-fighting equipment,” Awad explains. “Our production standards are tested and certified by Bureau Veritas to comply with European standards BS/EN3. The entire manufacturing process relies on a quality control system that ensures conformity of raw materials, well-monitored process control techniques and vigilant final inspection. That is why Bristol is considered the most reliable manufacturer in the entire Gulf region.”
Engineers and well-experienced technocrats – who have ample experience in the design and installation of all types of fire protection systems according to international fire codes such as LPC (Loss Prevention Council) and NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency) – are the backbone of Bristol Fire Engineering.
Since it launched operations in Dubai, Bristol has been looking abroad and is currently supplying specialised products and services to various market sectors.
“We believe in innovation as development is a continuous process that must be linked to the market needs and customer satisfaction,” says Awad
Bristol Fire Engineering has anchored its focus on quality on four essential elements: employees, products and services, processes, and customers. “We value our human assets. Hence, we motivate and train them in a challenging environment which ultimately helps Bristol to advance its business objectives,” he maintains.
The company also aims to provide products and services that not only satisfy the customer but also exceed their expectations. Being an ISO 9001:2000 company, it implements a strict control over the production process, he adds.
“It has always been Bristol’s aim to become a market leader in the manufacture of fire equipment and pump assembly by implementing quality management procedures and securing a larger market share through competitive pricing,” Awad stresses.
Bristol’s current product range includes portable fire extinguishers, trolley/wheeled fire extinguishers, automatic fire extinguishers, hose reels and components, a full range of fire equipment cabinets complying with international standards and various types of hydrant valves and accessories, and fire pump sets.
The company’s production facility has been designed with British Fire Industry know-how to manufacture fire extinguishers in a ‘deep drawing process’, which makes Bristol the first of its kind in the Middle East, Awad claims. “By this process, the welding on the cylinder is kept to minimal which gives products a longer life span,” he explains. “In addition, to give the products a clean and neat welding finish, Bristol uses both automatic and semi-automatic welding machines in the manufacturing process.
“A powder coating plant has also been set up to ensure the best paint finish. Prior to shelving the products, Bristol carries out a pressure leak test on valves and gauges, and performs the final quality control check in-house.
“Bristol pump sets are assembled on skids or trolleys with the proper fittings and pipes for interconnecting the components according to customer requirement such as GI (galvanized iron), uPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride), copper or SS (stainless steel). All pump sets undergo strict performance tests prior to dispatch, and are guaranteed against faulty materials and workmanship.”
The company also operates a fully-equipped service centre, which carries out reconditioning, servicing and refilling of portable fire extinguishers and fire extinguishing system cylinders. The workshop is equipped with the latest plants and tools including bulk storage carbon-dioxide tank, hydrostatic testing station, paint finishing and printing, and fire extinguisher filling to complement the efficiency of Bristol’s experienced technicians, he adds.
“Bristol aims to produce products that are durable, and simple to use and maintain. High quality standards, coupled with good pricing, have opened up unexpected export markets for the company, not only in the Gulf region, but also the European market,” he concludes.