Honeywell has signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Fiplex Communications, Inc., a Miami-based company that develops in-building communications systems, including bi-directional amplifiers (BDAs) that provide continuous and critical in-building radio coverage in challenging environments to improve the safety of first responders and building occupants.
The acquisition will expand the in-building connectivity and communications solutions that Honeywell provides to its customers. Fiplex’s solutions will become a platform of innovation for Honeywell wireless technologies.
The building communications industry is a fast-growing segment, largely driven by the adoption of enhanced fire codes. Its growth is expected to accelerate with the adoption of advanced technologies that will continue to change how building data is exchanged with various stakeholders.
“We are looking to reshape how communications and connectivity within buildings work. The addition of Fiplex’s products and software allows us to move toward creating the next generation of fire and life safety solutions to keep both building occupants and first responders safer,” said Vimal Kapur, president and chief executive officer, Honeywell Building Technologies. “The Fiplex team brings superior engineering talent and unique capabilities for wireless communications that will enable us to enhance our in-building communications offerings and complement our innovative, industry-leading solutions.”
According to a 2017 International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) survey by the Safer Buildings Coalition, 56 percent of fire departments have experienced a communications failure in a building during an emergency event, leaving firefighters and other first responders virtually stranded in these situations after losing communications. In-building communications systems, like those from Fiplex, enable first responders to stay connected throughout a building that may have a poor cellular signal due to Low-E glass windows, energy-saving cladding or wall composition, and even in underground areas such as car parks. In-building communications can also support occupant safety with timely, clear and accurate notifications of emergencies and recommended responses.
“Honeywell has long demonstrated leadership in the fire and life safety industry, and we are pleased to join their team,” said Matias de Goycoechea, chairman and chief technology officer, Fiplex. “We look forward to working with Honeywell to expand our technological advancements and to support the creation of better-connected buildings.”
Fiplex’s FLEX™ is a flexible and scalable in-building wireless platform that delivers the highest levels of performance, survivability and deployment efficiency to meet the requirements of public safety stakeholders. FLEX addresses performance and complexity challenges inherent to complying with stringent critical communications code requirements mandated by Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) as well as economic barriers that encumber solutions providers from widescale penetration. The platform’s true mission-critical performance and software-defined configuration deliver better field deployment flexibility.
Fiplex’s FLEX products are UL2524 2nd edition listed with SGS, the only Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) approved by OSHA for UL2524.
Terms of the investment were not disclosed, and there is no change to Honeywell’s financial outlook as a result of the acquisition. The acquisition is pending customary deal closing conditions.
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Posted: Mar 10, 2021
According to a report from KIMA, Yakima (WA) Fire Department (YFD) leaders are once again calling on the city council to purchase replacements vehicles for their aging truck fleet.
The calls go back to December 2020, when YFD chiefs discussed that upgrades were sorely needed to the truck fleet. Today, those issues remain, there have been no plans made for ordering new trucks, and the YFD is still using reserve rigs.
YFD Deputy Chief Jeremy Rodriguez said the department must continue to use the old apparatus to the best of their abilities. However, mechanical problems are plaguing the reserve trucks, which is also costing the city money.
According to their most recent annual fire report, the town spent nearly $200,000 repairing and maintaining the current fleet.
Yakima Finance Director Steve Groom mentioned historically low-interest rates for financing, creating a safety equipment savings account that could create enough funds for once-a-decade purchases as well as raising taxes.
However, repair bills are stacking up, and the lack of available resources continue to ail the YFD.
The post Yakima (WA) Fire Service Leaders Call to Replace Aging Truck Fleet appeared first on Fire Apparatus.
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Posted: Mar 10, 2021
According to a report from The Wetumpka Herald, the Eclectic Town Council has purchased a lightly-used 1997 engine for the Eclectic (AL) Volunteer Fire Department (EVFD) for $35,000. EVFD Chief Josh Dorminey said the vehicle is “like new” and has fewer road miles than the department’s newest vehicle.
Dorminey said the EVFD hopes to have the engine in service within a week. Once in operation, the department plans to welcome it with a ceremonial “push-in” ceremony. It will replace a 1978 pumper truck that the department has been using as reserve.
The 1978 pumper truck was recently experiencing mechanical issues, and so it was more cost effective to get a new truck rather than fixing the current vehicle. The EVFD plans to sell the 1978 pumper.
The department also has a 2009 pumper truck, a 2009 rescue truck, a 2014 ambulance, and a 1998 ladder truck.
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Posted: Mar 10, 2021
According to a report from Cayman Compass, a new Oshkosh Striker fire truck was delivered to Cayman Brac on Saturday aboard a barge and was received by Divisional Officer Witney Tatum and other firemen. The truck was the third Striker added to the Cayman Islands Fire Service (CIFS) fleet in 2020.
Sister Islands MPs Moses Kirkconnell and Juliana O’Connor-Connolly were on hand for the delivery.
The trucks are part of the ongoing modernization of fire-and-rescue vehicles and equipment for the CIFS and improve the safety of passengers and crew at Owen Roberts International Airport and Charles Kirkconnell International Airport.
In December, the CIFS replaced and expanded its domestic firefighting fleet with seven new vehicles—three tankers and four rapid intervention vehicles.
The three tankers cost $632,734 each, while the four rapid intervention vehicles each cost $271,711. The old tankers were replaced after being in service from 13 to 15 years.
Another tanker will also be ordered for the Brac this year, according to a government statement issued in December.
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