Chiltern International Fire (CIF) was proud to welcome more than 40 key clients to a seminar and open day on 18th November to celebrate the launch of its state-of-the-art vertical fire resistance test furnace, upgraded facilities and to unveil its plans for the future.
Designed and built to CIF’s own specification, the 3m x 3m furnace has a sophisticated 180-channel data logging system with fully automatic temperature and pressure control and is the culmination of a £500,000 refurbishment programme. It was pronounced ‘very impressive’ by guests, who viewed 30 minutes of a 60-minute test on a panelled door, destined for an English Heritage palace, part of a CIF consultancy project.
A further live demonstration was staged by Head of Section: Fire Behaviour Phil Howard, who talked guests through a live fire in the 40ft attack unit, designed for fire services Compartment Fire Behaviour Training, used by Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Services. Mr Howard discussed why the fire in a simulated office lay-out developed so quickly from one source of ignition and demonstrated the use of water mist to cool the hot gases and bring the fire under control.
Before the tour, delegates gathered at the stunning Missenden Abbey Conference Centre, where Chief Operating Officer Jon Osborn gave an insight into the company’s plans for the future, as part of the rebranded BM TRADA Group, along with an overview of the company’s comprehensive, research, testing and consultancy services. He said, ‘We will continue to invest in our facilities and in staff development, taking service to the next level.’
Through Chiltern Fire and subsidiary Chiltern Dynamics, the group provides integrated fire, environmental, durability, security and acoustic testing of windows, doors, glass and related products, underpinning a whole range of third-party certification schemes offered under the internationally recognised BM TRADA Q-Mark banner.
Mark Cummings, Head of Section: Fire Resistance Testing and Peter Barker, Head of Section: Consultancy, gave a joint presentation on ‘Improving our fire testing offering: investing for the future’. Both touched on the wealth of experience and product knowledge inherent in the CIF team and the importance accorded to sound administrative back up to ensure faster turnaround and shorter lead times for clients.
Dr Kevin Towler, Chiltern Fire’s Managing Director, explored ‘New overseas market opportunities for UK manufacturers’. He told guests, ‘As a target for export, the Middle East ticks all the boxes.’ The potential, in fact, is so huge that it is drawing in people and companies from all over the world. Inevitably, competition is fierce, he warned, ‘so it is crucial to take time to understand the market and to make contacts. You will need a local presence.’ The BM TRADA Q-Mark is well established in the region, one of the main drivers the decision by Dubai Civil Defence to make third-party certification a requirement for fire door manufacturers.
Throughout the day, guests appreciated the opportunity to talk with Chiltern Fire and other Group staff. There was ample time for networking and few seemed in a hurry to leave, enjoying mulled wine and an artistic fireworks display back at Missenden Abbey before departing.
PDF: Investment in the future - and a grand day out!
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