www.ushalonbank.com   1.800.433.1751                                    November 2016 - Vol 2, Issue 58
                            
News
FSSA Mourns the Loss of Bernie Bischoff
Trump Tweets About Effort to Stop UTC Factory Move to Mexico
Fire Suppression Foam Fill Streets
Honeywell CEO Still Upset by UTC Refusal
Saudi Arabia Establishes Fire Prevention Association
Anna Maria College Receives Grant to Study Fire Suppression
Most Popular Stories from October 2016
Companies in the News
Fire Suppression Market
Aviation
Heard on The Street
Video of the Month
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Editor's Note


Just a quick note to say THANK YOU to all of our faithful readers. The October issue of the Halon Herald was read a record number of times, more than any other issue that we have put out so far. We want you to know that we appreciate you reading the articles that we carefully select for you and we will continue to provide you with all of the latest and greatest of the fire industry.

If you enjoy reading these articles, tell a friend! You can click on the "Forward This Email to a Friend" button at the bottom of this newsletter or you can email me to have someone added to our mailing list. Also feel free to let me know if you have any comments, suggestions, story submissions, etc.

-- Kari
 

FSSA Mourns the Loss of Bernie Bischoff

FSSA regrets to inform you of the passing of Bernard (Bernie) Grove Bischoff, 91, on Tuesday, October 25, 2016.  He was the beloved husband of Barbara (Miller). Bernie is survived by three children: Alvin, Shirley (Skiviat), and William; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was the son of the late Alvin and Ethel Bischoff, of Madison, Wisconsin.
 
He was a United States Marine Captain who honorably served in WWII and Korea.

Bernie was a Founding Member of the Fire Suppression Systems Association (FSSA), and served as the organization's first president. He received the inaugural FSSA Leadership Award in 2008 for his contributions to the special hazards fire protection industry through his dedication in and longevity to the industry, a sense of integrity and fairness, business acumen, a fostering learning, innovation and change, and a cooperative spirit.  In many circles, he was affectionately known as "Father Suppression" because of his fervent advocation for the fire suppression industry.

Click here to continue reading this story.


A FEW WORDS ABOUT BERNIE BISHCHOFF -
From some of those who knew him best
 
I was fortunate early in my career to work with very talented fire protection experts, Vic Williamson, Fred Roberts, Bruce Scheiman and Bernie Bischoff. Bernie was the consummate professional, well respected, very friendly and a great travel companion. My first ever business trip was with Bernie. He and I went to DC to conduct a presentation to naval architects, engineers, the USN and USCG. I was terrified, but quickly realized no one in the audience knew more about fire protection than Bernie, which eased my mind and made life good. I learned a lot from Bernie, a lot of others did too, we should all be thankful for that opportunity. Rest in peace Bernie, we will miss you.

John Trinajstch -- UTAS/UTC


Throughout the 35 plus years of our friendship, Bernie Bischoff (BGB) gave me, my wife Karen our colleagues and friends the great gift of being part of our professional and personal lives. His vast knowledge of life and our unique industry was given freely and above all without prejudice or pretentiousness. These attributes were combined with a great sense of humor. Bernie's daughter Shirley called shortly after his death; she said his final passage was reminiscent of the many journeys he had taken throughout his life. Fond memories of Bernie will remain with us forever.

Fred Hildebrandt - Janus

Click here to read more touching tributes to Bernie.


wormaldWormald Raises Bar on Safety (AUS)

10/31/16

Architecture & Design

Leading fire protection specialist Wormald is raising the bar on fire safety by committing to the Fire Protection Accreditation Scheme (FPAS) for their technicians.

The Fire Protection Accreditation Scheme (FPAS) is a nationally-harmonized two-stage industry accreditation scheme offered by the Fire Protection Association of Australia (FPA Australia) to recognize the skills and competencies of individuals working in the fire protection industry across Australia.

To read more, click here.
 

southeastSoutheast Fire Protection (TX) Recognized for Quality Standards

11/12/16

Fire Engineering

Southeast Fire Protection of Houston, Texas has been awarded the American Fire Sprinkler Association's (AFSA) Quality Contractor recognition, a program recognizing fire protection companies that exhibit the highest commitment to corporate responsibility and standards.
 
Southeast Fire Protection has been helping protect people and property in southeast Texas since 1986, offering a broad range of life-safety systems and service programs designed to meet the specific needs of each facility and its occupants.

Click here to finish reading this story.
 

centuryCentury Fire Protection (Georgia) Acquires Advanced Fire and Security (Florida)

11/10/16

GlobeNewswire

TORONTO -- FirstService Corporation announced that its subsidiary, Century Fire Protection, has acquired Advanced Fire & Security, one of the leading full-service fire protection companies in South Florida. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Pompano Beach, Advanced provides end-to-end fire protection solutions including design, installation, maintenance, repair and inspection services for commercial, residential, industrial and institutional clients throughout the South Florida region. Eric and Laura Rode, Co-Founders of Advanced, will continue to lead the operations and retain minority equity interests as partners. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Read the rest of the article here.
 

Trump Tweets About Effort to Stop UTC Factory Move to Mexico
President-elect Donald Trump waves as he arrives at the Trump National Golf Club Bedminster clubhouse, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016, in Bedminster,, N.J. (Carolyn Kaster/AP)

11/24/16

By Jonathan O'Connell, Washington Post
Hartford Courant

President-elect Donald Trump tweeted Thanksgiving morning that he was trying to make good on a campaign promise that a Carrier air conditioning factory in Indiana, and its 1,400 jobs, would not move to Mexico in 2019 as planned.

"I am working hard, even on Thanksgiving, trying to get Carrier A.C. Company to stay in the U.S. (Indiana). MAKING PROGRESS - Will know soon!:" Trump tweeted.

Carrier, a division of United Technologies Corp. of Farmington, responded with a tweet about an hour later: "Carrier has had discussions with the incoming administration and we look forward to working together. Nothing to announce at this time."

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aonAON (New Zealand) Seeks Permission to Acquire Fire Protection Service Company

11/8/16

"Scoop" Independent News

The Commission has received an application from Aon New Zealand (Aon) to acquire the business and assets of Fire Protection Inspection Services Limited (FPIS).

Aon and FPIS provide a range of fire protection services, including inspection of fire sprinkler and fire alarm systems. Both companies operate nationwide. In its role as a Sprinkler System Certifier, Aon also certifies new sprinkler systems for compliance with the specified New Zealand standard and approves and lists contractors certified to install or inspect sprinkler systems.

To finish reading this article, click here.
 

marloweMarlowe (UK) Acquires Titan Fire and Security for 750,000 Pounds Sterling (1 Million US)

11/4/16

By Muhammad Aldalou, Digital Staff Writer
Insider Media Limited

A provider of fire protection services based in Uxbridge has been acquired by Marlowe, the support services company backed by businessman and former deputy chairman of the Conservative party, Lord Ashcroft.

Marlowe, which acquires and develops companies that provide critical asset maintenance services, has taken over Titan Fire and Security.

The business was founded in 1988 and provides a portfolio of fire protection services, including the installation, service and maintenance of fire detection and fire suppression systems.

Read the rest of this story here.
 

rotarexRotarex Introduces DIMES System for Inert Gas Systems
Rotarex Firetec DIMES System for Inert Gas Fire Protection System Readiness

11/4/16

PRWeb

The Rotarex digital inert gas DIMES System is the first to give precise cylinder contents measurement by adjusting for temperature influence on gas pressure. This ensures IG fire suppression system readiness 24/7/365.

Rotarex Firetec, a business unit of Rotarex SA, introduced its new DIMES System for Inert Gas to ensure fixed installation fire system readiness 24/7/365. This digital IG cylinder contents measuring system is the first to be able to adjust for temperature variations on pressure to deliver a precise real gas reading.

Dr. Thomas Andreas, Head of Firetec R&D, commented: "Accurate monitoring of cylinder contents is important since leaks can happen, especially in in applications subject to vibration or motion."

Click here to read the rest of this story.
 

team360Team 360 Services (Fire Suppression) to Expand In Indianapolis

11/2/16

WBIW.com

Team 360 Services, a full-service fire protection and building services company, announced plans today to expand its headquarters in Indiana, creating up to 137 new jobs by 2020.

"Team 360 Services' decision to add more than 130 new jobs in our state's capital city is a testament to everything that makes Indiana a state that works," said Governor Mike Pence. "Over the last decade, Hoosiers have worked together to build a business climate that supports growth and job creation. Today, while Indiana is cutting taxes and red tape, we're also dedicated to investing in workforce development and advancing the vibrancy of our communities. It is this focus on economic development that makes Indiana one of the nation's top-ranked destinations for business, attracting growth from national companies like Team 360 Services."

Read the rest of this story here.
 

mitecMitec Expands in Southeast, Southwest

11/3/16

By Business Wire
Sys-Con Media

With a history of exceeding expectations, one customer at a time, every time, Mitec has opened five new regional offices throughout the Southeast and Southwest. This expansion reaffirms Mitec's service commitment to its customers of guaranteeing a four-hour response time to all emergency requests.

The offices - located in Greensboro, North Carolina; Greenville, South Carolina; Macon, Georgia; Montgomery, Alabama; and Waco, Texas - will join Mitec's existing locations in Charlotte, North Carolina; Birmingham, Alabama; and Dallas, Texas, plus its corporate headquarters in the Atlanta suburb of Duluth, Georgia.

Click here to read the full story.
 


gulfSaudi, UAE, other GCC Countries Project Dramatic Growth in Fire Safety
HE al-Sada hands over the Gulf Safety Award to Oryx GTL chief commercial officer Mohamed Sharif Ibrahim al-Mushiri in the presence al-Ageel. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil

10/30/16

By Peter Alagos
Gulf Times

The size of the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) fire safety market is projected to expand from $1.4bn in 2016 to more than $3bn by 2020 to keep up with the growing infrastructure and manufacturing sectors, according to a senior official.

Speaking at the opening of the two-day Gulf Safety Forum, Gulf Organization for Industrial Consulting secretary general Abdulaziz bin Hamad al-Ageel said Saudi Arabia and the UAE make-up 46% and 43%, respectively, of the $1.4bn GCC fire safety market.

Click here to finish reading this story.
 

Fire Suppression Foam Fill Streets

11/18/16

CBS SFBayArea

SAN JOSE -- A test of fire-suppression foam by a company near San Jose Mineta International Airport went awry, filling nearby streets with the white substance, according to Santa Clara Police.

The fire department was first notified of the spill shortly before 1:30 p.m., but the incident started well before then, fire Battalion Chief Drew Miller said.

The thick white foam which resembled snow, came from Signature Flight Support, a business located right next to the airport at 323 Martin Ave. near the San Jose-Santa Clara border.

Read the rest of this story here.
 

Honeywell Still Upset by UTC Spurn

11/9/16

Aviation Week

Honeywell International Chairman and CEO Dave Cote continues to defend his company's failed bid early this year to take over United Technologies Corp. (UTC). In a keynote speech Nov. 3 at the Goldman Sachs Industrials Conference in Boston, Cote acknowledged he was surprised at how the $90 billion offer played out. Cote said he saw UTC as "under-managed assets at a great price."
 

windWind Turbine Fires - Industry Searches for Solution
August's turbine fire at Isselburg, Germany, gradually consumes a blade

10/31/16

By Christopher Hopson in London
Recharge

On 28 August, firefighters were called to a wind turbine fire in Isselburg, northwest Germany, but upon arrival discovered they did not have equipment tall enough to put out the flames. They could only watch as the NEG Micon turbine was consumed and the burning blades fell to the ground.

A month earlier, a turbine fire in India became an internet sensation after video emerged showing a burning blade tip creating rapid spirals of black smoke. And in May, firefighters in Lubbock, Texas, watched helplessly as a turbine burned itself out, occasionally putting out small grass fires from falling debris.

When a wind turbine catches fire, it is almost always damaged beyond repair because it is so hard to extinguish. A fire and the knock-on downtime will cost a project owner an average of $4.5m per incident. It is a growing problem that costs the industry around $225m a year.

Read the rest of the article here.
 

fiveFive Emerging Fire Protection Technologies

10/27/16

By Diana Smith
TechBooky

No matter how much time goes by, fire remains one of humanity's greatest dreads. It's funny, in a way, to think that we are on the brink of making the first steps in colonization of space, but we still share the same fear of fire with our caveman ancestors. But fire is not something to be joked with. During the last year it took more than 3,280 civilian lives and caused $14.3 billion in property damage in the United States alone. So, is the advanced tech that is reshaping the face of mankind able to finally put an end to this threat? Let's see if we can find out.

Read the full story here.
 

sentryRAF Grounds Boeing's E-3D Sentry, Cites Fire Risk
Gary Dawson/REX/Shutterstock

11/8/16

By Beth Stevenson, London
FlightGlobal

The Royal Air Force's Boeing E-3D Sentry airborne early warning aircraft have been temporarily removed from service, as a result of "major" issues with the platform's electrical and fire safety equipment.

The Sentry fleet recently entered routine servicing, during which the type was categorised as "unserviceable". This led to fleet-wide operations being put on hold.

"As a result of routine technical inspections on RAF E-3D Sentry aircraft, an issue has been identified relating to the integrity of some electrical wiring and cabin conditioning systems," the RAF tells FlightGlobal. "Safety remains our paramount concern. Therefore, the UK Sentry fleet will only fly again once the ongoing rectification work is complete."

Click here to read the entire article.
 

marinesMarines Investigate Fire Aboard F-35B - Honeywell System Cited

11/8/16

By Leigh Giangreco, Washington DC
FlightGlobal

Two systems, including the Honeywell-supplied integrated power package (IPP) linked to a previous aircraft fire, failed as a fire erupted inside the weapons bay of a US Marine Corps Lockheed Martin F-35B on a 27 October training mission.

Sensors onboard the aircraft detected a fire in the right weapons bay and failures of the IPP and a hydraulics system while the aircraft was flying in the airport's landing pattern, according to a mishap report released by the Naval Safety Center.

The center has classified the incident as a class A mishap, meaning the aircraft suffered at least $2 million in damages, but the results of the investigation could change the cost estimate, the USMC tells FlightGlobal. The Marines have not ordered a precautionary safety stand-down for the F-35B fleet.

Click here to read the rest of this article.
 

Saudi Arabia Establishes Fire Prevention Association

11/11/15

By Ali Al-Qattan
Asharq Al-Awsat

Dammam -- During the 6th Safety & Fire Protection Conference organized by the Saudi Council of Engineers, and under the umbrella of the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), the establishment of the "Scientific Association of Fire Prevention" has been announced.

Dr.Bassam Ghulman, vice chairman of the Council of Engineers board, has stressed the importance of providing the required solutions and mechanisms to prevent fires amid myriad of dangers that can occur in projects.

Click here to continue reading this story.
 

Anna Maria College Receives Grant to Study Fire Suppression

11/3/15

Fire Engineering

Anna Maria College has received a $25,000 donation from FireIce Solutions LLC, an innovative fire protection product manufacturer, to support the college's Fire Science Department conduct a fire extinguisher study.

Students in the Anna Maria College's Fire Science Department will be testing the effectiveness of various fire extinguisher products currently on the market. These evaluations require secure, live fire testing that imitate various fire scenarios such as combustible-metal, cooking oil and car tire fires. The donation from FireIce Solutions LLC will go directly towards the construction of an outdoor concrete burn structure to conduct controlled and functional live fire tests.

Click here to read the rest of this article.
 

Most Popular Stories from October 2016 


   

 

If you have any questions, comments, would like to be featured in a future Halon Herald, or would like to be added to our mailing list for this newsletter, please contact Kari Buser at kbuser@ushalonbank.com.

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