Company expands fire protection services

22nd August 2014 By: Pimani Baloyi - Creamer Media Writer

JSE-listed electronics group Jasco is expanding its fire detection and fire suppression market reach in South Africa, says Jasco fire protection head and founder of former fire protection solutions provider Firecare Tony Balanco.

Balanco tells Engineering News that the expansion started with the acquisition of the Cape Town-based Firecare last year and will result in offices being established throughout South Africa, starting with an office in Midrand, Johannesburg. The company aims to have the office fully operational by end of this month.

“With the Firecare acquisition, we have the experience of having provided fire prevention and detection services for the past 24 years in the Western Cape and we believe that it is time to extend these services to other parts of the country.

“Once the Midrand office is operational, we will also consider KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and the Eastern Cape, among other locations,” he explains.

The Firecare acquisition has enabled Jasco to include fire sprinkler systems, fire-detection, gas suppression systems, special risk fire protection, fire extinguisher hydrants and hose reel supply and services as part of its offering.

Balanco, a former firefighter, states that, in the past, fire protection measures were regarded as an unnecessary cost, “as fire detection systems do not lead to an increase in productivity or savings in production costs, so companies experiencing financial difficulties often opted for taking shortcuts regarding these measures”.

“However, companies currently require fire prevention technologies to comply with occupational health and safety regulations and to enhance the safety of their employees and assets,” he elaborates.

Balanco concludes that Jasco has focused on maintaining close business relationships with its local and global suppliers, and on being dedicated and committed to providing the latest technical support training for its clients and staff.