Signs of success

Can you tell me about your career with Jactone and your professional background?

Upon completion of a five year undergraduate apprenticeship with Rolls Royce Aerospace and having gained a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Liverpool, I then spent several years working as a project engineer for an offshore marine engineering company involved in the design and manufacture of ‘Saturation’ Diving Systems, all experience that developed my skill as an engineer.

I subsequently joined Jactone in a technical role, progressing to the point where I took over the position of M.D. from my father.

For those unfamiliar with Jactone can you tell us more about the business?

Jactone is the family business, named after our parents, that I now run with my two sisters. It manufactures a unique range of Fire and Safety products. It is one of only two companies in the UK still manufacturing Fire Extinguishers and utilising our own manufactured pressure vessels.

The company was established in 1977 and started out manufacturing textile products which evolved into production of fire blankets. This began the companies journey in the fire industry. The production of signage of all types was introduced to complement our offering to the fire industry, followed by success as a supplier to the NHS and other large public sector customers, including local councils and national authorities.

Like all progressive businesses, we expanded our product range over subsequent years, in line with opportunities and demand from our customers and the marketplace, leading to the start of manufacture of our own range of portable fire extinguishers in 2000.

This major investment meant that we were and still are able to produce deep draw steel cylinders in house in various sizes to meet the demands of our products as they develop. Our unique range of portable extinguishers was very well received by the UK and Export markets with several key distributors being appointed over the following years in countries around the world. We have always looked to innovate where it makes commercial sense and also where benefits can be introduced to users of our equipment. The portable extinguisher market has been an area that has not traditionally seen the launch of many new or innovative products in the last few years. We feel that we have bucked this trend very recently with the development of our Jactone WaterMist portable fire extinguisher. Jactone WaterMist is a true multi-application fire extinguisher that can be used on a wide range of fire risks including A class, B class (limited), F Class and electrical risk (up to 1000V). It is completely environmentally friendly and can be easily refilled with minimal cost as it uses tap water. This unique performance is supported by BSI Kitemark approval to BSEN3.

In the company’s recent history we have launched PAFSS: Pneumatically Actuated Fire Suppression Systems. PAFSS is a range of pre-engineered fully automatic fire suppression systems designed to protect valuable assets and buildings from risks associated with such things as kitchens, electrical panels, laboratory fume hoods and vehicles.

Our comprehensive product offering is further supported by manufacture of aerosol fire extinguishers and a wide range of accessories and associated equipment.

In summary, our product ranges include Portable Fire Extinguishers, Aerosol Extinguishers, Fire Blankets, ‘PAFSS’ (Pneumatically Actuated Fire Suppression Systems) and Safety Signs.

What is your vision for the future of the business?

The future of the business will increasingly be dependent on the companies further development of its ‘PAFSS’ range of Small Volume / Local Application Fire Suppression Systems.

Increasingly there are clear requirements from End Users and Insurers to provide ‘Point of ignition protection’ and it is in this area that PAFSS has clear advantages in the protection it provides.

Due to the simple principles of operation, there are many risks that are already protected with PAFSS, including:

• Commercial Kitchens (certified to LPS1223)

• Energised electrical cabinets (certified to LPS1666)

• Bus and Coach Engine Compartments (certified to UNECE107)

• Laboratory Fume Cupboards

• Industrial Equipment

What are the biggest challenges facing the fire safety sector?

With the obvious reputational damage that the Fire Safety Sector has suffered recently from tragic fire events, it is clearly important that there is a renewed and sustained effort to ensure that confidence is restored in all areas of the industry. Specifically, across the whole range of activities it is vital that all materials and equipment are designed, tested, manufactured, specified, installed and serviced / maintained to the highest standards and best practice is promoted at all levels.  

Do you foresee any major changes in the fire sector over the next five years?

I think that it is clear that one of the main drivers will be based on the post Grenfell review. My anticipation is that there will be two key changes. Firstly, better monitoring and enforcement of standards will be an essential change but secondly I believe the competence of companies / individuals undertaking activities, subject to standards and regulations, will be more closely scrutinised. In many areas of activity this will most likely lead to mandatory 3rd Party certification as proof of competence. Jactone fully supports this approach.  

Are any exciting technologies or new products in the pipeline?

Jactone has been extremely active in the development of new standards for PAFSS applications.

In this respect, it is constantly looking for gaps in industry standards for this key product area.

One area that has been identified is the requirement for standards to cover ‘sub-room suppression’ applications. Characterised by un-occupied spaces, containing energised equipment which have ‘point of ignition’ risks, there is a clear need for standards in this area and one in which Jactone is currently involved.  

During your time at Jactone, is there a particular project you have enjoyed the most?

There are several projects that I have enjoyed in my time at Jactone.

The first Fire Blanket certified to BS6575 (forerunner to BS EN1869) was of particular importance and remains a significant product in our range with a great reputation. The complete development of a range of portable Fire Extinguishers and their subsequent certification to BS EN3 was perhaps the most extensive. However, I guess the most satisfying project was when we achieved a ‘World First’ in our certification of PAFSS to LPCB standard LPS1666. This achievement clearly reflects our ambition to be industry leading in the areas we operate in.

What is the biggest challenge your business faces?

Moving forward, the biggest challenge will potentially be to ensure that our production capabilities match the potential for our sales. We are in a phase where there is huge potential locked up in recent product developments and new product certifications that we hold. With increasing recognition of our products on a global basis, the company has exciting times ahead.

What sets Jactone offer apart from its competitors?

We believe that it is the uniqueness of the range of products that we design and manufacture that sets us apart from competitors.

No one competitor matches us across our products and certifications.

Craig Halford is managing director at Jactone Products. For more information, visit www.jactone.com