Pioneering Fire Safety Solutions For Over A Century
The Gunnebo Group with a legacy that goes back to 250 year, is a global leader in security products, services and solutions with presence across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific and U.S.A. The company has been active on the Indian security market through Steelage Industries as a leading supplier of Safes and Vaults and Fire Safety Solutions. Minimax was established as the 1st Indian fire extinguisher brand in 1903 with the head office in Kolkata. Later in 1973 the brand was transferred to Steelage which was subsequently renamed as Gunnebo India Ltd. in 2005. Fire Extinguishers and accessories under this brand are manufactured by Gunnebo India, at its factory in Halol, Gujarat since 2012. Halol factory is among the 8 factories of Gunnebo worldwide and it follows the highly efficient Gunnebo Operations System (GOS) which focuses on quality, delivery, cost, use of resources, health & safety and securing employee commitment to drive continuous improvement and bring value to the customers, reveals Johnson Mathew, Vice President, Gunnebo India, in an interview with Industrial Safety Review. Excerpts:
Q. Minimax has a rich legacy dating back to 1903 as India’s first fire extinguisher brand. How has the brand evolved over the decades, particularly after becoming part of the Gunnebo Group?
Minimax, India’s first fire extinguisher brand, has been at the forefront of fire safety since 1903. With a rich history spanning over a century, Minimax evolved from a traditional fire extinguisher manufacturer into a leading provider of comprehensive fire protection solutions. This transformation was accelerated when Minimax became part of the Gunnebo Group, leveraging global resources and technological support to enhance its offerings and maintain its position as an industry leader.
Q. The Halol factory is one of Gunnebo’s eight manufacturing facilities worldwide. Can you elaborate on the significance of this factory within the global Gunnebo Operations System (GOS) and how it contributes to maintaining high standards of quality and safety?
At the core of Minimax’s manufacturing prowess lies the factory in Halol, Gujarat, one of Gunnebo’s eight manufacturing facilities worldwide. Recently expanded, the Halol facility has become the largest in the Gunnebo Group globally, showcasing the company’s commitment to innovation and excellence in fire safety solutions.
The Halol factory’s guiding principles are based on the Gunnebo Operations System (GOS), combining rigorous global standards for quality, safety, and efficiency. This state-of-the-art facility houses a fully equipped lab and R&D centre, enabling continuous development and ensuring consistent product quality. These facilities contribute significantly to material quality analysis and performance evaluations under real-world conditions, allowing Minimax to rigorously test and refine its products to exceed stringent safety and quality standards.
Q. Innovation is key in the fire safety industry. Could you discuss some of the recent innovations from Minimax, such as the Grenoz extinguishing agent, and how they address modern fire safety challenges?
Innovation is key in the fire safety industry, and Minimax continues to lead the charge with ground-breaking solutions. One of our latest innovations is Grenoz®, an eco-friendly, UL Listed, and FM Approved fire extinguishing agent. Designed to tackle contemporary fire safety challenges, Grenoz® combines superior fire suppression capabilities with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
With zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and low global warming potential (GWP), Grenoz® aligns with global sustainability goals without compromising on safety or performance. This forward-thinking product not only meets but exceeds the expectations of modern fire safety standards, allowing businesses to safeguard their operations and assets while contributing to a cleaner, safer environment.
Q. Gunnebo Group emphasizes professionalism, integrity, and commitment to quality. How are these values reflected in the day-to-day operations and product offerings of the Minimax Division?
Minimax’s commitment to professionalism, integrity, and quality is reflected in every aspect of its operations. From product design and development to customer service, these core values form the foundation of Minimax’s approach to fire safety. Rigorous testing protocols, continuous innovation, and strict adherence to global safety standards ensure that every Minimax product meets the highest levels of performance, reliability, and safety.
Q. Fire safety demands are constantly evolving. How does Minimax ensure that its product portfolio, including mobile fire extinguishers and automatic fire protection systems, meeting the changing needs of customers in various sectors?
As fire safety demands continue to evolve, Minimax stays ahead of the curve by embracing a customer-centric approach. The company’s product and marketing teams constantly monitor industry trends, regulatory changes, and customer feedback to design fire safety products that address both current and future challenges.
Minimax offers a wide range of customized fire safety solutions, from portable extinguishers to advanced automatic fire suppression systems, tailored to meet the specific requirements of various industries.
This adaptability ensures that Minimax can provide reliable, efficient, and compliant fire safety systems for diverse sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, data centres, and commercial buildings.
Q. Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the industry. How does Minimax incorporate sustainable practices in its manufacturing processes and product designs, particularly with eco-friendly solutions like Grenoz?
Sustainability is central to Minimax’s operations, with eco-friendly practices integrated into manufacturing processes and product designs. The company prioritizes waste minimization, energy optimization, and the selection of environmentally responsible materials. Grenoz® exemplifies this commitment, offering a fire extinguishing solution with minimal environmental impact while meeting both regulatory standards and customer expectations for sustainable fire safety solutions.
Q. With Gunnebo’s global presence, how does the Minimax Division cater to India’s domestic market?
As the Indian fire safety industry experiences significant growth, driven by rapid urbanization, stringent regulatory standards, and increased awareness, Minimax is well-positioned to lead the evolution of fire safety. The company’s focus on innovation, sustainability, and customer-centric solutions sets new benchmarks in fire protection.
Looking ahead, Minimax is committed to expanding its product range, investing in research and development, and enhancing solutions such as smart fire safety systems. By aligning with Gunnebo’s vision for a safer future, Minimax is dedicated to leading the industry with a focus on innovation, quality, and a steadfast commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
Q. The Minimax brand has been synonymous with fire safety for over a century. How do you see the brand’s role in shaping the future of fire safety in India?
For over a century, Minimax has been synonymous with fire safety in India and beyond. As part of the Gunnebo Group, Minimax continues to build on its rich heritage while embracing cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices. With its state-of-the-art Halol facility, commitment to innovation, and focus on meeting the evolving needs of customers across various sectors, Minimax is poised to shape the future of fire safety for generations to come.
Q. As Gunnebo strives to become the leading provider of a safer future, what strategic initiatives are in place for the Minimax Division to further enhance its leadership in the fire safety industry?
As fire safety challenges become increasingly complex, Minimax stands ready to provide innovative, sustainable, and reliable solutions that protect lives, assets, and the environment. Through its unwavering commitment to excellence and continuous improvement, Minimax is not just responding to the changing landscape of fire safety – it’s actively shaping a safer future for all.
