Case Study
Built Environment

Demonstrating quality and differentiation worldwide with the BSI Kitemark

For over 30 years, Britannia Fire has been developing innovative, Kitemarked fire extinguishers for export around the world.

Testimonial

“BSI has always wanted to raise the bar for UK products and the BSI Kitemark was the way to do it. That’s why we’ve maintained it for 30 years.”

Andy Spence Sales Director, Britannia Fire

The People

A British manufacturer in the export world

Product development and quality is at the heart of this innovative organization. It has held the BSI Kitemark continuously for over 30 years.

Britannia Fire is a small company that's big on innovation. It exports its portable and wheeled fire extinguishers through distributors in Europe, the Middle East, India and Malaysia. Key to its international credibility is the BSI Kitemark.

The Challenge

Building trust and credibility in an innovative new product

As a British manufacturer, Britannia Fire is unable to compete on cost with cheaper foreign imports, so thinking outside the box to design better products is a key driver for the business.

Until now, fire extinguishers have been made from steel, which is corrosive and one of the main reasons why fire extinguishers must be serviced regularly. In developing a fire extinguisher cylinder made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), Britannia has overcome the issue of corrosion. Together with a foam, safe for direct use on electrical fires and created to last 10 years without requiring discharge, cost to service the new extinguisher is low. The challenge was to assure customers of the credibility and performance of this unique product.

The Solution

Pushing the boundaries of testing

The first of its kind ever to be tested to the Kitemark, the new HDPE cylinder required extensive assessment.

The company’s first step was to carry out internal concept testing to prove market need for the product, and that the proposed extinguisher would have the desired characteristics. BSI then conducted further detailed independent product tests, including 1000-volt electrical fire tests at our specialist laboratory. With robust processes already in place from achieving the Kitemark for its steel extinguishers, all testing was successfully completed, and BSI Kitemark certification was achieved in just three months.

The Benefits

As an instantly recognizable symbol of quality assurance, the Kitemark has brought significant benefits to Britannia:

Firefighter wearing full equipment and emergency rescue equipment.

Tenders are easier to access.
Its return on its investment in standards is high.
It has enabled expansion into overseas markets.
It gives credibility in the eyes of customers all over the world.
Is helping Britannia to fly the flag for British manufacturers.

Testimonial

“As a British manufacturer in the export world, the BSI Kitemark is great ... certification sets us apart.”

Andy Spence Sales Director, Britannia Fire

Why BSI

Raising the bar for UK products

Partnering with industry to raise quality, improve safety and support innovation.

We develop longstanding relationships with our customers, sharing with them our industry knowledge, technical expertise and client support that is second to none. Together, we're making the world a safer place.

Let's shape your organization's future together

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Case Study

Demonstrating quality and differentiation worldwide with the BSI Kitemark

“BSI has always wanted to raise the bar for UK products and the BSI Kitemark was the way to do it. That’s why we’ve maintained it for 30 years.”

A British manufacturer in the export world

Building trust and credibility in an innovative new product

Pushing the boundaries of testing

The Benefits

“As a British manufacturer in the export world, the BSI Kitemark is great ... certification sets us apart.”

Raising the bar for UK products

Let's shape your organization's future together