What the Equipment Manufacturers Are Saying

Honeywell Expected to be Hit With $160 Million in Corruption Charges

Honeywell said it estimates resolution of the probes would result in a loss of at least $160 million.
Photo: Charly Triballeau/Agence France-Presse/Getty Images

10/22/21

By Mengqi Sun
The Wall Street Journal

Aerospace and industrial conglomerate Honeywell International Inc. said it has recorded a charge of $160 million to cover an expected loss related to bribery investigations by U.S. and Brazilian authorities.

The Charlotte, N.C.-based company, which first disclosed the probes in 2019, is being investigated by the U.S. Justice Department, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Brazilian authorities related to its compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar Brazilian laws.

In its quarterly report to the SEC filed Friday, Honeywell said that discussions with authorities are continuing. While it can’t predict the outcome of the investigations, the company said it estimated that the resolution of the probes would result in a loss of at least $160 million, based on available information, according to the filing.

The authorities are investigating Honeywell’s use of third parties that previously worked for its oil-products business on a 2010 contract with Brazil’s state-controlled oil company Petróleo Brasileiro SA, Honeywell said. The investigations involve interviews with former and current employees and document production, the company said.

The company said the DOJ and the SEC also are investigating a Honeywell subsidiary’s previous engagement with oil-services firm Unaoil SAM in Algeria.

A spokesman for Honeywell didn’t provide additional comment. Spokespeople for the DOJ and SEC declined to comment.

The original story can be found here: https://www.wsj.com/articles/honeywell-expects-to-pay-at-least-160-million-to-resolve-bribery-probes-in-u-s-brazil-11634947538

Are You Prepared to Transition Your Fire & Life Safety Business?

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In Mega Deal Pye Barker Acquires Keystone Fire (KPI Holdings)

8/19/21

By PR Newswire
Markets Insider

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Pye-Barker Fire & Safety is proud to announce that it has acquired KPI Holdings, Inc., a fully integrated fire and life safety company headquartered in North Wales, Pennsylvania. With this acquisition, Pye-Barker Fire continues its strategic plan of growing its national footprint. For over 60 years, Keystone Fire Protection Co. has been a trusted provider of fire protection equipment and life safety services in commercial and industrial settings.

For over 60 years, Keystone Fire Protection Co. has been a trusted provider of fire protection equipment and life safety services in commercial and industrial settings. In 1986, John M. Lawlor, current owner and CEO of Keystone Fire, took over the family business. Since 1986, Keystone Fire has acquired several businesses and become a regionally recognized brand of excellence. To ensure continuity of the business, and to help the future growth strategy, John and Lisa Lawlor will be maintaining their presence in the Company.

“Much of our growth in the last 10 years has been through strategic acquisitions, which has strengthened our market share and complemented our product and service offerings,” Lawlor said. “But the competition to acquire good companies has become fierce, and we were looking to pair with a financially strong partner who shared our same values and visions for growth. We could not have found a better partner than Pye-Barker Fire.”

“Keystone Fire is an exciting acquisition for Pye-Barker Fire, as it allows us to enter into a new market,” said Bart Proctor, CEO of Pye-Barker Fire. “This further advances our strategic vision of being a fully integrated and self-performing national provider of fire and life safety services. The Keystone Fire name is synonymous with excellence, and we are thrilled to have them join the family.”

About Pye-Barker Fire & Safety
Pye-Barker Fire & Safety is a leading provider of fire and life safety protection services across 96 locations spanning 23 states in the Continental US with headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. Since its founding in 1946, Pye-Barker Fire’s core values have been unwavering in providing honest and reliable service through its highly trained and dedicated employees. Pye-Barker Fire invests heavily in providing best-in-class training for its team while offering industry competitive benefits. To learn more about Pye-Barker Fire, visit www.pyebarkerfire.com.

Contact:
Chuck Reimel
(910) 612-6252
Creimel@pyebarkerfire.com

The original article can be found here: https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/pye-barker-fire-safety-acquires-kpi-holdings-inc-1030746966

The Hiller Companies Announces the Purchase of Carolina Fire Control, Inc.

9/1/21

The Hiller Companies

Concord, North Carolina — The Hiller Companies is pleased to announce the purchase of Carolina Fire Control, Inc. (CFC) on September 1, 2021. CFC is headquartered in Concord, North Carolina.

“Hiller is fortunate to be experiencing a growth period, and we are very pleased to expand our offerings through the knowledge and expertise provided by the great folks at Carolina Fire Control,” Hiller President Jeff Birch said. “This acquisition brings us an excellent opportunity to expand Hiller’s broader portfolio of fire protection services in the growing Charlotte market.”

Founded by John and Jeff Sossoman in 1989, CFC specializes in fire sprinklers, and they design, fabricate and install systems. From a 30,000 square foot, state-of-the-art fabrication, they service customers across the southeast with their NICET-certified engineering staff and offer the latest 3D building information modeling fire system designs.

The acquisition of CFC allows Hiller to expand coverage and provide a broader range of services to all customers. At this time, Hiller plans to maintain all of CFC’s management, staff and technicians. This transition will continue the dependable and professional services their customers have come to expect.

Previously serving as COO, David Kepley will transition to the role of General Manager of CFC. “We are excited to be a part of the Hiller team,” Kepley said. “We believe we will provide a strong presence in our region for Hiller, and in turn, we will have the support of a company with a proven record and exciting trajectory.”

Hiller extends its reach globally as well as in domestic markets with offices across the United States. For more than 100 years, we have been laser-focused on one goal – making the world a safer place. We are proud to be on the forefront of technology and innovation by creating adaptable safety solutions. As we continue to grow and expand our life safety footprint, we pledge to keep our customers top of mind while striving to design, install and service the most compliant, reliable systems available.

Contact: Angela Cocke
Email: marketing@hillercompanies.com
Website: hillerfire.com

An Interview with John Mackey, President and CEO of The Mackey Group

John Mackey has been in the fire protection/life safety industry for more than 15 years, where he has key leadership roles for ANSUL, Tyco, and The Hiller Companies in Human Resources, Mergers, Acquisitions, as well as Integrating Companies, Service Operations, and Digital Strategies. Currently, John is the President & CEO of The Mackey Group, a fire protection industry consultancy and advisory group that focuses on developing growth strategies, M&A processes, and new technology.

1. What is your role at your company?

My company is in its startup phase, so I wear many hats – founder, president/CEO, sales, marketer, lead analyst, advisor, accountant, and dog walker.

2. Tell us about your family.

I am very blessed. Carrie, my wife of 29 years, and I have 3 adult children, Madison (27), Nolan (22), and Paige (21). Carrie is an owner and realtor of a real estate brokerage in our town, and each of the kids have set out to pursue their dreams, finishing college and new jobs. 

3. What was your dream job growing up?

At an early age I wanted to be a firefighter, then thought of becoming an air traffic controller or commercial airline pilot.

4. What was your first job?

Growing up on the south side of Chicago, I had paper routes and stocked shelves at a liquor store. However, my first real job was working for an electrical supply warehouse, then the US Navy, where I served for 8 years.

5. How did you get into the fire protection industry? Please describe your first job within the industry.

A recruiter called me and asked if I was interested in moving to Marinette, WI. My early career focused on various human resources roles where I worked in retail home improvement, manufacturing, and then a large American beer brewing company. I left the beer industry to join ANSUL as the Director of HR. I worked on Mark Vandover’s staff and led an 8-person HR team in ANSUL and Tyco Safety Product facilities across the US, Mexico, and Canada.

6. Over the course of your career, what has been the biggest change you have seen in the industry?

Compared to most, I’ve only been in the industry a short 15 years. In that time, the biggest change I’ve seen has been the different cycles of consolidation; first with OEMs and now the ongoing cycle for contractors. These examples may not capture the biggest change, but sure highlight that change is constant.

7. What do you love most about your job? Least?

In my current position, I can share my passion and knowledge about the industry with those that are trying to understand how its built and operates. These discussions also allow me to keep a finger on the pulse of the market and learn different perspectives from others in and around our industry. I want to create an environment where our industry is in a better place over the next 10 years than it was in the last 5, 10, or 15 years.

8. What is your favorite movie?

I have a few — Braveheart, Saving Private Ryan, and Miracle.

9. What is the best piece of advice that you were ever given?

Early in my career, one of my mentors encouraged me to learn as much about the business outside of the function I was in. This learning would set the tone for how I would offer solutions to client and customer challenges, and ultimately make me a better leader. This approach has allowed me to move outside of HR and into a number of different leadership roles across the OEM and Contractor space – including Strategy Development, Merger & Acquisition Integration, Sales & Business Development, Service Operations, and Development and Deployment of Technology.   

10. Who inspires you?

My wife — her ability to develop relationships with her friends, family, business partners, clients, and other resources is masterful. She’s an amazing listener, coach, and cheerleader for everyone she meets.

11. Who gave you your first break?

My first Commanding Officer, Captain Ralph Martin — while I was serving in the US Navy, I dealt with serious motion sickness and struggled to do my job every time we left port. I was in the early stages of being transferred to another duty station when the CO met with me to walk through my options – one of them was to stay the course and learn how to persevere and manage my condition while at sea. His encouragement and support allowed me the opportunity to become a better sailor, meet my responsibilities as a shipmate, and complete my enlistment.

12. Would you rather take an ocean, mountain, or lake vacation?

I live by the ocean, so I look forward to mountain and lake vacations.

13. If you had one “Do Over,” how would you use it?

I try not to look in the rear view and second guess myself — I can’t change the past. But I can learn from these earlier decisions and make better choices going forward. That said, I wouldn’t look for a “do over” but a “do sooner.” I would have started my own company sooner, taking firm control of my destiny.

14. What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Living life to the fullest, doing things that bring me joy, and being around the people I love

15. What is your greatest fear?

Disappointing my family

16. What is the trait you most dislike in others?

People that are fake, not true to themselves, or not honest and trustworthy

17. Which living person do you most admire?

My wife, Carrie

18. What is your greatest extravagance?

My car

19. Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

“A horse a piece,” “Hear me out,” and “So…”

20. What or who is the greatest love of your life? When and where were you happiest?

My wife — we met the summer before I left for the Navy 34 years ago and we developed a great friendship while I was away. We’ve been married 29 years now and have been on a challenging, rewarding, and fun journey.

21. Which talent would you most like to have?

I wish I was a scratch golfer.

22. What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

My family

23. If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?

My daughter’s dog — she’s spoiled, gets to sit on everyone’s lap, and be pet all day long

24. Where would you most like to live?

Next to a lake, on a mountain

25. What is your most treasured possession?

Our home because it’s the gathering place for our family and friends

26. What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

I’m an upbeat, positive person and focus on the bright side of most situations. However, I’ve felt miserable when family and close friends have passed away — my mom, my father-in-law, my sister-in-law, and grandparents. Even in those situations I try to focus on the positive — the good those people brought into my world and the lasting impression they left behind.

27. What do you most value in your friends?

The opportunity to have lots of fun and plenty of laughs

28. Who are your favorite writers?

I prefer to read biographies/auto biographies on influential people, so these authors differ. Two recent books I’ve read include The Immortal Irishman, The Story of Thomas Meagher by Timothy Egan and Maverick, the Biography of Thomas Sowell by Jason Riley.

29. Who are your heroes in real life?

Anyone who has served in the US Military and those that serve our communities through the Police & Fire Departments

30. What are your favorite names?

Carrie, Madison, Nolan, & Paige

31. What is your motto?

This has changed over time. Right now, it’s “Do it! Just f@$&ing do it!”

API Buys Chubb Fire and Security from Carrier in Blockbuster $3.1 Billion Deal

7/27/21

By Stephen Hytha
Streetwise Reports

Safety, specialty and industrial services provider APi Group Corp. announced that “it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Chubb Fire & Security Business from Carrier Global Corp. for an enterprise value of $3.1 billion, which is composed of $2.9 billion cash and approximately $200 million of assumed liabilities and other adjustments.”

The company advised that Chubb’s operations are based in the U.K. and that it employs around 13,000 people worldwide. The firm’s sales and service network serve greater than 1.5 million customers throughout 17 countries in Asia, Canada and Europe. APi Group stated that Chubb fire safety and security business offers customers integrated reliable turnkey service starting from design and installation through monitoring services and ongoing system maintenance. The firm stated that for the 12-month period ended March 31, 2021, Chubb generated adjusted EBITDA of about $213 million from $2.2 billion in total revenue.

The company said that it believes the acquisition offers compelling synergy opportunities and will be highly accretive as it transforms APi into the world’s leading life safety services provider and increases recurring services revenue in tune with its services-focused business model.

APi’s President and CEO Russ Becker commented, “This is a very exciting day in the history of APi…With the acquisition of Chubb, we see a tremendous amount of accelerated organic growth and margin expansion opportunities across our combined platform. There is also significant opportunity to leverage Chubb’s 200+ year history of providing statutorily required and route-based services through its internationally recognized brand.”

Sir Martin E. Franklin, Co-Chair at APi, noted, “We believe the transaction will be highly accretive…Together, the business can move faster and more efficiently, globally leveraging the expertise and ability of our combined 26,000 dedicated and talented employees.”

APi Co-Chair James E. Lillie stated, “Importantly, 50%+ of our revenue will be service based with meaningful, statutorily-required, recurring revenue. We believe there is significant future value creation potential both through organic growth opportunities, as well as through continued incremental transformational and bolt-on M&A.”

“We are delighted to welcome a combined $800 million investment in perpetual preferred equity from Blackstone and Viking Global Investors,” Lillie added.

The company stated that it will fund the purchase from a combination of cash on hand, preferred equity financing and debt. APi expects that the transaction, which remains subject to a completion of a consultation process and regulatory approval, will most likely close near the end of 2021

In a separate news release today, Carrier Global stated that “the sale enables Carrier to focus on its core businesses and to re-allocate net proceeds consistent with its stated capital allocation priorities, including funding organic and inorganic growth, dividends, and share repurchases within a solid investment grade credit rating.” Carrier pointed out specifically that its global fire and security products business is not being sold as part of this transaction and remains an important part of its portfolio and long-term strategy.

Carrier’s Chairman and CEO Dave Gitlin remarked, “Carrier continually assesses all aspects of our global portfolio to ensure alignment with our strategic business priorities and optimal value for our stakeholders…This transaction drives greater focus for Carrier and allows us to re-allocate proceeds from the divestiture toward our higher strategic imperatives.”

APi is headquartered in New Brighton, Minn., and provides contracted and statutorily mandated safety, specialty and industrial services to businesses in more than 200 global locations.

Carrier is based in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. and claims to be “the leading global provider of healthy, safe, sustainable and intelligent building and cold chain solutions.”

APi Group started the day with a market cap of around $4.1 billion with approximately 201.3 million shares outstanding and a short interest of about 2.2%. APG shares opened about 4% higher today at $21.13 (+$0.79, +3.88%) over yesterday’s $2034 closing price and reached a new 52-week high price this morning of $23.61. The stock has traded today between $20.72 and 23.61 per share and is currently trading at $22.63 (+$2.29, +11.26%).

The original story can be found here.

An Interview with Brian Murphy, President and CEO of Fire Equipment Inc.

1. What is your role at your company?

While my official title is President and CEO of Fire Equipment Inc. (FEI), the leading full-service fire protection provider in New England, I view my role as serving and supporting our team of talented individuals.

2. Tell us about your family.

I’m fortunate to have two families. My supportive family at home consists of my wife and three children (ages 6, 9, and 13 years old). My 6-year-old daughter is in training every day to eventually become legal counsel for FEI. I also have a fantastic work family at FEI consisting of over 160 team members that I enjoy working with each day.

3. What was your dream job growing up?

Growing up, I often talked about aspiring to become a commercial airline pilot. Although I still admire the profession of commercial airline pilots, the thought of often being away from my family led me in another direction.

4. What was your first job?

My first job was mowing the lawns for several neighbors. I would borrow my father’s little push lawnmower. I earned enough money to select anything from the menu when the ice cream truck came rolling through the neighborhood on a hot summer evening.

5. How did you get into the fire protection industry? Please describe your first job within the industry.

I am proud to say that I was born into this amazing industry. As a third-generation member at FEI, I have vivid memories as a young child going along with my father on service calls for CO2 and Halon discharges. In 1998, I officially joined FEI in the summer time between college break, working in our dry chemical room servicing fire extinguishers. In 2007, I joined full time in a support role.

6. Over the course of your career, what has been the biggest change you have seen in the industry?

I’ve seen two significant changes over the years in the fire protection industry. First, I believe the advancement in technology, which has become a requirement to manage the business effectively, has been a significant change over the years. Through the early 2000s, fire protection had always been considered a “Rolodex” type of business. Now, through improvements in technology, we have access to valuable information at our fingertips wherever we go. Our ability to respond to customers has become almost instantaneous.

The second most significant change I’ve seen is the consolidation within the industry. There was a time when the majority of the fire protection businesses were locally owned, and family operated. That is not the case anymore. Fire Equipment Inc. is still a locally owned third-generation family business and yet has grown to be a full-service fire protection provider with six locations throughout New England. We have the team and resources large enough to compete against the national companies — this speaks volumes about our people and our story.

7. What do you love most about your job?

I love the overall sense of being a part of something special. Even though Fire Equipment Inc. has been around since 1928, we look and feel like a startup company. We are constantly working together to improve processes and the overall employee and customer experience. It is this constant quest to improve that creates the most fulfillment for me.

8. What is your favorite movie?

Pretty much anything that Martin Scorsese is affiliated with. Being from the Boston area, The Departed is a great movie to watch.

9. What is the best piece of advice that you were ever given?

Surround yourself with great people and you will be amazed at how much easier your job becomes. As I mentioned earlier, I truly am fortunate to work with an amazing team here at FEI. Our organizational structure really allows ideas to manifest in every part of the company.

10. Who inspires you?

My father inspires me. I will never forget, during my first week, he sat me down and told me, “We have great people here at FEI. Always take care of them and understand that your decisions always have to be made with the best intentions for the FEI team.” That has always stuck with me.

11. Who gave you your first break?

As I said, I am third-generation in this business, so I was lucky enough to be born into it.

12. Would you rather take an ocean, mountain or lake vacation?

For me, the mountains are where I like to spend my free time. When we finally have a free moment, you will most likely find me with my family in the mountains of Vermont, skiing and snowmobiling in the winter. Or hiking, mountain biking, and golfing in the summer. That is, of course, if we are not offshore sport fishing. Fishing for tuna is another passion of mine and my family’s. If you have ever seen Wicked Tuna on the National Geographic channel, that is what we do for fun.

13. If you had one “Do Over,” how would you use it?

I constantly look forward. “Do overs” are not a real thing in my mind. I approach it as “do different” the next time. I believe we always need to be in the mode of continuous improvement.

14. What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Is there such a thing? I think life is perfect with all of its imperfections, so embracing the joys and challenges of life is what it means to live life to its fullest.

15. What is your greatest fear?

That is easy — Tom Brady winning another Superbowl not wearing a Patriot’s uniform. Hard to argue that he is not the GOAT, though.

16. What is the trait you most dislike in yourself?

I think, at times, I need to find a better balance in life. When I get going on something, I give it 120%.

17. What is the trait you most dislike in others?

I’m not too fond of it when people try to bring other people down rather than elevate themselves. We should always reward hard work and not create rules that limit people. Create opportunities for people, and let them do the rest.

18. Which living person do you most admire?

Condoleezza Rice. I would love to play a round of golf with her at Augusta National one day. 

19. What is your greatest extravagance?

Golf. It is something that I took up in 2016 which is not easy if you have ever tried. I was being pulled into many business events and I did not own a set of clubs. I decided to spend some more time and try to refine my skills. 5 years later I play a lot of golf with my two boys ages 13 and 9.

20. Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

Synergy and Organic…time to get more creative and move on from those.

21. What or who is the greatest love of your life?

My wife. She keeps us all focused and headed down the right path.

22. Which talent would you most like to have?

Referring back to questions 19, I would someday like to hit a golf ball straight.

23. What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

Navigating 2020 with our team and coming out a stronger company than when the pandemic began. We actually did an acquisition during the pandemic which was unheard of.

24. If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?

I only want to live one life on this planet and make the most of it.

25. Where would you most like to live?

I have traveled all over the USA and I still love living in New England. The change in seasons, the culture, and the sense of community make it a great place to live. Of course, if you asked me this question mid-January, I may have answered it differently.

26. What is your most treasured possession?

My family and the constant experiences we continue to create together.

27. What do you most value in your friends?

Warren Buffett. His quote about “Price is what you pay. Value is what you get” stands to be very true in the fire protection industry. 

28. Who is your favorite writer?

Harlan Coben

29. Which historical figure do you most identify with?

I feel very strongly that we are all unique in our own way. I am me.

30. Who are your heroes in real life?

All of the moms out there. Nobody holds things together better than Mom.

31. What are your favorite names?

Patriots, Bruins, Red Sox, and Celtics…I mean come on, did you expect anything else.

32. What is your motto?

Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans.

Summit Fire & Security Announces the Purchase of Republic Fire Protection and Fire Ranger to Enter the Florida and Georgia Markets

Rapid expansion continues as Summit Fire & Security proudly enters new territory within the southeastern United States

6/23/21

MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA — SFP Holding, Inc. (Summit Companies) announced that Summit Fire & Security LLC, a subsidiary of SFP Holding, has completed the purchase of Republic Fire Protection (“Republic”) in its largest strategic add-on acquisition to date. In addition to Republic, Summit Fire & Security also closed on the acquisition of Fire Ranger, based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. With four offices located in Florida and Georgia, this acquisition officially plants the flag for Summit Fire & Security in the southeastern United States and is aligned with the subsidiary’s rapid expansion strategy.

Republic Fire Protection is a full-service fire safety and protection company that has been serving the southeastern United States for the past 40 years. With two Florida-based branches located in Jacksonville and Fort Myers, and one branch located in Loganville, GA, Republic Fire offers a vast number of fire protection, safety and suppression products and services for all businesses. The Fire Ranger acquisition, closed in conjunction with Republic, expands Summit Fire & Security’s reach into the Fort Lauderdale, FL market and gives Summit Fire & Security a larger presence in specialty marine fire suppression capabilities.

Summit Fire & Security, through its 24 branch locations, provides inspection, testing and monitoring, service and repair, installation, and consulting services for fire protection, life safety and security systems. With expertise spanning a wide range of verticals, Summit Fire & Security serves customers in commercial, industrial, government, healthcare, multi-family residential facilities, and more. Now a part of the Summit Fire & Security team, the combined expertise of the Republic Fire Protection and Fire Ranger teams results in hundreds of years of experience all under one roof and one brand. 

“We’ve been proud to serve our customers over the years through our many locations, and we believe the excellent level of service and expertise our customers have come to expect will continue with Summit Fire & Security. Some of the many reasons we chose Summit include their reputation as a great place to work, their passion for delivering excellent service, and their thorough, thoughtful, and industry-specific integration planning. Their history of successfully integrating fire life safety companies speaks for itself,” stated Mike McLeod from Republic Fire Protection.

“Republic has done a wonderful job of putting together a diverse team of experts to become a force in the southeastern market providing a true one source solution for their customers. With the addition of Republic and Fire Ranger we can now offer our ever-growing clientele expanded coverage into Florida and Georgia, and now have additional access to some very exciting markets. This certainly highlights our commitment to growing in the southeast,” stated Nic Brown, President of Summit Fire & Security.

With 24 locations in 12 states across the southern United States, Summit Fire & Security is headquartered in Reno, Nevada. As we look to the future, we are excited about our continued growth opportunities with the Summit Fire & Security subsidiary.

About Summit Companies

SFP Holding, Inc. (Summit Companies), through its subsidiaries, provides premier fire and life safety services with an expanding national presence. Since 1999, Summit has been a leader in the fire and life safety space with experience and capabilities that create a one-stop-shop solution for fire detection and fire suppression on a local and national scale. Summit Companies’ subsidiaries meet all of a customer’s requirements for fire protection, fire security, consulting and engineering services. SFP Holding, Inc., the parent company of the Summit Companies subsidiaries, is owned by management and CI Capital Partners, a leading North American private equity investment firm with approximately $1.3 billion in assets under management. Learn more at: https://www.SummitCompanies.com.

Did Boeing Find a Replacement for Halon 1301?

An Alaska Airlines 737-9 is serving as the flying test lab for Boeing’s 2021 ecoDemonstrator program, which will evaluate about 20 technology projects. (Boeing rendering)

6/3/21

By Boeing
Cision PR Newswire

SEATTLE — Boeing and Alaska Airlines announced they are partnering on the latest Boeing ecoDemonstrator program and will flight test about 20 technologies on a new 737-9 to enhance the safety and sustainability of air travel.

In flights beginning this summer, Boeing and Alaska will test a new halon-free fire-extinguishing agent that significantly reduces effects on the ozone layer, evaluate an engine nacelle designed to reduce noise and assess cabin sidewalls made from recycled material, among other projects.

“We have a long history of working with Boeing to advance aviation technology, safety and fuel efficiency,” said Diana Birkett Rakow, Alaska Airlines’ vice president, public affairs and sustainability. “Alaska Airlines flies to some of the most beautiful and geographically diverse regions in the world and we are committed to finding ways to reduce climate impacts across our network. This work with Boeing to accelerate innovation on the ecoDemonstrator program enables us to contribute to a more sustainable future for our global community.”

Since 2012, the ecoDemonstrator program has accelerated innovation by taking nearly 200 promising technologies out of the lab and testing them in the air to address challenges for the aviation industry and improve the passenger experience.

“Boeing is committed to continually improve air safety and the environmental performance of our products,” said Stan Deal, Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO. “We’re proud to collaborate with our hometown customer and other partners around the world this year to make flying more sustainable.”

In five months of ecoDemonstrator flight tests, Boeing and Alaska will work with nine other partners to test new technologies. After tests are complete, the airplane will be configured for passenger service and delivered to Alaska. The program’s technologies include:

• Testing a new fire extinguishing agent for aircraft that significantly reduces effects on the ozone layer. This material is intended to replace Halon 1301, which is no longer being produced.
• Collaborating with the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to measure greenhouse-gas levels in the atmosphere to support the agency’s climate modeling and long-term forecasting.
• Evaluating acoustic lining concepts within the engine nacelle that may reduce noise on current engines and will inform designs for next-generation models.
• Recycling carbon composite material from Boeing 777X wing production into a cabin sidewall panel. This durable, light material would reduce fuel use and carbon emissions, and supports Boeing’s goals for sustainable manufacturing.

Boeing’s current and future airplanes leverage a number of technologies evaluated in previous ecoDemonstrator testing, including:

• Advanced Technology winglets on the 737 MAX family that reduce fuel use and emissions.
• iPad apps that provide real-time weather and other data to pilots, improving fuel efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions. These apps complement digital analytics services Boeing offers to help airlines optimize fleet utilization.
• A camera system on the new 777X that will enhance safety by helping pilots avoid obstacles on the ground.

“Boeing put additional emphasis on sustainability in 2020 to align with our stakeholder and business priorities as well as our values,” Boeing Chief Sustainability Officer Chris Raymond said. “Through our collaboration with industry partners, the ecoDemonstrator program is a great example of our commitment to work together to make flying safer and more sustainable for current and future generations.”

ecoDemonstrator test flights are flown on a blend of petroleum-based and sustainable aviation fuel. SAF is in regular use today, reduces life-cycle CO2 emissions by up to 80%, and offers the most immediate and greatest potential to reduce emissions over the next 20 to 30 years in all commercial aviation markets.

In January this year, Boeing committed to make sure its commercial airplanes are capable and certified to fly on 100% SAF by 2030. The company also plans to work with regulatory authorities and across the industry to raise the current 50% blending limit for expanded use of SAF. Boeing’s 2018 ecoDemonstrator 777 Freighter made history as the world’s first commercial airliner to fly on 100% sustainable fuel.

Learn more at boeing.com/ecodemonstrator.

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future and living the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity. Learn more at www.boeing.com.

Alaska Airlines and its regional partners serve more than 120 destinations across the United States and to Mexico, Canada and Costa Rica. The airline emphasizes Next-Level Care for its guests, along with providing low fares, award-winning customer service and sustainability efforts. On March 31, 2021, Alaska became the 14th member of oneworld. With the global alliance and Alaska Airlines’ additional partners, guests can travel to more than 1,000 destinations on more than 20 airlines while earning and redeeming miles on flights to locations around the world. Learn more at newsroom.alaskaair.com and blog.alaskaair.com.

Contact
Ivan Gale
Boeing Communications
+1 (571) 228-0974
ivan.e.gale@boeing.com

Paul McElroy
Boeing Communications
+1 (425) 283-7740
paul.mcelroy2@boeing.com

Alaska Airlines Communications
+1 (206) 304-0008
newsroom@alaskaair.com

SOURCE Boeing

Related Links

http://www.boeing.com

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