Dorset marine supplier MCI appointed worldwide distributor for SOLAS approved BSB A60 Fire Dampers
Poole, Dorset-based maritime equipment specialist Marine Components International (MCI) has been awarded global rights to distribute BSB’s range of A60 fire dampers.
BSB is a major supplier of fire dampers to the maritime industry, with the A60 range carrying all the major international certifications. These include approvals from the US Coast Guard (USGC) Safety Of Life At Sea (SOLAS) and the European Marine Directive (MED) (See BSB fire dampers background below).
MCI managing director Andy Scott said BSB’s A60 fire dampers are a good fit for MCI and its extensive network of contacts across the maritime sector.
“BSB is a well-established manufacturer of A60 fire dampers and offer a remarkable turnaround of orders,” he said. “This is typically within 10 days for custom items, in an industry that usually takes between five to eight weeks. The products are available in either marine grade stainless or galvanised steel to a very high quality and very competitively priced. The addition of BSB fire dampers further compliments our range of marine equipment and we look forward to promoting the advantages of these models to our growing customer base of boat and ship builders.”
Nygel Humphrey, the Commercial Manager of Kent-based BSB, said “We are pleased to have appointed MCI as an approved distributor in the marine market. We have been looking for some time for a strong, knowledgeable and well-connected partner for this range, and MCI fit the bill perfectly. We have already begun to receive enquiries from MCI and are looking forward to a mutually beneficial working relationship.”
Mr Scott said fire dampers are a very important product as A60 fire dampers are a mandatory requirement on all SOLAS-compliant vessels over 500 gross tons, but are also fitted on smaller vessels, including yachts, which have ventilation air ducts running through fire-resistant bulkheads. He said for yacht builders, the A60 type are ideal as they automatically meet Lloyds Register Approval to IMO Fire Test Procedures Code, Annex 1 Part 3 for Class AO, A15, A30 and A60 division bulkheads and decks.
Mr Scott said a key feature of BSB fire dampers is their ability to contain a fire quickly.
“The BSB fire dampers are extremely well made and consist of a set of steel blades within a steel frame and fit in ventilation or air-conditioning ducts where they pass through major bulkheads,” he said. “When excessive heat or smoke is detected they snap shut to cut the flow of air and help prevent the spread of the fire.
MCI recently reported that new deals in the superyacht and motor boat sectors, across the UK and Europe, have helped to ramp up turnover to £1.35million in 2018/19, nearly double sales from two years ago. MCI provides distribution and technical support for a range of manufacturers and was taken over by Andy Scott in 2017. Growth is being driven by orders for Bennett Marine products and the American manufactured Groco range of bronze valves and strainers with deals being struck with superyacht and boat building yards in Italy and Greece.
Another area of growth is MCI’s Dr Shrink range of industrial packaging which is used to shrink wrap boats during refit and winter storage as well as protect machinery during transportation and buildings under construction. Mr Scott said he plans to double MCI’s turnover within three years to more than £3million.
For more details on our products, contact the sales team:
Tel: +44 (0)1202 624244 email: info@marinecomponents.co.uk visit: www.marinecomponents.co.uk
BACKGROUND
BSB’s A60 fire dampers visit: BSB Fire dampers
BSB’s A60 fire dampers are available in either circular or rectangular models with duct sizes ranging from 100mm to 1000mm for standard items. Custom orders are also readily available with a quick turnaround. Each unit is fitted with an IP54 rated electric actuator with a high level of protection against dust or water ingress. Integral to the actuator is a thermal fuse which activates the damper when the temperature reaches 72 degrees C or receives a closure signal from the smoke detection system. The unit also incorporates a fail-safe feature, closing the dampers in the event of a power failure. The hollow metal blades are aerofoil in section, allowing better airflow when the ventilation is running, but which fishtail into an interlocking shutter when facing a fire. The blades expand to a tighter fit as the temperature rises and are also side sealed against smoke. A BSB damper system can be operated strategically if needed from a central fire control panel to assist in an evacuation.”
About BSB
BSB Engineering Services is a UK-based manufacturer of control products for air, fire and smoke, and due to the expansion of its range relocated to a new 48,000 ft2 factory near London in 2013. The new facility has been engineered to minimise environmental impact with heat recycling and energy saving practices. The inclusion of the in-house production of components allows for greater flexibility and response times during periods of peak demand. Visit: http://www.bsb-dampers.co/Home/