Britannia Fire invests £1m in Norfolk factory upgrade to boost P50 extinguisher production
Iain Hoey
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Britannia Fire expands P50 production capacity with factory refurbishment
Britannia Fire has invested over £1 million in upgrading its factory in Ashwellthorpe, Norfolk, to increase the production of its P50 composite fire extinguishers.
The company, which has operated from this site for more than 50 years, ceased manufacturing traditional steel extinguishers last year to focus on the P50 range.
The refurbishment involved a complete reconfiguration of the factory layout and the installation of new machinery to expand production capacity and reduce lead times.
P50 extinguishers designed for cost savings and environmental benefits
Unlike conventional steel extinguishers that require annual servicing, the P50 range lasts 20 years and only needs professional servicing once every decade.
These extinguishers do not contain PFAS chemicals and are fully recyclable.
They are also designed for multi-purpose use on Class A, B, and electrical fires, allowing businesses to reduce the number of extinguishers required on-site and simplify emergency response.
New machinery increases production by 150%
The factory upgrade included the installation of a larger winding machine to reinforce P50 cylinders with aramid fibre, which will increase production by 150%.
The site has also been reorganised to improve workflow efficiency.
An obsolete oven and shot blaster have been removed to create a new dispatch area, while upgrades to lighting, electrics, and workstations have improved the working environment.
A new extension provides additional office space and a canteen for staff.
Andy Spence, Joint Managing Director of Britannia Fire, said: “It’s not surprising that composite fire extinguishers like the P50 are in demand, as they present a win-win for customers looking to save costs and reduce their environmental impact.
“By the end of last year, we were manufacturing around the clock to keep up with orders, with customers waiting around 12 weeks for delivery.
“With the new machinery and refurbished factory, we’re more than doubling our output.
“Lead times are reducing already, and we’ll soon be able to bring this down to just three or four weeks.”
Expansion leads to job creation and future development plans
The company’s increased production capacity has resulted in the creation of five new jobs this year.
Employees who previously worked on steel extinguisher lines have been retrained and reassigned to new roles.
Britannia Fire is also planning further expansion, including the construction of a new storage facility for raw materials and a two-storey office building to provide additional office and meeting space.
Britannia Fire invests £1m in Norfolk factory upgrade to boost P50 extinguisher production: Summary
Britannia Fire has invested £1 million in upgrading its factory in Ashwellthorpe, Norfolk, to increase the production of P50 composite fire extinguishers.
The investment includes new machinery and a redesigned factory layout, enabling a 150% production increase and reducing lead times.
P50 extinguishers last 20 years and require servicing once every 10 years.
They are free from PFAS chemicals, recyclable, and suitable for Class A, B, and electrical fires.
The refurbishment involved installing a larger winding machine, removing obsolete equipment, upgrading electrics, and adding office and canteen space.
Five new jobs have been created, and the company is planning further expansion, including a new storage facility and office building.
