CheckFire’s 50-year journey from pantry to nationwide supplier

CheckFire celebrates 50 years of growth and innovation

CheckFire has marked its 50th anniversary with major investment in its people, products and UK operations.

The company said it achieved 28% workforce growth and an 18% rise in annual turnover in 2025.

The milestone follows a period of product innovation focused on sustainability and modern fire risks.

PFAS-free extinguishers and lithium-ion battery safety

CheckFire explained that it transformed its entire fire extinguisher portfolio to be free of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in 2024.

The company said the transition positioned it among the first in the UK and EU to offer a fully PFAS-free range under The Green Range brand.

According to the firm, the change aligns with evolving regulatory requirements and reflects its environmental commitments.

CheckFire also introduced the LFX range to address lithium-ion battery fires.

The company said the LFX range uses a fluorine-free, water-based agent with endothermic technology to interrupt thermal runaway and limit secondary ignition.

Its 6-litre CommanderEDGE LFX extinguisher became the first in the UK to achieve NTA 8133 approval for use on batteries up to 600 Wh.

Expansion through acquisition and local investment

CheckFire confirmed that it acquired PJ Fire in early 2025, strengthening manufacturing capability and broadening component supply.

The company said the acquisition built on a long-standing partnership between the two family-run businesses.

It added that both organisations share a focus on product quality, customer service and sustainable operations.

Managing Director Cameron Robins said: “Our 50th anniversary is a momentous celebration of longevity. But more importantly, it reflects the deep-rooted responsibility we carry in the fire trade sector today.

“We’re deeply proud of how far we’ve come, always standing alongside our customers with dependable support, expert knowledge, and a global supply chain we can rely on.

“Yet, even after 50 years, we feel we’re only getting started. Every day, we strive to do more – and the best is truly yet to come.”

Strengthening people and brand presence

CheckFire said its headcount now stands at 118 following the 2025 recruitment drive.

The company explained that expanding its workforce supports its ability to meet growing demand and reinforces its long-term investment in UK operations.

Marketing Director Toria Jones said: “Today, our three market-leading brands – Commander, CommanderEDGE and Contempo – are recognised across the UK for their reliability, performance and design.

“But high-quality products are only one part of our success. As a family-run business committed to its roots, our investments are equally focused on people, facilities and operational reach.

“From our northern depot and the strategic acquisition of PJ Fire to the ongoing growth of our team, we’re proud to be strengthening our capabilities across every part of our business – and delivering a brighter future for fire safety.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

CheckFire’s developments have practical implications for equipment specifiers, procurement officers and fire-protection contractors.

The company’s PFAS-free extinguisher range provides compliance options for customers adapting to changing UK and EU chemical regulations.

The LFX products introduce new lithium-ion suppression solutions, relevant for risk assessors and facility managers overseeing battery-heavy environments such as transport hubs or warehouses.

The acquisition of PJ Fire expands component availability, potentially improving supply reliability for installers and service providers.

For those managing fire-safety procurement, the company’s 50-year milestone reflects continued investment in sustainable product design and national distribution capacity.