Smart fire safety technology grows in China’s development zones
Iain Hoey
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Qinhuangdao advances smart fire safety manufacturing
The city of Qinhuangdao in China’s Hebei Province is becoming a key base for smart fire safety manufacturing, according to a report from Xinhuanet.
Xinhuanet reported that Gulf Security Technology (GST), a subsidiary of Kidde Global Solutions (KGS), operates a smart production line in Qinhuangdao’s economic and technological development zone.
In its 3,200-square-metre facility, automated systems produce one smoke detector every three seconds with only four workers overseeing operations.
GST was founded in the city in 1993. Wu Haifeng, vice president of KGS Commercial Fire Greater China and general manager of GST, said: “We’ve gone from producing a few basic products to offering end-to-end solutions that cover the entire fire safety lifecycle.”
Wu added: “What started as a local brand in Qinhuangdao is now a global name.”
Companies in the zone exceed 3 billion yuan in sales
Xinhuanet stated that Qinhuangdao is home to 11 smart fire safety companies, each generating over 20 million yuan in annual revenue.
The outlet reported that these companies collectively account for more than 40 percent of China’s smart fire safety market, with combined sales approaching 3 billion yuan.
Xinhuanet reported that the city’s industrial cluster has combined the Internet of Things, cloud computing, and 5G technologies with traditional fire safety manufacturing.
The report added that this aligns with China’s broader strategy to enhance fire prevention by embedding early warning and intelligent systems.
New fire product standards introduced in 2024
Xinhuanet stated that China updated its national fire safety product standards in 2024 as part of its move toward proactive fire prevention.
The updated regulations apply to extinguishers, fireproof shutters, alarms, and evacuation systems.
According to Xinhuanet, three new standards came into force on 1 May 2025.
Wu Haifeng said: “These new standards will further push us to make our products and services more intelligent, precise and efficient.”
Wu added that GST had already upgraded product lines to meet the new technical benchmarks.
Export and sector focus expand KGS activity
Xinhuanet reported that GST now exports to more than 80 countries and regions including Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
The report stated that GST’s international expansion aligns with China’s national policy to promote innovation and growth in its economic development zones.
According to Kartik Kumar, president of KGS Global Commercial Fire, the company will increase its presence in domestic sectors including energy storage, petrochemicals, rail, electronics, and data centres.
Kumar said: “We are investing for ambitious growth in China.”
Li Ning, head of the electronics branch of the China Fire Protection Association, said: “Technological breakthroughs in AI and big data are revolutionising how we approach fire safety.”
Li added: “They will push the fire safety businesses and technologies to new frontiers.”
Smart fire safety technology grows in China’s development zones: Summary
Xinhuanet reported that smart fire safety production is growing in Qinhuangdao, China.
GST operates a high-output smoke detector facility in the city’s development zone.
Qinhuangdao is home to 11 companies generating over 3 billion yuan in sales.
The city accounts for over 40 percent of China’s smart fire safety market.
The sector integrates IoT, cloud computing, and 5G with traditional manufacturing.
China updated national fire product standards in 2024.
Three new technical benchmarks came into force on 1 May 2025.
GST has updated products to meet the new standards.
Wu Haifeng is vice president of KGS Commercial Fire Greater China and general manager of GST.
GST products are exported to more than 80 countries and regions.
KGS plans growth in Chinese sectors including rail, energy storage, and petrochemicals.
Kartik Kumar is president of KGS Global Commercial Fire.
Li Ning is head of the electronics branch of the China Fire Protection Association.