Insights

Fire Protection Industry Report

April 14, 2023
The global fire protection market is valued at several billion dollars and is on pace to see strong growth into the future, driven by growing urban populations and the ongoing need to protect people and property from fire emergencies.

Various systems in the fire protection industry include fire detectors, fire suppression systems, fire response systems, fire analysis software, fire sprinkler systems, fire protection services, and fire protection pipes. Each of these areas offers their own unique opportunities for growth.

Fire Suppression Systems

There is intense competition within the multi-billion-dollar fire suppression systems market, and investors remain optimistic about this segment, with more new investments expected in the future, especially in dry chemical-based fire suppression as well as the water-based fire suppression segment. In this highly competitive market, manufacturers are focused on providing end-to-end support services to their customers.

Fire Detection Systems

Regulatory requirements in many countries are mandating the installation of fire detection systems, which is boosting demand in the sector. The market includes both fully wireless and hybrid systems and the use of various devices together to detect and alert via video and audio equipment during fire, smoke, or carbon monoxide emergencies.

The wireless fire detection segment has seen significant growth and investment potential in recent years, which is expected to continue as these systems are only becoming more popular.

The Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have made it possible to integrate fire detection systems with other automated building systems, such as lighting and heating. This provides a more complete fire safety solution, offering real-time monitoring and analysis of data, as well as faster response times. The combined use of these advanced technologies makes fire detection more cost-effective and simpler to install and maintain. These factors are all contributing to the growth of the wireless fire detection system market.

Fire Analysis Systems

The fire analysis space is seeing the most significant growth due to the increasing need for fire analysis to aid in better decision-making during fire prevention. Fire analysis systems utilize fire modeling and simulation software, as well as fire mapping and analysis software, to make real-time system decision-making more efficient and faster during fire-related situations. 

Fire Protection Services

Fire protection services are always in demand as they include the design, installation, maintenance, and regular upgrades of systems. More fire protection systems are being installed in buildings of all sizes so that property owners and businesses can better understand the benefits. This understanding, combined with vendor expertise, drives the demand for installation and design services in the market.

Achieve Your Business Goals with Our Tailored M&A Solutions.

The maintenance services segment for fire protection systems is also on pace for strong growth. Any malfunctions within fire protection systems can result in accidents, death, and loss of assets, making regular maintenance vital to reducing fire risks and extending the system's life.

Fire Protection System Pipes

The fire protection system pipes market is a multi-billion-dollar market. By material, the steel pipes segment is predicted to continue to account for the highest share of the market. By type, welded pipes are expected to continue to dominate the market.

Overall Market Drivers

Various factors, trends, segments, and objectives influence the market. The major growth drivers include strict regulations for fire protection systems, increased fire-related expenditure by enterprises, deaths and loss or damage of property, big data, and increased adoption of automation in commercial property and smart homes.

The construction of new residential and non-residential properties also presents more opportunities for installing fire protection systems. Commercial and industrial companies are increasingly using fire protection systems for employee safety.

Fire protection systems in developing countries used to be low compared to developed countries, but awareness has increased thanks to efforts by system integrators, manufacturers, and dealers. There are also more marketing efforts to show the benefits of fire protection systems, which is leading to market growth.

Companies are actively engaged in meeting the changing needs of customers and continually evolving and enhancing fire safety and security systems. This includes the use of various manual and automatic technologies that offer comprehensive fire safety strategies.

Additional industry drivers include:

  • Sustainable technologies
  • Evolving smart systems
  • Signage, sensors, & communication as fire detection system trends
  • Innovative fire safety applications in pipes
  • Next-generation smoke detectors
  • Electrification, automation, and integration in fire pumps
  • High-rise, modular buildings for space-saving innovations
  • Automatic fire extinguishing systems for heavy machinery protection
  • Fire suppression systems to protect data center operations
  • Deluge sprinkler systems for high-hazard sites
  • Water mist systems development to improve safety
  • CO2 systems for fast, non-damaging, and eco-friendly fire suppression
  • PFAS-free foams replacing PFAS-based foams for industrial facilities
  • Growth of building automation systems, smart homes, and smart cities
  • Healthcare facilities requirements driving demand for advanced systems
  • Growing demand in commercial kitchens
  • Growing demand in warehouses and logistics sites to avoid inventory loss
  • Growing opportunities in the transportation sector
  • More safety concerns at ports and docks and in airport security
  • Continued urbanization and growing world populations

Market Applications

The commercial application segment dominates the market. It includes:

  • Banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI)
  • Retail
  • Government
  • Healthcare
  • Telecom and IT
  • Educational institutions

The demand for commercial fire protection systems is growing worldwide, with increasing government regulations regarding fire prevention and control. Additionally, companies are investing more money in these systems to reduce any loss of property and life and protect their infrastructure.

The industrial application segment is seeing the highest growth rate, covering sectors such as:

  • Oil & gas
  • Mining
  • Energy & power
  • Manufacturing

Growth in this segment stems from the need to safeguard automated systems from fire accidents, and in more fire-prone sectors, more emphasis is placed on complete fireproof protection and prevention systems. There is increased emphasis on fire protection in these sectors due to the elevated risk of fire-related incidents and their potentially severe consequences, with the use of flammable materials, hazardous chemicals, and complex machinery. This leads to tighter regulatory requirements and a need for quality fire protection solutions. These companies invest in advanced systems to safeguard their assets through enhanced safety standards.

M&A

The global fire protection market is rapidly evolving and expanding. With a great deal of technological advancement happening quickly, some businesses are gaining advantages as they understand the patterns of the market in order to strategize more effectively.

Major companies operating in the sector employ various strategies to further enhance their market share, including mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, joint ventures, license agreements, and new product launches. In an industry that is witnessing significant innovation across systems, many companies are seeking to acquire new technologies that give them an edge over the competition and expand their global footprints and portfolios.

The fire protection space has seen strong consolidation recently from private equity-backed companies and platform investments. PE experts report that the sector has attractive characteristics such as solid business models, high customer retention rates, and strong growth prospects.

Companies in Asia are actively seeking to expand their businesses in the global fire protection industry, where the market is highly competitive and key competitors are vying for market share.

Our Recent Success Stories in the Sector

Some of Benchmark International’s recent successful deals in the fire protection space include:

  • The transaction between Pinnacle Fire Systems, Inc. and The Hiller Companies, LLC
  • The sale of Writech Industrial Services Ltd & Writech Manufacturing Ltd to Waterland Private Equity
  • The deal between Bonnell’s Electrical Contractors Limited and EA-RS Fire Engineering Limited
  • The transaction between All-Star Fire, LLC and Fire Safety and Protection, LLC, a Portfolio Company of Sunny River Management
  • The deal between Brunel Security Limited and The Obsequio Group
Share This Post
Ready to dive into our featured M&A content and gain valuable insights for your business?