ROCKWOOL expands fire-stopping portfolio with in-house FirePro range

by Featured NewsPassiveProducts

ROCKWOOL launches new FirePro fire-stopping range

First products unveiled from Birmingham fire-stopping centre

ROCKWOOL has launched the first products from its new global centre of excellence for fire-stopping at Hams Hall, Birmingham.

The company confirmed that the FirePro range includes coated batt, sealants, collars and wraps developed at the new in-house manufacturing facility.

ROCKWOOL said the range builds on its Euroclass A1 non-combustible stone wool insulation expertise and reflects its commitment to leading standards in building fire protection.

Tested to latest fire resistance standards

The company stated that the FirePro range has been tested and classified to the most recent fire resistance standards, including BS EN 1366-4, BS EN 1366-3 and BS EN 13501-2.

These standards will not become mandatory until 2029, but ROCKWOOL said its early adoption will help customers future-proof their specifications.

All FirePro testing has been third-party audited and certified for safety, reliability and compliance by UL-Solutions.

Ben Peach, Product and Technical Solutions Director at ROCKWOOL, said: “At ROCKWOOL, we don’t just meet fire safety standards – we help drive best practice.

“We’re always looking ahead and helping our customers to navigate change, which is why we’ve tested and classified the new FirePro range to the latest fire resistance standards – so our customers can specify with confidence.”

The company added that developing the range entirely in-house enables continuous innovation and ongoing improvement in performance and sustainability.

Specialist teams supporting specifications

The first FirePro products became available to order on Thursday 2 October 2025.

ROCKWOOL confirmed that its specialist fire and specification teams are providing customers with bespoke project and technical support.

Matt Jones, Head of Fire Protection & HVAC at ROCKWOOL, said: “Customers need access to expert resources to specify with confidence.

“That’s why we’ve launched the FirePro range with our specialist teams on hand as well as a robust package of technical literature.

“This includes a new interactive Fire-stopping Standard Details Guide that provides easy access to safety-critical standard details to support specification and installation.”

Training academy to open this winter

ROCKWOOL plans to open a specialist training academy at Hams Hall later this year.

The company said the facility will host product demonstrations and practical training sessions covering fire-stopping, HVAC and fire protection installation techniques.

The new academy will be open to installation contractors, specifiers and fire service personnel involved in public safety assessment and building inspection.

ROCKWOOL confirmed that the academy will complement its existing e-Learning platform and support skills development across the built environment.

Further information will be released when bookings open for training sessions at the new Midlands facility.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The launch of ROCKWOOL’s FirePro range is relevant to fire engineers, building services designers, fire-protection contractors and compliance assessors who specify or install passive fire protection systems.

By testing to BS EN 1366-4, BS EN 1366-3 and BS EN 13501-2 ahead of the 2029 compliance deadline, ROCKWOOL’s early adoption may affect specification frameworks and approval processes.

The new interactive Fire-stopping Standard Details Guide provides accessible reference material for specifiers and installers, supporting consistent application and inspection standards.

The planned training academy at Hams Hall will provide practical instruction for contractors, technical consultants and fire service personnel, helping to improve competency and understanding of current and emerging installation methods.

This article was informed by information from the following source: ROCKWOOL

Mayplas foil faced slab gains limited combustibility classification for fire protection applications

by Featured NewsPassiveProducts

Why Mayplas’ new fire protection slab matters for building safety

Mayplas foil faced slab achieves A2-s1, d0 classification

Mayplas has announced that its two-sided foil faced thermal and acoustic slab has been classified as a limited combustibility product following testing to BS EN 13501-1.

The product, now named the Mayplas Thermafire A2 Foil Faced Slab, achieved a Reaction to Fire rating of A2-s1, d0.

According to the company, this classification enables the slab to be used in applications where Reaction to Fire performance is a design priority, alongside its acoustic and thermal functions.

Mayplas said the slab is suitable for insulated spandrel panel zones within glazed curtain wall systems and for a wide range of other construction uses.

Product specifications and design options

The Thermafire A2 Foil Faced Slab is available in thicknesses from 50mm to 250mm.

Mayplas stated that this allows designers to achieve thermal performance in line with requirements set out in Approved Document L for England and Wales and the Scottish Technical Handbooks.

Customers can select from five nominal densities – 33, 45, 60, 80 and 100kg/m³ – to meet their specification needs.

According to the company, the slabs are supplied in standard dimensions of 1200mm x 600mm and can be cut to size on site.

Bespoke dimensions can also be produced to suit project requirements and to help reduce waste during installation.

Suitable applications and installation

Mayplas said the Thermafire A2 Foil Faced Slab can be integrated into both new and retrofit glazed spandrel panel systems.

Michael Hunter, Technical Director at Mayplas, explained: “In insulated glazed spandrel zones, insulation of limited combustibility is required. That is, it must meet a minimum of Reaction to Fire A2-s1, d0 according to BS EN 13501-1.”

“It also allows us to respond to design requirements where insulation must not add to the fire load if a fire occurs in that zone. Our Thermafire A2 Foil Faced Slab reduces that risk.”

The company added that the product can also be used in other applications.

These include metal ceiling grids, mechanically fixed timber installations such as roof eaves, free-standing use in cavities, integration with plasterboard or A1/A2 facing boards, and concrete applications such as lift shafts.

Mayplas advised designers and contractors to consult the product datasheet for detailed guidance on application suitability.

Company background and manufacturing

Mayplas is a member of the Association for Specialist Fire Protection and the Structural Timber Association.

The company manufactures fire, acoustic and thermal insulation products at its facility in Bury, Greater Manchester.

It supplies products to architects, contractors, developers, distributors and merchants across the UK.

Mayplas is part of the Performance Technology Group.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The A2-s1, d0 classification for the Mayplas Thermafire A2 Foil Faced Slab provides verified assurance for building designers and contractors working on glazed curtain wall systems and insulated spandrel panels.

This enables specifiers to use an insulation material that limits fire load contribution in façade assemblies while maintaining acoustic and thermal performance.

Architects, fire engineers and building services professionals may find the slab relevant when designing to meet fire resistance and energy efficiency standards within Approved Document L and the Scottish Technical Handbooks.

The wide range of densities and thicknesses also allows mechanical and electrical engineers to select suitable configurations for integration in various building zones, including lift shafts and ceiling voids.

Contractors involved in retrofit projects can additionally benefit from the option to order bespoke dimensions to minimise material waste and installation time.

FSi Promat introduces single-sided fire stopping solutions for retrofit projects

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FSi Promat launches single-sided fire stopping range

UK manufacturer FSi Promat has introduced a new range of single-sided fire stopping solutions designed for retrofit projects and occupied buildings.

The company said the systems have been developed in response to customer demand for tested, third-party certified options where only one side of a wall is accessible.

According to FSi Promat, the newly tested systems achieved fire resistance ratings of up to two hours when tested to EN 1366 Part 3 for penetration seals.

Designed for limited access retrofit environments

The company explained that the new range is particularly suited for projects where destructive work or building access is restricted.

These include multi-occupancy or residential environments where relocation of residents is typically required to complete fire stopping works.

FSi Promat said the single-sided systems could therefore reduce project disruption and associated costs while maintaining compliance with testing and certification standards.

Testing covers multiple pipe and cable applications

Testing carried out by FSi Promat covered a range of penetrations including copper pipes to EI90, CPVC pipes up to EI90, cables and cable bundles to EI60, plastic pipes up to EI120 and cable trays and steel trunking up to EI60–EI120.

The manufacturer said many of the new applications achieved EI120, including large cable trays and baskets.

According to the company, the testing programme was designed to broaden the available options for fire stopping in scenarios where only one side of the wall can be accessed.

Customer-led development and feedback

Paul Nash, Firestop Manager at FSi Promat – part of the Etex group – said: “We know from our customers that access can be a huge challenge – and a major cost driver – on refurbishment jobs especially where relocation is normally needed to access occupied areas such as apartments.

“Our single-sided solutions address challenges related to access in retrofit jobs, which are often associated with additional project costs, planning and potential disruption to occupants.

“Our newly tested and third party certified, single-sided fire stopping solutions reflect our commitment to listening to our customers, helping address their needs and working alongside them to tackle some of the industry’s biggest challenges – in this case the inherent difficulties of working on projects with restricted access.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The new single-sided fire stopping range from FSi Promat is relevant to fire engineers, building services engineers and contractors managing retrofit or refurbishment projects.

For building owners and managers of multi-occupancy properties, the systems provide an option for maintaining fire resistance without requiring relocation of occupants.

Project managers and installers working on limited-access refurbishments can use these tested and certified systems to ensure compliance with EN 1366 Part 3 without destructive access.

For compliance officers, the introduction of third-party tested single-sided fire stopping extends the available range of certified solutions, addressing a gap in retrofit fire protection.

UK fire protection recruiter ProGroup strengthens industry training and ethics

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ProGroup Recruitment reports record growth after five years in fire protection

Recruitment firm celebrates milestone with expansion and training focus

ProGroup Recruitment has marked five years in business with record growth, new service offerings and a continued focus on raising standards in the UK fire protection industry.

The Southampton-based specialist recruiter has grown its team from seven to ten consultants and launched a dedicated Active Fire division alongside its established Passive Fire expertise.

The company has also expanded its executive appointments service for senior-level positions within the fire protection sector.

ProGroup Recruitment recorded 15% year-on-year growth, a 108% increase in white-collar permanent placements and a doubling of management-level hires compared with the previous year.

Toby Mackay, Director of ProGroup Recruitment, said: “I’m incredibly proud of where the business stands today compared to where we started five years ago.”

“I’m grateful to all our employees who have helped us grow and to every client and candidate who has entrusted us with supporting their recruitment.”

“We will continue to strive to offer the very best service.”

Company expands Active Fire division and strengthens white-collar team

Director Jack McArthur said: “We’ve entered a fast-moving market as a new business and have grown significantly year on year, establishing ourselves as a leading recruitment partner for fire protection businesses across the UK.”

“We’re excited to see where the next five years will take us and how we can strengthen our partnerships even further.”

Over the past year, ProGroup has expanded its white-collar division, which has doubled in size during the last three months.

The firm’s investment in staff development has included customer service workshops and CPD sessions delivered by manufacturers such as Quelfire.

ProGroup Recruitment also maintains charter-compliant membership with Fire Aware, the UK initiative promoting ethical and transparent recruitment in the fire safety sector.

CPD and ethics shape recruitment standards

McArthur said: “Continual learning through CPD sessions with product manufacturers like Quelfire has been instrumental in deepening the team’s technical understanding of fire protection products and installation standards, ensuring consultants can better advise both candidates and clients in a competitive and rapidly evolving sector.”

Hayley Clay, Marketing Manager at Quelfire, said: “Quelfire sees real value in delivering CPD sessions that not only give attendees the practical knowledge and confidence to make the right decisions on their projects, but also contribute to raising standards across the industry.”

“By educating professionals on how to do firestopping the right way, we ultimately help create safer buildings that protect people and property.”

“We are proud to support ProGroup Recruitment’s commitment to driving this mission forward and congratulate them on their fifth anniversary.”

UK fire protection recruitment market grows more competitive

According to ProGroup Recruitment, the UK fire protection market continues to evolve, with increasing demand for skilled professionals and new contractors entering the sector.

Candidates frequently receive multiple job offers, while salary expectations have risen due to cost-of-living pressures and a shortage of experienced workers.

ProGroup said its approach is to act as an advisor to clients, helping them secure top talent by responding quickly to applicants, refining offer packages and understanding workplace culture.

Around 10% of the company’s placements now come from referrals within its network, reflecting the level of trust built with professionals across the sector.

ProGroup’s goal for the year ahead is to fully establish its Active Fire division while continuing to invest in training and feedback-driven improvement.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

Recruitment trends within the fire protection industry directly affect fire engineers, contractors, system installers and building service firms seeking qualified professionals.

The growth of ProGroup Recruitment’s Active Fire and Passive Fire divisions reflects wider market expansion in fire detection, alarm and suppression system installation.

For senior managers and project leads, the firm’s increased focus on executive appointments indicates growing demand for leadership expertise within the sector.

Training initiatives such as CPD sessions from Quelfire demonstrate the value of technical product knowledge in recruitment and highlight the link between education, competency and safer building outcomes.

By promoting ethical hiring through Fire Aware membership, ProGroup’s approach contributes to the professionalisation of fire protection employment practices across the UK.

Passive fire safety: Fire safety’s best-kept secret, or its biggest lie?

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Duncan J. White, IFSJ Managing Editor, asks whether passive fire safety is the industry’s best-kept secret or its biggest lie

The industry prides itself on innovation in active systems, but behind every headline fire lies the same truth: compromised or ignored passive fire protection.

Until we confront this blind spot, we are designing buildings that look safe but aren’t.

It’s time for uncomfortable honesty: passive fire protection (PFP) is being neglected, not occasionally, not by accident, but as a matter of routine.

And unless we confront this complacency head-on, we will keep reading inquiry reports that echo the same failures, with the same tragic outcomes.

We all know the pattern.

Designs start with robust specifications.

Then the budget tightens, “value engineering” begins, and suddenly PFP becomes optional, stripped back, downgraded, compromised.

On site, penetrations are left unsealed, fire doors are wedged open, and coatings are thinned.

Inspections tick boxes rather than interrogate performance.

And once the building is signed off, maintenance regimes conveniently forget that PFP even exists.

The result? Buildings that look compliant on paper but in reality are catastrophically vulnerable.

This is not a technical failure; the science of PFP is sound, the products are tested, and the standards are clear.

It is a cultural failure – ours.

The fire industry must stop pretending that sprinklers and alarms can compensate for the absence of structural resilience.

They cannot.

Active systems mitigate fire; passive systems contain it.

When PFP is neglected, we are gambling with time, the one variable we cannot control in an emergency.

Steel collapses, smoke spreads, and lives are lost.

And we shrug, citing “budget pressures” or “oversight,” as though those words excuse preventable deaths.

Regulators, too, bear responsibility.

Enforcement is inconsistent, penalties are weak, and loopholes are wide enough to drive a contractor’s van through.

If the law allows corners to be cut, corners will be cut.

It’s that simple.

Stronger regulation is not an inconvenience; it is the only way to prevent the quiet erosion of safety that happens in every project cycle.

And building owners? They need to face the truth: cutting PFP is not saving money; it is transferring liability.

When the worst happens, the question will not be “how much did you save?” but “why didn’t you protect people properly?” The reputational and financial fallout of neglect will dwarf the upfront cost of doing the job right.

We cannot keep whispering about PFP in technical forums while the spotlight stays fixed on active systems.

Our industry must be louder, bolder, less polite.

Passive protection is not a side issue; it is the foundation of fire safety.

If we don’t give it equal priority, then we are complicit in the very tragedies we claim to prevent.

It’s time to stop treating PFP as invisible.

It is not hidden; it is absent.

And unless we change, that absence will continue to kill.

Stay safe!

This was originally published in the September 2025 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.