Ziegler’s plant fire department celebrates 75th anniversary

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Anniversary event honours 75 years of Ziegler’s plant fire department

In July 2024, Albert Ziegler GmbH’s plant fire department celebrated its 75th anniversary.

The event welcomed current and former members of the fire department, regional plant fire department comrades, and Giengen’s Lord Mayor, Mr. Dieter Henle.

The Ziegler plant fire department was established on 30 May 1949.

Over the past 75 years, it has become a vital part of the company, handling not only fire protection but also technical assistance, environmental protection, and preventive fire measures.

Historic operations include the major fire at Ködel & Böhm in Lauingen (1955), the Nachtigall building fire in 1963, and the disaster operation in Nattheim in 1968.

As of July 2024, the department consists of 24 members.

New leadership at the helm

During the anniversary celebrations, Florian Sing was officially appointed as the new commander of the plant fire department, succeeding the retiring Josef Szaszur.

Florian Sing previously served as deputy commander.

Lukas Klemt was named the new deputy commander.

Uwe Lang, member of the Board of Management at Ziegler and head of the plant fire department, highlighted the department’s broader role in the region: “Our team is not only active in operations at Ziegler, but also supports the fire department of Giengen during daytime standby duty and during major fires and disaster operations in the town and surrounding districts.”

Cooperation with the fire department of Giengen

The Ziegler plant fire department collaborates closely with the Giengen fire department, providing transport services for Ziegler employees who are also fire department members, ensuring they can respond to emergencies during work hours.

The plant fire department responds to 25 to 30 calls annually, with a maximum of 50 deployments per year.

It also engages in fire safety education, training employees in the use of fire extinguishers.

The anniversary celebration on 19 July 2024 was an opportunity to honour the department’s history and the dedication of its members.

Ziegler plant fire department’s significant operations

Notable recent operations by the plant fire department include the fire at the Ziegler hose weaving mill in March 2018 and various storm response efforts.

These operations have underscored the department’s importance in both protecting Ziegler’s facilities and aiding the surrounding community during emergencies.

Safety Region Groningen secures 28 new fire engines from ZIEGLER

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Contract signing for enhanced firefighting capabilities

On Wednesday, March 6th, 2024, an agreement was finalised between Ziegler Brandweertechniek B.V. and the Safety Region Groningen. This contract involves the delivery of 28 HLF 20 fire engines to be provided from 2026 to 2030.

This was marked by the presence and signatures of key representatives: Jaap Kuin, Administrative Officer for Fire Brigades of the Safety Region Groningen, Erik Tillema, Project Manager of the Groningen Fire Brigade, Marin Schouten, Director of Ziegler Brandweertechniek B.V., and Mélarno Kraan, Account Manager at Ziegler Brandweertechniek.

Commitment to safety and regional economic growth

Jaap Kuin reflected on the significance of this agreement: “We are proud of this commitment to our safety.

“The board knows how important it is for firefighters to be able to carry out their work safely. Good equipment is of great importance in this respect.

“It is particularly pleasing that the new fire engines are manufactured in Groningen and therefore contribute to the regional economy.”

Upgrade of firefighting fleet

Currently, the Safety Region Groningen operates 52 firefighting vehicles. This new contract stipulates the replacement of 28 of these vehicles.

Mélarno Kraan elaborated on the quality of the new vehicles: “ZIEGLER is very pleased with the order to supply 28 new HLF 20s for our home region.

“The new Groningen ZIEGLER firefighting vehicle has been developed according to the latest state of the art technology and provides the basis for competent and decisive action in the future.

“The vehicles are designed and manufactured entirely at our plant in Winschoten.”

Advancements in firefighting technology from ZIEGLER

The commitment to supplying these state-of-the-art HLF 20 fire engines underscores a move towards advanced firefighting capabilities within the region.

The vehicles, being locally manufactured, represent an amalgamation of technological innovation and regional economic support.

IFSJ Comment

The contract between Ziegler Brandweertechniek B.V. and Safety Region Groningen for the supply of 28 new HLF 20 fire engines marks a forward-thinking step in enhancing firefighting capabilities in the region.

This ensures an upgrade in safety equipment, bolstering the regional economy by sourcing locally manufactured vehicles.

Ziegler advances Saarbrücken airport’s emergency response with new firefighting vehicles

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Image: Ziegler

Ziegler has announced the successful handover and commissioning of two new Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting vehicles (ARFF) to Saarbrücken airport, marking a significant enhancement in emergency response capabilities.

The identical Advancer models introduce advanced technology, including thermal imaging cameras, setting new standards in their class for firefighting and rescue operations.

The vehicles are celebrated for their versatility, suitable for both airport premises and external areas due to their road license.

This adaptability ensures rapid and effective response wherever needed.

A notable improvement in maneuverability and a reduction in weight by approximately eight tonnes make these new ARFF vehicles more agile and flexible than their predecessors, while still maintaining substantial extinguishing agent reserves.

These advancements contribute to decreased response times in emergencies and increased efficiency for emergency services.

Technical prowess behind the new ARFF vehicles

The Advancer models boast state-of-the-art features such as the Z-Control control panel, ALPAS superstructure, Z-Vision LED ambient lighting, and the Ziegler foam proportioning system EAD 60.

Technical specifications include a Mercedes-Benz 3353 6×6 Arocs chassis, a powerful 390 kW (530 HP) engine compliant with Euro 6 emissions standards, and comprehensive firefighting equipment capable of addressing various emergency situations.

The vehicles come equipped with a water tank of 10,000 litres and a foam tank of 1,100 litres, supported by a Ziegler FPN 10-6.000-2M pump.

The inclusion of a roof turret ZW 40/20 and a front turret ZW 10, each with a thermal camera, enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of firefighting efforts.

Renewing Saarbrücken airport’s firefighting fleet

The acquisition of these ARFF vehicles was a crucial step in replacing the airport’s previous models, which had served for two decades.

This upgrade underscores Saarbrücken airport’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational readiness.

“Ziegler is delighted to announce the successful handover and commissioning of two new Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting vehicles to the airport of Saarbrücken. The two identical Advancer are setting a new standard in their class,” said a Ziegler spokesperson.

“Equipped with advanced technology, including thermal imaging cameras, these vehicles offer unrivalled performance in terms of firefighting and rescue operations.”

IFSJ Comment

The introduction of Ziegler’s new Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting vehicles at Saarbrücken airport is a testament to the airport’s dedication to enhancing its emergency response capabilities.

The Advancer models, with their advanced technological features, improved maneuverability, and reduced weight, represent a significant step forward in airport safety and efficiency.

As the aviation industry continues to evolve, such advancements in emergency response technology are crucial for maintaining high safety standards and protecting both passengers and infrastructure.