Deal allows company to expand its in-building public safety wireless communications portfolio.
Honeywell recently announced it signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Fiplex Communications, Inc., which develops in-building communications systems, including bi-directional amplifiers (BDAs) that provide continuous and critical in-building radio coverage in challenging environments to improve first responders’ and building occupants’ safety.
The acquisition will expand Honeywell’s in-building communications and connectivity solutions portfolio. Meanwhile, Fiplex’s solutions will become a platform of innovation for Honeywell wireless technologies. The building communications industry continues to grow quickly, in large part due to the adoption of enhanced fire codes. The industry growth is expected to accelerate with the adoption of advanced technologies that will continue to change how building data is exchanged with different stakeholders.
“We are looking to reshape how communications and connectivity within buildings work,” Honeywell Building Technologies President and CEO Vimal Kapur said in a statement. “The addition of Fiplex’s products and software allows us to move toward creating the next generation of fire and life safety solutions to keep both building occupants and first responders safer. “The Fiplex team brings superior engineering talent and unique capabilities for wireless communications that will enable us to enhance our in-building communications offerings and complement our innovative, industry-leading solutions.”
Good Timing for such a Deal
Honeywell’s acquisition comes at an ideal time. According to a recent survey, 56% of fire departments have experienced a communications failure in a building during an emergency event, leaving firefighters and other first responders virtually stranded in these situations after losing communications. Fiplex’s in-building communications systems, and others like it, enable first responders to stay connected throughout a building that may have a poor cellular signal due to Low-E glass windows, energy-saving cladding or wall composition, and even in underground areas such as car parks. In-building communications can also support occupant safety with timely, clear and accurate notifications of emergencies and recommended responses.
“Honeywell has long demonstrated leadership in the fire and life safety industry, and we are pleased to join their team,” Fiplex Chairman and CTO Matias de Goycoechea said. “We look forward to working with Honeywell to expand our technological advancements and to support the creation of better-connected buildings.”
The Fiplex FLEX solution is a scalable in-building wireless platform that provides the performance levels, survivability and deployment efficiency that meet public safety stakeholders’ requirements. Additionally, FLEX addresses the performance and complexity challenges that come with meeting the strict critical communications code requirements that authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) often put into place. The platform also addresses the economic hurdles that prevent solutions providers from widescale penetration. Overall, the FLEX solution will aim to deliver better field deployment flexibility.
Joe Dyton can be reached at joed@fifthgenmedia.com
