GreCon Ltd - Fire prevention

A continuous culture of innovation characterises the history of Fagus-GreCon because "Innovation is our tradition". Since its foundation in 1911, the company has set standards with pioneering inventions and developments - from the famous Fagus Factory, now a living monument to architecture and production, to the successful history of the GreCon brand, which is now entering its 50th anniversary year in 2024.

To honour this event in a fitting manner, we will not only focus on the current and historical situation of the two business units of fire prevention and measuring technology, but we will reflect on the challenges and successes of our global business, talk to former and current managers about their experiences and celebrate this anniversary with our customers, employees, relatives and all interested parties.

Fire prevention
Maximum protection with minimum disruption

The GreCon brand is an innovation and business leader in fire prevention in many key markets. We not only produce industrial spark detection and extinguishing systems but also "develop our products in line with customer requirements and exceed expectations with affordable state-of-the-art technology", says Mario Haas, Head of the Fire Protection Business Unit and member of the Management Board at Fagus-GreCon, outlining the path we have taken. Over 600,000 detectors sold and around 75,000 customised protection solutions for industrial plants are proof of the trust that GreCon customers have placed in us for 50 years.

Looking to the future, Haas sees the advancement of industrial digitalisation as the primary focus. "We want to facilitate this digitalisation with the help of our products - developing ever more intelligent technology and constantly simplifying the operating process. This is how technological change can be achieved with GreCon technology."

Comprehensive service is part of the GreCon DNA

GreCon systems detect and eliminate ignition sources within milliseconds - seamlessly and without disrupting production. Customers around the world have been relying on this promise for 50 years. GreCon systems help customers measure, control, monitor, and analyse many industrial processes.

However, for this technology to be effective, a skilled and customer-orientated service network consisting of bespoke advice, expert installation and ongoing support is required. The best way to achieve this is with the support of Fagus-GreCon, your fire prevention specialist, who provides customised protection solutions for every challenge, no matter how individual.

To guarantee these service standards worldwide, a network of trustworthy partners and subsidiaries has been established over the past decades who help promote the GreCon brand in their local markets on a daily basis.

Measuring technology
Meaningful values that provide clarity

In the wood-based materials industry, the Measuring Technology unit has become a valuable partner for systems for process monitoring, control and evaluation over the last 50 years. It is constantly setting new standards as the market leader. Milestones of over 1000 systems sold, such as the GreCon thickness measurement system or the ultrasonic delamination control system, are proof of the trust placed in us.

"We have recently set standards, particularly in the areas of formaldehyde emission, particle measurement and scattering accuracy," says Dr Jörg Hasener, Head of the Measurement Technology business unit at Fagus-GreCon, confident in the path we have taken. "We are also investing in the future in other areas to challenge the competition with new concepts constantly."

Compared to GreCon's beginnings, production output and process optimisation have progressed at an unstoppable pace. For the future of measurement technology, this means developing systems that will anticipate this development. "For example, with artificial intelligence, which will significantly impact computer-controlled data processing in the coming years," predicts Dr Hasener.

The future is pointing towards "fully automated production based on measured data and measurement technology solutions based on this data - for example, in the areas of drying, spreading, press moulding or laboratory testing."

To achieve this internationally, Dr Hasener also points to the "role of the global GreCon service organisation - both by strengthening our regions and through our outstanding employees who provide great support at new locations" and are a key reason for customer satisfaction.

GreCon - from an idea to a successful brand

What began over 50 years ago by the brothers Gerd and Ernst Greten can now be considered a track record of innovation and success.

When the opportunity arose in the early 1970s to realise their vision of an electronics department at the Fagus plant in Alfeld, this was a new starting point - both for the GreCon brand and the success of the Fagus plant that followed.

Two essential business divi

Blaydon, UK, April 21st 2022. GreCon Limited is celebrating a significant milestone, with 30 years of business and commitment to the UK & Ireland market.

Established in April 1992, GreCon is located just outside of Newcastle upon Tyne and is a member of the Fagus-GreCon Group. With a wealth of experience as a global market leader, GreCon demonstrates a strong understanding of customer needs and provides turnkey solutions for multiple industries, including the wood-based panel industry, manufacturing, recycling, biomass, pharmaceutical, food, hygiene and more.

GreCon’s fire prevention technology protects industrial premises, processes and people, detecting and extinguishing ignition sources, making workplaces safer and enabling uninterrupted production. In addition, GreCon’s measuring technology solutions help customers improve product quality in their production processes, using proven German engineering to reduce material and energy costs, ultimately maximising operational efficiency.

During these 30 years, the company has focused on developing sustainable relationships with its customers and adopting the role of a strategic partner. Founding GreCon Limited in 1992 enabled a more local connection and enhanced response times. As a result, customers across the UK & Ireland depend on GreCon for consultative and problem-solving sales engagement and first-class customer service. In addition, fast deliveries of parts and systems are possible due to comprehensive local stock-holding and local manufacturing of Water Pressurisation Systems, which provide a dedicated water supply for our fire prevention systems.

Due to a solid track record of performance and growth, it has been possible for GreCon Limited to include customer requirements in the technology roadmap and contribute to developing innovative new products. A recent example of this development is the launch of the GreCon IEM, the Intelligent Extinguishing Module.

The GreCon IEM launched this month as a fit for the future addition to the intelligent fire prevention solutions portfolio. The GreCon team is keen to discuss this newest product’s features and benefits, how it can form part of a compelling fire prevention solution, and how it can take the intelligence and reliability of existing spark extinguishing systems to the next level. Critical benefits include more rapid extinguishing of sparks and harmful ignition sources. In addition, integrated intelligent extinguishing technology (IET®) enables highly precise extinguishing process monitoring and predictive maintenance control.

The company is also undertaking recruitment for roles in a new Service & Operations department, streamlining the former structure. A Head of Service & Operations and Service Coordinator are amongst the roles sought. This recruitment will ensure additional skills and expertise address current and future needs and ensure customer expectations remain in focus.

Jonathan Hamill, Managing Director of GreCon Limited, said, “We have a solid track record of providing a first-class service to our customers, who rely on GreCon to add vital protection and to help them optimise their manufacturing process. Today we celebrate our 30th Birthday and pause to celebrate the contribution of the whole team and the loyalty of our customers. We also reflect on our business success and our tremendous opportunity to make people and places safer and factories smarter.”

Uwe Kahmann, joint Group Managing Director, commented, “This significant business milestone and 30th anniversary reaffirms our commitment to the UK & Ireland market. We fully support GreCon Limited and are committed to our role as a strategic partner to our customers. We thank the team for delivering a vital contribution in looking after our customers even during difficult times such as the current pandemic. We will continue to invest in innovative products and equip our organisation to continue delivering the best in class customer service our customers expect.”

Blaydon, UK, April 21st, 2021. GreCon Limited is celebrating 29 years of business and commitment to the UK & Ireland market and has been pleased to welcome new colleagues.

Established in April 1992, GreCon is located just outside of Newcastle upon Tyne and is a member of the Fagus-GreCon Group. With a wealth of experience as a global market leader, GreCon demonstrates a strong understanding of customer needs and provides turnkey solutions for a wide variety of industries, including wood manufacturing, recycling, biomass, pharmaceutical, food, hygiene and more.

GreCon’s fire prevention technology protects industrial premises, process and people, detecting and extinguishing ignition sources, making workplaces safer and enabling uninterrupted production. GreCon’s measuring technology solutions help customers improve product quality in their production processes, using proven German engineering to reduce material and energy costs, ultimately maximising operational efficiency.

Jonathan Hamill, Managing Director of GreCon Limited, said, “We have a solid track record of providing a first-class service to our customers, who rely on GreCon to add vital protection and to help them optimise their manufacturing process. Today we celebrate our 29th Birthday, and I am delighted to use the occasion to highlight our new colleagues. Their contribution will ensure we continue to provide the excellent service we are renowned for, as we have maintained throughout the pandemic. We look forward to a significant 30-year milestone next year.”

Alice Charlton joined in March 2021, taking up a Business Administration role. Alice’s background is in performing arts, and her international career to date has provided her with a fast start in dealing with our global group and customers. Alice is the central point of contact for incoming enquiries, and as a highly organised individual, she plays a crucial role to contribute to the smooth running of the company.

Richard Brooks joined the company in November 2020, taking up the role of Service Manager. Richard brings considerable systems engineering experience from his service with the Royal Signals and has managed engineering teams in commercial organisations. Richard has been working to improve our processes to enhance our reputation for excellent service further.

Curtis Aitken took up a Service Engineer role in December 2020, coming from a service background as a Lead Engineer in the Royal Navy. His responsibilities included managing operations of advanced electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems, matching the business-critical nature of our customer’s operations. Since completing his training with the GreCon Academy, Curtis has started to undertake various service work for customers.

Jonathan Hamill concluded, “In these challenging times, we mark this anniversary, thanking our customers for their continued loyalty and support. We also think of and thank all involved in their response to the current pandemic. Stay safe, and if you believe we can help you, please get in touch”.

GreCon Limited is delighted to introduce Joshua McAree to expand its sales team. McAree draws on a solid experience of customer-orientated roles and technical competence, holding a BSc in Aeronautical Engineering.

Supporting business growth

Tom Burniston, Head of Sales at GreCon Limited, commented, "I am pleased to welcome Joshua to our team and to be able to rely on his contribution. Joshua will play a fundamental role in helping us grow across diversified markets. This appointment allows us to strengthen our interaction with customers across the UK & Ireland and supports our continued business growth. Joshua has a distinguished service record with the Royal Air Force Air Cadets. He held the highest achievable rank as Cadet Warrant Officer and was the Lord Lieutenant's Cadet for Tyne & Wear. Joshua brings important qualities to GreCon, including integrity, diligence, and strength in problem-solving, which is vital in designing the bespoke solutions our customers require."

Solving customer problems

Joshua McAree spoke of his enthusiasm to join the GreCon team, "GreCon has the world's leading products in industrial fire prevention and measuring technology. The technical grounding from my aeronautical background enables me to design the turnkey installations that GreCon offers. I look forward to helping customers by understanding their requirements and engineering solutions to solve their problems."

A global market leader

Established in 1992, GreCon Limited is located near Newcastle upon Tyne and is a Fagus-GreCon Group member. With a wealth of experience as a global market leader, GreCon demonstrates a strong understanding of customer needs and provides solutions for a wide variety of industries, including wood panel, wood manufacturing, recycling, biomass, pharmaceutical, food and many more.
GreCon's fire prevention technology protects industrial premises, process and people, detecting and extinguishing ignition sources, making workplaces safer and enabling uninterrupted production. GreCon's measuring technology solutions help customers improve product quality in their production processes, using proven German engineering to reduce material and energy costs, ultimately maximising operational efficiency.

Building capability and credibility

Jonathan Hamill, Managing Director of GreCon Limited, commented, "This is a key appointment which reaffirms our commitment to the UK & Ireland market. Our customers depend on us to provide vital protection and to help them optimise their manufacturing process. We needed to build on the capability and credibility of our sales organisation. Working with our trusted partner durhamlane, I am delighted that we found Joshua and to welcome him to our team."

We're excited and looking forward to this must-see webinar covering the topic of digitalisation and fire prevention. Nils Vespermann is an inspiring speaker and great subject matter expert, and his input will certainly be thought-provoking. See you there! #industry40 #digitalisation #fireprevention
Register here: https://bit.ly/3p9MzxI

The recycling market is growing, with significant ongoing investment. Investors are keen to protect their investment, and insurers are eager to mitigate risk. We will set out the key considerations that face this industry in terms of fire prevention and what we do to help. Please register for our webinar on 16th December 2020 here: https://www.fagus-grecon.com/en/events/seminars/

GreCon welcomes Richard Brooks as Service Manager.

GreCon makes people and places safer and enables the 'smart factory' as the leading provider of innovative industrial fire prevention and process measurement solutions.

Last week the company bid farewell to outgoing Service Manager, Jeremy Eschle, wishing him well for his future and thanking him for his contribution.

This week, Richard Brooks received a warm welcome as he takes up his role as the new Service Manager.

With a track record spanning 28 years, GreCon Limited has developed a reputation for providing first-class support to customers across the UK & Ireland.

Jonathan Hamill, Managing Director, said, "I'm delighted to welcome Richard. It is a key appointment which reaffirms our commitment to the UK and Ireland market. Richard brings considerable systems engineering experience from his service with the Royal Signals and has managed engineering teams in commercial organisations. Our customers rely on GreCon, and we look forward to Richard's input as we seek opportunities for continuous improvement".

Richard Brooks can be contacted by email: service@grecon.co.uk or by telephone on 01914147200
#engineering #managementjobs #fireprevention

GreCon Limited is celebrating 28 years of business and commitment to the UK & Ireland market.

Established in April 1992, GreCon is located just outside of Newcastle upon Tyne and is a member of the Fagus-GreCon Group. With a wealth of experience as a global market leader, GreCon demonstrates a strong understanding of customer needs and provides turnkey solutions for a wide variety of industries including wood manufacturing, recycling, biomass, pharmaceutical, food, hygiene and more.

GreCon’s fire protection technology protects industrial premises, process and people, detecting and extinguishing ignition sources, making workplaces safer and enabling uninterrupted production.

GreCon’s measurement and inspection solutions help customers to improve product quality in their production processes, using proven German engineering to reduce material and energy costs, ultimately maximising operational efficiency.

Jonathan Hamill, Managing Director of GreCon Limited said, “Our parent company Fagus-GreCon brought to market the first industrial spark extinguishing system in 1973. Since that time, GreCon’s product portfolio has significantly evolved, with continuous investment in R&D. Today customers all over the world rely on GreCon to add vital protection and to help them optimise their manufacturing process.”

The company has seen growth after a positive year in 2019. “We achieved double-digit percentage growth last year despite a lot of industry uncertainty surrounding Brexit.” Hamill stated, “This has placed us in an even better position to look after our customers. We invested in a new remote support solution; Satellite, which allows us to connect to customer systems remotely to provide a faster response and diagnostic service”.

As part of the response to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the GreCon team have been focused on helping customers in critical industries, including travelling to their sites where needed. This week alone, these visits have been to customers in power generation, recycling, food and hygiene industries. Hamill continued, “I’ve thanked our team for their efforts, for staying at home when they've been asked to, coming to work when we need them and for finding new ways to adapt to this challenging situation”.

This team has expanded. Hamill commented, “Tom Burniston re-joined the business in 2019 and is well known in the industry. As Head of Sales, Tom can rely on two recruits. Nathan Ashford joined recently as Technical Sales Manager – Nathan’s engineering background will be highly relevant in this role. Beth Williamson joined during 2019 and was recently promoted to an inside sales role to look after business development and sales of critical spare parts.”

Hamill concluded, “In these challenging times, we mark this anniversary by sending virtual slices of ‘Detector cake’. We thank our customers for their continued loyalty and support. We also think of and thank all involved in the response to the current pandemic. Stay safe and if you believe we can help you, please get in touch”.