AutoFireX is one of the newest names offering unique dual agent automatic fire detection and suppression systems for mining, construction, IT-telecom, oil and gas, marine, other mobile equipment including buses and trucks.
Founded in October 2018, AutoFireX equipment have evoked very good response from the market. In a brief talk with MOTORINDIA at bauma, Mr. Kuldeep Chauhan, Director, AutoFireX Ltd., along with his Indian partner – Mr. Sudhir Tandon, CEO, Auto & Construction Equipment Corp. – said: “The feedback from the mining industry players in India has been heartening. Clients like BEML, Volvo, etc., have shown faith in our systems. The trust in our products was strengthened after they were tested on the vehicles. One of the customers tested our system on a brand-new machine and it worked perfectly fine. Many other customers have also used our system for months and have seen very good results.”
Mr. Chauhan has years of experience in the field from his working time with leading automatic fire detection and suppression systems brands globally. He has ensured to incorporate the learnings and best practices from his experience into AutoFireX. He explained: “Our team has successfully protected some of the biggest mining equipment in the world, from Caterpillar Draglines to LeTourneau Loaders, Dozers, Excavators and Dredging equipment. At AutoFireX, we have developed our own tubes and valves, as from our past experiences we have realized the valves to be the biggest issue, given they are the heart of the system. For the linear detection tube, we have developed a totally new polymer that enables it to survive harsh environments and higher operating temperatures without compromising the detection; this is a significant development as we have seen failure of other brands and have learnt from their mistakes.”
Buoyed by the growing confidence from customers, AutoFireX, together with Auto & Construction Equipment Corp., displayed its full range of products at bauma Munich. Apart from reaching out to potential buyers, the company also focused on bolstering its distributor network by participation in the show. “As the Indian market matures, we would need more distributors. We have got three good ones at present and by the end of 2019 we are looking to add at least 5-6 more. On markets outside India, the entire South Asian market is our focus as they are quite mature and ready. We are also optimistic about other SAARC nations and South America. For this, we will need more international distributors and the eight (distributors) we have currently would not be sufficient,” beamed Mr. Chauhan.
In order to raise the bar higher, AutoFireX has also invested in a testing facility near its plant in Delhi. “We have got a simulation facility near Delhi. This initiative is not merely for system approvals but is also available for end-users to test the fire suppression systems in real-time conditions,” he concluded.