Fire suppression specialists Lifeline set up Stateside

UK company Lifeline – global innovators in motorsport fire and safety equipment – have formed Lifeline USA in partnership with California based Hotchkis Performance, dramatically benefiting Lifeline’s customers in both North and South America via a new direct supply line.

Lifeline Fire & Safety Systems USA will be based next to Hotchkis Performance in Santa Fe Springs, California. The facility – which opens on February 1st 2009 – includes a 2,500 sq. ft. distribution centre consisting of stock holding, extinguisher refilling and servicing facilities plus offices.

In addition to Lifeline’s popular SFI and FIA approved gaseous-based Zero 360 range of extinguishers and foam-based Zero 2000, which meets the regulatory requirements of the FIA and SCCA, their entire range will be available from Lifeline USA including ancillary safety equipment such as quick release electric steering wheel bosses to roll cage padding.

In line with expected growth of Lifeline USA, the company plans to increase its extinguisher refilling and servicing dealer network across the Americas and aims to invest in full manufacturing facilities in Santa Fe Springs. Currently, all Lifeline products are manufactured at their international HQ in Coventry, England.

“By setting up Lifeline USA in partnership with Hotchkis Performance, our customers across the American continent will benefit from faster and more convenient access to our products, particularly in regard to servicing of their equipment and refilling our range of extinguishers,” says Jim Morris, managing director of Lifeline Fire & Safety Systems.

John Hotchkis, former international racing driver and managing director of well-known sports suspension manufacturer Hotchkis Performance, comments: “Jim and I have known each other for a substantial period of time and when we discussed the opportunity of a US supply base for Lifeline’s innovative products, it made perfect sense. We are sure this will encourage additional dealers to come on board and increase supply of these highly engineered products to the end user.”

Lifeline products have been at the forefront of many exciting developments in the sector, including the most recent, the award-winning ‘Zero ZERO’ fire suppression system – the lightest and most compact ever produced – which is equally effective on unleaded, diesel and bio-ethanol fuel fires.

Further information will be available from Jim Morris at Lifeline’s booth #606 (North Hall) at the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show on the 11th-13th December in Orlando.