Peter Cowley, PJ Fire founder: “I have a vital announcement to make regarding the future of PJ Fire to whom you have demonstrated such incredible loyalty spanning many years.
We launched the business in 2007 with a modest service in the supply of new CO2 products and factory-refurbished units. In 2009, we secured an exclusive supply of a range of low-pressure units produced in China that ticked all our quality requirements, and that supply relationship is still as strong today.
From this humble beginning, the business has evolved into a major supplier to the UK Fire Trade. This has been achieved on the back wonderful support of quality service companies such as yours, who have adopted the PJ product range as their go-to option. Loyalty is a two-way street, and you have delivered in spades.
The clock has kept ticking, and I am in my 76th year and not enjoying the best of health. We all have to plan for the future. The responsibility sits firmly with myself and my excellent team to ensure continuity of supply and service is maintained at least to current standards. We also have a duty to our 40-plus employees based in Chesterfield.
To this end, we have spoken to several interested parties to find a potential new owner who would maintain the PJ brand and the trading relationships we have spent years developing and fine-tuning.
Overwhelmingly, the CheckFire Group satisfied all our expectations and yesterday completed the purchase of 100% of PJ Fire Ltd, enabling my step-down from leading PJ Fire, and facilitating my gradual transition into retirement. Peter Johnston will continue in his role as Operations Director for PJ Fire, and it is very much business as usual.
Clive Rogers, our FD, will also be leaving the business, but Clive and I are fully committed to helping the CheckFire Team achieve a smooth transition of ownership
The Sales Team is waiting for your calls.
The same products, from the same people, and the same logistics.
May I close by thanking you all for your business and friendships, the independent fire trade has been very good to me.”
CheckFire Group, announces the acquisition of PJ Fire Ltd, based in Chesterfield, East Midlands.
This acquisition secures the manufacturing future of PJ Fire’s hugely successful CO2 renovated and remanufactured products and helps support CheckFire’s business in the North.
Founded in 2007 by Peter Cowley and now employing a team of 50, PJ Fire has grown into one of the UK’s leading independent trade suppliers of high-quality fire extinguishers and ancillaries.
Cameron Robins, Managing Director of CheckFire, added: “We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of PJ Fire, a long-term, truly strategic partner to CheckFire. We feel privileged to become the custodians of Mr. Cowley’s legacy and reputation in the sector and delighted to have enabled his well-deserved retirement.
This significant milestone in our partnership is allowing us to secure PJ Fire’s excellent range of products and services while leveraging CheckFire’s resources to unlock new opportunities.
Our goals are clear: to safeguard the trading legacy of the PJ Fire brand, bolster its product offering for customers and strengthen our shared commitment to British manufacturing. This is an exciting step forward for both businesses, and I’m really excited about the opportunities it presents for PJ Fire’s future and its dedicated team.”
CheckFire’s Director of Projects, and taking the helm at PJ Fire, Daniel Robins added: “Our two businesses have a significant amount of common DNA. At our core we have deep-seated family values, and both have a passion for the environment and a sustainable approach to business. PJ Fire’s innovative CO2 range, including renovated and remanufactured models, is a fantastic set of products.
I’m looking forward to working closely with the PJ Fire team in the coming months, and my focus and commitment is to maintain continuity for PJ Fire’s team and customers, and to further enhance its products and service offerings to fulfil both current and future demands. Clients of PJ Fire Ltd can rest assured that they will continue to receive the same level of exceptional service and support they have become reliant on over the past 18 years.”
For more information go to: https://www.checkfire.co.uk/fire-safety-news/checkfire-group-acquires-pj-fire-ltd/
