SPIE sets up a new fire alarm system for the large-scale bakery Schäfer’s

Hanover, 6 October, 2020 – SPIE, the independent European leader in multi-technical services in the areas of energy and communications, and Schäfer's Brot- und Kuchenspezialitäten GmbH, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the corporate group of EDEKA Minden-Hanover, are entering into a long-term partnership. Therefore, SPIE will be responsible for the design and upgrade of the fire alarm system of the backery in Lehrte, and the implementation of a specifically designed management system for centralized control and monitoring of the fire alarm and access control system. The contract also includes the installation of a door surveillance system. Eventually, this comprehensive fire alarm system concept will also be rolled out at the production location in Teutschenthal, near Halle.

Improvement of the fire alarm system

SPIE is currently working out a new and comprehensive fire alarm system for the bakery Schäfer’s, which does not only take into account conformity with statutory requirements and construction regulations, but also includes the extended production area which has been expanded over the years. “In recent years Schäfer‘s has increased production by almost a third. This must be taken into consideration when improving the old fire alarm and monitoring systems and fitting the new area”, explains Stefan Konoday, systems engineering manager at SPIE. “Our client relies on our work to fulfill all requirements from the authorities and insurer’s guidelines and expects the latest technologies to be integrated into the system.”

As part of this contract, SPIE is installing two new central fire alarm systems, networked via fibre-optic cables, during ongoing operations. In the process, a four-person team is installing around 450 automatic detectors and nine double and six single linear heat detectors - including around 300 metres of sensor tubes in the production area. Approximatively 7,800 metres of fire alarm cable are being laid. Good planning and punctual implementation are thereby essential for the multi-technical service provider. “Our client operates in the food production industry. In addition to standard hygiene sluices, there are also special requirements regarding the material used to build the system. We have, for instance, laid around 1,300 metres of stainless-steel wire mesh baskets with detectable cable ties. Open wire mesh baskets reduce collection of dirt and enable unhindered drainage of liquid. Simple cleaning is possible, thanks to easy accessibility. In the end, all of this prevents pest infestation”, explains Stefan Konoday.

Local proximity as a success factor

A quick and reliable service is decisive: “It is important for us to have a partner whom we can rely on. Here close proximity is important. For us a local service provider give the basis for good cooperation. We therefore opted for SPIE”, reports Walter Drews, project manager at Schäfer‘s. With its extensive location structure covering the whole of Germany, SPIE guarantees rapid availability and high reliability for the clients.

Partnership for the future

“We are extremely satisfied with the services provided by SPIE and the excellent local implementation on site. We were directly convinced by the concept, and consequently we would like to also roll it out with SPIE at our other production location in Teutschenthal near Halle”, notes Walter Drews. The implementation of a door surveillance system for safe and secure access is also planned. “We are delighted that we have been able to secure Schäfer‘s as a new client and we look forward to realize more projects together in the future”, added Stefan Konoday.