News: Assured secures massive African contract

Rotherham-based Assured Fire and Security has been awarded an African contract worth £1.9m.

The contract with sugar production company Kenana, of Sudan, follows recent international contracts in Ghana, Nigeria and Afghanistan.

The deal will help the Dinnington based specialist fire safety company to move ahead with its five-year plan for expansion and acquisition.

The massive sugar refinery close to Khartoum has the capacity to produce over 400,000 metric tonnes of sugar per annum and the company has also diversified into bio-ethanol.

The Assured team will supervise the installation of more than 90 fire suppression systems, fire extinguishers, hose reels and fire alarm systems at the plant as well as providing a complete package of fire training for Kenana staff.

In addition to the main factory site, Assured is also providing full safety and security services at the Kenana head offices.

Assured was initially approached after Kenana experienced a major control room fire in the winter of 2008, causing $100m worth of damage and halting production.

Competing with major international companies from India, China and Italy, Assured was eventually selected to provide a complete solution for all Kenana’s fire safety issues.

Simon Stokes, managing director at Assured (pictured), said: "They needed a partner who could give them everything from specialised fire safety systems to fire training for their staff and we were one of the few companies that cold provide a complete turn key solution in all their areas of concern.

"We spent six to eight months visiting the site, putting together a full tender and we are delighted that we have now been able to complete the deal.

"This is an extremely important contract for us as it really places us firmly on the international market.

"Equally importantly, it will help us to create the backbone for the investment required to create more jobs, both in South Yorkshire and across the country, helping Assured to move forward and develop vital new business.

"We have an ambitious and detailed five year plan and a contract of this scale will enable us to move to the next level, consolidating our position and preparing us for growth as we look at national acquisitions."

Assured Fire and Security website

Images: Assured Fire and Security / kenana.com