Fire detection, suppression and explosion-proof safety solutions are seen as a grudge purchase to satisfy insurance or authority requirements, but can have serious safety and financial implications if left unchecked.

By representing world-leading brands and focusing on fully integrated, certified systems, distributor HMA South Africa is positioning itself as a trusted partner in fire detection, suppression and explosion-proof safety solutions across Africa. The company offers clients not just regulatory compliance but long-term protection for mission-critical operations.

“What sets us apart from other suppliers in South Africa is that we focus on system integration with complete certification and approval. Our solutions are uniquely engineered to protect operations where lost production can cost millions,” says HMA South Africa product manager Dieter Spangenberg, who has been involved in the industry since 2008.

International Brands

HMA South Africa’s portfolio covers detection, suppression and explosion-proof equipment for heavy industry, petrochemicals, mining, power generation and beyond. Global gas suppression and fire detection systems leader KIDDE provides engineered suppression solutions for mission-critical facilities, backed by decades of experience and international certifications.

“KIDDE’s reputation in suppression is unmatched,” adds HMA product manager for the KIDDE brand Jaco du Plessis, who has 20 years of experience.

“But the real strength is in how we integrate the technology with other brands in our portfolio, giving clients a fully certified solution rather than a collection of standalone components.”

HMA’s lineup also includes heat detection, intrusion and perimeter monitoring specialist Bandweaver’s advanced fibreoptic sensing solutions, ideal for tunnels, industrial facilities and high-risk sites.

Bandweaver product manager Braam Booyens highlights how fibreoptic sensing is extending fire protection capabilities: “Bandweaver technology allows us to detect heat, intruder, or perimeter breaches along an entire length of fibre, whether in a mine conveyor tunnel or on a perimeter fence. It is proactive protection that integrates seamlessly with your fire alarm systems as well as control systems via Modbus.”

A supervisory control and data acquisition, and human-machine interface package, is also available for easy monitoring and control.

This is in addition to HMA supplying in- cabinet gas suppression from ExxFire, designed to protect enclosed environments, such as server racks, switchgear and other compact critical equipment, as well as explosion-proof equipment, including beacons, sounders and manual call points certified for use in hazardous areas from Ex-tech Signalling.

HMA is also the exclusive distributor in South Africa for the Det-Tronics range of hazardous gas and flame detection solutions, along with technical expertise and support, ensuring clients benefit from the most advanced technology and integrated, fully certified safety solutions.

Widely recognised for its reliability in high-risk industrial environments, the range includes flame detectors, combustible and toxic gas detectors, safety controllers and integrated safety systems for oil and gas, petrochemicals, mining, power generation and heavy industry applications.

While many competitors assemble systems using individually certified components, HMA South Africa emphasises complete system certification, ensuring reliability and reducing risk for operators.

“One of our clients effectively paid off their certified system within five years, purely through insurance savings. That demonstrates the long-term value of investing in fully approved and integrated safety systems,” explains Spangenberg.

Growth across Africa

Although mining activity in South Africa remains subdued, demand across the African continent is robust. HMA South Africa has recorded strong year-on-year growth, driven by projects in power, petrochemicals and mining expansions.

“Our focus is not only on supplying equipment but educating clients on proper solutions. That is how we build relationships and ensure clients understand the importance of certified integration,” says Du Plessis.

Whether it is a petrochemicals facility, a power plant, or a heavy industrial or mining operation, HMA South Africa’s approach is based on reliability. By leveraging international brands and local expertise, the company ensures African industries have access to world-class fire and gas suppression technologies and solutions that protect not only assets, but also safeguard productivity and ensure safety.