United States. Honeywell said it has signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Fiplex Communications, Inc., a Miami-based company that develops communications systems for buildings, including bidirectional amplifiers (BPDs) that provide continuous, critical radio coverage inside the building in challenging environments to improve the safety of building occupants and first responders.
The acquisition will expand the in-building communications and connectivity solutions that Honeywell offers its customers. Fiplex's solutions will become an innovation platform for Honeywell's wireless technologies.
"We seek to reshape the way communications and connectivity work within buildings. The addition of Fiplex's products and software allows us to move toward creating the next generation of fire and life safety solutions to keep both building occupants and first responders safer," said Vimal Kapur, president and CEO of Honeywell Building Technologies. "The Fiplex team brings superior engineering talent and unique capabilities for wireless communications that will enable us to enhance our internal communications offerings and complement our innovative, industry-leading solutions."
According to a 2017 survey by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) conducted by the Safer Buildings Coalition, 56% of fire departments have experienced a communications failure in a building during an emergency event, leaving firefighters and other first responders virtually stranded in these situations after losing. communications. In-building communications systems, such as those at Fiplex, allow first responders to stay connected throughout a building that may have poor cellular signal due to low-e glass windows, energy-saving cladding or wall composition, and even in underground areas such as parking lots. In-building communications can also support occupant safety with timely, clear, and accurate notifications of emergencies and recommended responses.
"Honeywell has long demonstrated its leadership in the fire safety and life industry, and we are pleased to join its team," said Matias de Goycoechea, Fiplex's president and chief technology officer. "We look forward to working with Honeywell to expand our technological advancements and support the creation of better-connected buildings."
Fiplex FLEX ™ is a flexible and scalable embedded wireless platform that delivers the highest levels of performance, survivability, and deployment efficiency to meet the requirements of public safety stakeholders.
Terms of the investment were not disclosed and there are no changes to Honeywell's financial outlook as a result of the acquisition. The acquisition is pending the usual conditions of closing the deal.
