VFP Fire Systems
VFP Fire Systems designs, installs, inspects, and maintains fire protection and suppression systems for commercial, industrial, residential, and special hazard customers across the United States, operating from 15 offices as a subsidiary of APi Group.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1927
- HeadquartersSaint Paul, United States
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What VFP Fire Systems does
VFP Fire Systems, Inc. is a US fire protection services company founded in 1927 (originally as Viking Fire Protection, rebranded in 2009) and headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota. The company designs, fabricates, installs, inspects, and maintains fire protection and life safety systems for commercial, industrial, residential, and special hazard customers across the United States, operating from 15 office locations spanning 11 states. Its product portfolio spans the full system taxonomy, including wet pipe, dry pipe, pre-action, deluge, ESFR, in-rack, and Quell sprinkler systems, plus specialized suppression (CO2, foam/chemical, gaseous agents FE-13/FM-200/NOVEC 1230) and the Vortex water-nitrogen hybrid system, complemented by alarm and detection, fire extinguishers (as an Amerex distributor), and water testing/corrosion management services.
VFP's underlying technology stack is built around state-of-the-art BIM and CAD capabilities, including AutoSPRINK 3D modeling and integration with Autodesk Navisworks, Bentley Navigator, MicroStation V8i, and Autodesk Revit for multi-trade clash detection and prefabrication, plus advanced job costing and productivity reporting for project managers. The firm is a wholly-owned subsidiary of APi Group, Inc., and partners with APi National Service Group (APi NSG) to deliver coordinated national account service across 80+ US and 18 Canadian branch locations.
The business model is professional services-driven: revenue is generated through project-based installation contracts, recurring inspection/testing/maintenance agreements, and managed national account service arrangements. Pricing is custom and quote-based, scoped to project requirements, regulatory code, and insurance specifications, with multi-year service contracts common. Customers include Fortune 500 industrials (Whirlpool, Kroger, TVA, Louis Dreyfus), general contractors (Whiting-Turner, Kraus-Anderson), real estate operators, universities, and entertainment venues, reached primarily through direct enterprise field sales with dedicated project managers and design specialists.
VFP Fire Systems firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- VFP Fire Systems
- Legal name
- VFP Fire Systems, Inc.
- Website
- https://vfpfire.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1927
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- VFP Fire Systems designs, installs, inspects, and maintains fire protection and suppression systems for commercial, industrial, residential, and special hazard customers across the United States, operating from 15 offices as a subsidiary of APi Group.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
VFP Fire Systems industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Fire Protection Services
- NAICS
- Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors (23822), Security Systems Services (56162)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Fire Protection Systems Contracting (Sprinklers, Alarms, Suppression) (IMAFALAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Fire Sprinkler & Standpipe Systems (Design/Install/Service/Testing) (BPABAHAB), Fire Sprinkler System Installation & Retrofit (IMAIAJAB), Fire Alarm Systems (Design/Install/Service/Monitoring) (BPABAHAA)
Keywords
Where VFP Fire Systems is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Saint Paul
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices15 records
Markets served
VFP Fire Systems business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Fire Protection Systems Installation: Design, fabrication, and installation of fire protection systems for new construction projects and existing facilities. Revenue generated through project-based contracts for commercial, industrial, and residential fire sprinkler systems.
- Inspection and Maintenance Services: Ongoing inspection, testing, repair and maintenance of fire protection systems to assure continued proper functioning. Service contracts and per-incident service calls.
- National Accounts Service: Coordinated service for customers with regional or national property portfolios through APi NSG partnership, including code-required testing, inspections, repair services, and retrofits.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom project-based pricing |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
VFP Fire Systems product offering
Product offeringCore offering
VFP Fire Systems designs, fabricates, installs, maintains, and inspects fire protection systems for commercial, industrial, residential, and special hazard properties throughout the United States. The company provides a complete lifecycle of fire protection services including engineering and design using AutoSPRINK CAD and BIM technologies, fabrication, installation by certified sprinkler fitters, project management, 24/7 inspection and maintenance, and building retrofit services for existing facilities.
Product overview
VFP Fire Systems is a fire protection services company offering a comprehensive portfolio of fire sprinkler and suppression systems combined with related professional services. The core product portfolio includes multiple fire sprinkler system types: Dry Pipe, Wet Pipe, Pre-action, In-Rack, Deluge, ESFR, Quell, and Vortex systems, as well as specialized suppression systems including CO2, Foam/Chemical, and Gaseous agents (FE-13, FM-200, NOVEC 1230). These systems are complemented by alarm, detection, and monitoring solutions, fire extinguisher products, and a full range of professional services including engineering and design, BIM modeling, installation, project management, inspection, and building retrofit. The company operates primarily in the commercial, industrial, and residential construction markets throughout the United States.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Wet Pipe Fire Sprinkler System The most common fire sprinkler system where water is constantly maintained within the sprinkler piping and discharges immediately when a sprinkler activates. Known for simplicity, reliability, and low installation and maintenance costs. Used across commercial, industrial, and residential applications.
- Dry Pipe Fire Sprinkler System A fire sprinkler system where pipes are filled with pressurized air or nitrogen rather than water, with a dry pipe valve preventing water entry until sprinkler operation. Designed for spaces where freezing is possible, such as unheated warehouses, attics, and commercial freezers.
- Pre-action Fire Sprinkler System A fire sprinkler system where water is held from piping by an electrically operated pre-action valve controlled by independent flame, heat, or smoke detection. Requires two separate events for discharge, providing added protection against inadvertent discharge in water-sensitive environments such as data centers and museums.
- In-Rack Sprinkler System Sprinkler systems specifically designed for the protection of racked storage areas in warehouses. Installed on a network of piping within the rack storage structure to contain and extinguish fires in high-piled storage configurations.
- Deluge Fire Sprinkler System A fire sprinkler system with open sprinkler heads connected to a water supply through a deluge valve opened by smoke or heat detection. When activated, water discharges through all sprinkler heads simultaneously. Used in high hazard areas such as power plants, aircraft hangars, and chemical facilities.
- ESFR (Early Suppression Fast Response) Sprinkler System Ceiling-mounted sprinklers providing high output, high volume fire suppression for warehouses without requiring in-rack sprinklers. ESFR sprinklers discharge approximately 100 gallons per minute per sprinkler to suppress fires rather than merely control them.
- Quell Fire Sprinkler System A double interlock pre-action system designed for cold storage and unheated warehouses using a surround and drown method. Eliminates the need for in-rack sprinklers in high piled storage configurations up to 48 feet in height.
- Vortex Fire Suppression System A fire suppression system combining water and nitrogen homogeneously to extinguish fires. Uses 10-micron water droplets to absorb heat while nitrogen reduces oxygen below combustion threshold (14%) while remaining safe for human occupancy. Green technology with zero ozone depletion rating.
- CO2 Fire Suppression System A fire suppression system using carbon dioxide to smother combustion. CO2 is electrically non-conductive, non-damaging to property, environmentally friendly, and adapts to a wide range of hazards including power generation, marine systems, and electronics operations.
- Foam/Chemical Suppression System Fire suppression systems using foam concentrate mixed with water to create a foam blanket that smothers and cools flammable liquid fires. Used in flammable liquid storage, loading racks, refineries, aircraft hangars, and marine applications.
- Gaseous Fire Suppression Systems (FE-13, FM-200, NOVEC 1230) Clean agent fire suppression systems replacing Halon. Total flooding systems safe for occupied spaces with sensitive electronic equipment. FE-13, FM-200, and NOVEC 1230 agents are electrically non-conductive, non-corrosive, leave no residue, and suppress fires within seconds.
- Alarm, Detection & Monitoring Systems Fire alarm and detection systems including smoke and heat detection, flame detection, fire alarm control panels, indicating devices, voice evacuation systems, and 24-hour UL-listed monitoring services.
- Fire Extinguishers Fire extinguisher sales, inspection, and training services. As an Amerex distributor, VFP provides annual inspections, 6-year maintenance, hydro testing, and proper placement and use training for fire extinguishers.
- Engineering & Design Services Fire sprinkler system design using state-of-the-art CAD capabilities and AutoSPRINK 3D modeling software for seamless compatibility with architect and engineer CAD building systems. Includes NICET Level IV certified designers.
- BIM (Building Information Modeling) Services 3D design and Building Information Modeling services using Autodesk Navisworks, Bentley Navigator, Microstation V8i, and Autodesk Revit for multi-trade coordination, clash detection, and prefabrication.
- Installation Services Complete fire protection system installation including pre-installation planning, material delivery, system layout, experienced sprinkler fitter installation, hydrostatic testing, and final inspection.
- Project Management Services Specialized fire protection project management including planning, organizing, scheduling, monitoring compliance with safety, quality, and productivity requirements, and coordination with owners and general contractors.
- Service & Inspection 24/7 service technicians for inspection, water-flow testing, fire pump testing, alarm testing, trip testing, valve maintenance, and obstruction investigations ensuring system compliance and optimal performance.
- Building Retrofit Services Fire protection system retrofit services for existing occupied buildings, evaluating protection needs per current codes and insurance carrier recommendations.
- Water Testing & Corrosion Management Comprehensive corrosion management program including inspection, assessment, mitigation, and communication addressing external and internal corrosion threats to fire sprinkler systems.
Quantifiable outcome
- Home fire sprinkler systems, when coupled with smoke alarms, can reduce the risk of death by fire in a home by 82%, while adding less than 1.5% to total building cost
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use VFP Fire Systems
Customer profileNamed customers15 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
VFP Fire Systems technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
VFP Fire Systems partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- APi GroupcoreVFP Fire Systems is a subsidiary of APi Group, Inc. APi Group is a major provider of fire protection and life safety services. VFP operates as part of APi Group's portfolio of companies, benefiting from corporate resources, shared best practices, and centralized administrative functions.
- APi National Service Group (APi NSG)coreAPi NSG manages national accounts for customers with regional or national property portfolios. They provide single point of contact, 24/7 dispatch service, dedicated account representatives, coordinated inspection services, centralized accounting, and customized training. Over 80 branch office locations in the US and 18 in Canada.
- AmerexminorDirect Amerex distributor for fire extinguishers. Provides sales, annual inspections, 6-year maintenance, hydro testing, and training services for Amerex extinguishers.
- National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA)minorIndustry association membership providing industry standards alignment, networking, and professional development resources for fire protection professionals.
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)minorIndustry association membership providing access to NFPA codes and standards, training resources, and industry leadership in fire protection.
- International Certification Board for NICETminorOrganization for certification of engineering technicians. VFP employs NICET-certified personnel for fire sprinkler design and inspection.
- Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE)minorProfessional society for fire protection engineers. Membership supports technical excellence and professional development.
- Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA)minorIndustry association for construction financial professionals. Supports business relationships and industry networking.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
VFP Fire Systems competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Koorsen Fire & Security: Indiana-based full-service fire protection, security, and life safety contractor offering design, installation, inspection, and monitoring across fire sprinkler, alarm, suppression, and extinguisher lines. Directly comparable to VFP in scope, customer mix (commercial + industrial + national accounts), and Midwest/Southeast branch footprint.
- Impact Fire Services: Multi-regional fire sprinkler and suppression contractor built via roll-up acquisitions across the South and West. Comparable to VFP in offering breadth (wet, dry, pre-action, deluge, ESFR, special hazard) and growth-via-acquisition model, though more concentrated in Texas and Southeast.
- Ryan Fireprotection: Minnesota-based (VFP neighbor) specialty fire protection contractor serving commercial, industrial, and residential customers across the Upper Midwest with design, installation, and inspection services. Direct geographic and service-line overlap with VFP, particularly relevant for Minneapolis-St. Paul corridor competition.
- Century Fire Protection: Southeast US-based full-service fire sprinkler and suppression contractor serving commercial, industrial, and multifamily residential markets with design-build, installation, and inspection services. Comparable in scope and segment mix to VFP, with overlapping presence in Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.
- Summit Fire & Security: Privately held multi-regional fire sprinkler, suppression, alarm, and security systems integrator across the Midwest, South, and Eastern US. Comparable to VFP in offering breadth and national account servicing, with broader geographic spread east of the Mississippi.
- Anchor Fire Protection: Regional fire sprinkler and suppression contractor operating in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast with design, installation, and inspection services. Comparable in segment focus (commercial, industrial, multifamily) and size, overlapping with VFP's Gulf/Southeastern footprint.
- Horn's Fire Protection: Indiana-headquartered fire protection contractor offering sprinkler, alarm, suppression, extinguisher, and monitoring services across the Midwest. Directly comparable to VFP in service mix and customer base; relevant peer for Ohio/Indiana project competition.
Broad incumbents
- Cintas Fire Protection: Operates within Cintas Corporation's facility services platform, providing fire protection, sprinkler service, and extinguisher maintenance to commercial customers nationally. Comparable as a fire-protection services business but sits inside a much broader uniform/route-based services giant, so it competes on national account penetration rather than specialty trade depth.
- Grunau Company: APi Group sister subsidiary providing fire protection, plumbing, and mechanical services primarily in the Midwest. Sister-company relationship means customers and capital are coordinated through APi, but Grunau operates largely independently with overlapping geographic presence to VFP.
Regional players
- Performance Industrial: Industrial-focused mechanical and fire protection contractor serving refinery, petrochemical, and heavy industrial customers primarily in the US Gulf Coast. Comparable to VFP's industrial/high-hazard segment, with stronger petrochemical concentration than VFP.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
VFP Fire Systems social profiles
Digital presenceVFP Fire Systems financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
VFP Fire Systems leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
VFP Fire Systems funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
VFP Fire Systems M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about VFP Fire Systems
What does VFP Fire Systems do?
VFP Fire Systems designs, fabricates, installs, maintains, and inspects fire protection systems for commercial, industrial, residential, and special hazard properties throughout the United States. The company provides a complete lifecycle of fire protection services including engineering and design using AutoSPRINK CAD and BIM technologies, fabrication, installation by certified sprinkler fitters, project management, 24/7 inspection and maintenance, and building retrofit services for existing facilities.
Is VFP Fire Systems a public or private company?
VFP Fire Systems is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was VFP Fire Systems founded?
VFP Fire Systems was founded in 1927. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is VFP Fire Systems based?
VFP Fire Systems is headquartered in Saint Paul, United States, in the North America region.
How does VFP Fire Systems make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Fire Protection Systems Installation is the primary driver. The others are inspection and Maintenance Services and national Accounts Service.
Who are VFP Fire Systems's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Koorsen Fire & Security, Impact Fire Services, Ryan Fireprotection, Century Fire Protection, Summit Fire & Security, Anchor Fire Protection and Horn's Fire Protection. Broad incumbents are Cintas Fire Protection and Grunau Company. Performance Industrial is listed as a regional player.
Does VFP Fire Systems have an API?
No public API is recorded for VFP Fire Systems.
What industry is VFP Fire Systems in?
VFP Fire Systems's product category is Fire Protection Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAFALAD, Fire Protection Systems Contracting (Sprinklers, Alarms, Suppression), with a secondary code of BPABAHAB, Fire Sprinkler & Standpipe Systems (Design/Install/Service/Testing). Its NAICS code is 23822.