What Vimpex does

Vimpex Ltd is a UK-based industrial manufacturer and distributor founded in 1994 and headquartered in Great Wakering, Essex, with European operations through wholly-owned subsidiaries Vimpex Europe BV (Netherlands) and Vimpex Sweden AB. The company operates four interconnected product divisions: Notification Products (Identifire Pro sounders and visual alarm devices, Fire-Cryer and Identi-Cryer voice evacuation and lockdown systems, Hydrosense water leak detection, ClamBell hinged fire alarm bells, Smart+Guard anti-vandal covers, Identi-Leak), Rescue and PPE (PAB MP1 helmets, Athena gloves, FirstLook 360 search camera, HIKMICRO thermal imaging, DIABLo EV immobiliser, EV fire blankets), Industrial Equipment (Ogura rebar cutters, benders, and hole punchers), and the Scandecon decontamination platform (Lejon Kemi detergents, Electrolux Professional laundry equipment, Werma hose cleaning machines). Multiple product lines (Identifire, ClamBell, Fire-Cryer, Smart+Guard, Hydrosense, DIABLo) are UK-manufactured and carry EN54, LPCB, IP56, and other third-party certifications.

Vimpex makes money primarily through B2B hardware sales, with pricing on a quote basis and multi-year contracts for major accounts. Revenue streams include direct manufacture of in-house notification products, exclusive UK and European distribution of third-party brands (PAB helmets, Ogura tools, HIKMICRO thermal cameras, Werma hose machines), OEM customisation with customer-branded faceplates, and professional services through its Ogura Service Centre (annual strip-downs, PAT testing, logged service history). The Scandecon decontamination offering combines hardware sales with detergent consumables and consultancy, creating a recurring consumable revenue layer.

The go-to-market model is sales-led and channel-driven: direct field sales for major emergency-services and infrastructure accounts, supported by a network of specialist fire alarm installers, regional distributors, OEM manufacturers, and the company-operated European subsidiaries. Target customers include UK and European fire and rescue services, ambulance trusts, educational institutions (schools and universities), commercial real estate, data centres, airports, and industrial construction firms. The company self-describes as Europe's leading independent manufacturer and distributor of fire evacuation and alarm products and the UK's leading independent supplier of specialist technical rescue products.

Name

Vimpex

Legal name

Vimpex Ltd

Website

https://vimpex.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Vimpex Ltd is a UK-based independent manufacturer and distributor of fire detection, evacuation, and technical rescue products, serving fire and rescue services, emergency medical services, educational institutions, and commercial infrastructure across the UK and Europe.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Fire Safety and Evacuation Equipment

NAICS

Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths) (561621), Security Systems Services (56162)

SIC

Specialty Cleaning, Polishing And Sanitation Preparations (2842), Construction Machinery & Equip (3531)

akta.pro primary industry

Ancillary Fire Safety Devices & Integration (Audible/Visual Alarms, Strobes, Sirens) (HSAHAFAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

System Monitoring & Dispatch Services (Fire/CO Alarm Monitoring) (HSAHAFAF), Testing, Inspection, Maintenance & Compliance Services (NFPA/Local Code) (HSAHAFAG), Fire/Rescue & Emergency Services Gear Laundry (HSAJAEAJ), Special Hazard Fire Suppression Systems (Clean Agent/Foam/CO₂/Kitchen Hood) (BPABAHAD), Emergency Decontamination & Site Stabilization (Neutralization, Vapor Suppression, Temporary Caps) (EUAIAMAG)

Keywords

• Fire detection systems
• Evacuation alarm products
• Water leak detection
• Technical rescue equipment
• Firefighter decontamination

Headquarters

HQ city

City Of London

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Fire Detection and Evacuation Products: Manufacture and distribution of fire notification and alarm system products including sounders, VADs, beacons, voice enhanced systems, and evacuation products for installers, distributors, and OEM manufacturers.
2. Technical Rescue Equipment: Supply of specialist technical rescue products and PPE to fire, rescue, police, military and emergency services teams including helmets, gloves, boots, lighting, rescue tools, and damage control equipment.
3. Industrial Equipment: European distribution and service of Ogura Industrial Tools including rebar cutters, benders, and hole punches. Includes service, repairs, and spare parts.
4. Service and Maintenance: Annual servicing plans for Ogura tools and industrial equipment including full strip down, oil replacement, functionality checks, electrical PAT testing, and logged service history.
5. Decontamination Solutions: Scandecon branded detergents, equipment, machinery, consultancy and turnkey solutions for firefighter PPE decontamination including washing machines, drying equipment, and cleaning agents.
6. OEM Customisation: Customisation of in-house products with customer branding professionally applied to faceplates prior to dispatch.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Vimpex manufactures and distributes fire detection, evacuation, and technical rescue products for emergency services, commercial buildings, education, and industrial customers. The portfolio spans notification products (Identifire Pro, Fire-Cryer, Identi-Cryer, ClamBell, Hydrosense, Smart+Guard), rescue and PPE equipment (PAB helmets, Athena gloves, DIABLo EV immobiliser, FirstLook 360 camera, HIKMICRO thermal cameras), Scandecon firefighter decontamination solutions, and Ogura industrial rebar tools. UK-based in-house manufacturing supports multi-channel distribution across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.

Product overview

Vimpex is Europe's leading independent manufacturer and distributor of fire detection, evacuation, and technical rescue products, operating as a multi-category platform. The core product portfolio comprises three interconnected divisions: Notification Products (including Identifire Pro, Fire-Cryer, Identi-Cryer, Hydrosense, ClamBell, and Smart+Guard), Rescue & PPE (featuring PAB MP1 helmets, Athena gloves, DIABLo EV immobiliser, FirstLook 360 cameras, HIKMICRO thermal cameras, and EV fire suppressor blankets), and Industrial Equipment (Ogura rebar cutters, benders, and hole punchers with Makita battery compatibility). Additionally, Vimpex offers Scandecon decontamination solutions encompassing Lejon Kemi detergents, Electrolux Professional laundry equipment, and Werma hose cleaning machines. The company manufactures products in the UK (including ClamBell, Identifire, Fire-Cryer, Smart+Guard, and Hydrosense) and distributes internationally through subsidiaries Vimpex Europe BV and Vimpex Sweden AB.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Identifire: Fire, security and building alarm system notification and evacuation products including sounders, VADs, VIDs and accessories
• Fire-Cryer
• Identi-Cryer
• ClamBell
• Hydrosense
• Smart+Guard
• Scandecon
• Ogura Industrial Tools
• DIABLo

Products and services

• Identifire Pro Audio Visual Devices First-of-a-generation range of electronic sounders and audio visual alarm devices for fire, security, and building alarm systems. Offers over 200 product variations including sounders, Visual Alarm Devices (VADs), and Visual Indicating Devices (VIDs) approved to EN54, AUS, and Marine standards, with five mounting options and a consistent form factor for fast installation.
• Fire-Cryer Voice Enhanced Sounders Voice enhanced sounders that deliver clear, unambiguous, multilingual messages to reduce evacuation times and improve safety during fire emergencies. EN54-3 approved with multiple message capability and optional integral beacons, available in Midi, Mini and Plus models.
• Identi-Cryer Voice Alert System Voice system providing clear, reliable voice alerts for lockdown scenarios, security breaches, chemical alarms, smoke curtain warnings, and general building information. Includes control panels, message controllers, and voice sounders supporting multiple languages and real-time instructions.
• Hydrosense Water Leak Detection System Water leak detection system applying EN-approved fire detection technology to protect critical IT and communication infrastructure from water ingress. Features continuous 24/7 monitoring, 72-hour battery standby, and optional voice sounder integration.
• ClamBell Fire Alarm Bell UK manufactured fire alarm bell with a unique hinged design that swings shut after installation, enabling installation in under 2 minutes. Approved to EN54 Part 3 by LPCB, pending UL 464 for the US market, and independently IP56 tested by Intertek.
• Smart+Guard Protective Covers and Anti-Vandal Devices Tough polycarbonate hinged protective cover for emergency switches and devices, providing protection from vandalism, accidental damage, or misuse. Optional battery-powered 90dB alarm and break seal deterrent.
• PAB MP1 Professional Helmet Professional helmet for emergency services, supplied by Vimpex as the UK sole distributor of PAB. Features lightweight design, secure side-closure clip, comfortable fit for glasses wearers, and compact storage in paramedic bags.
• Athena Rescue Gloves Firefighting gloves designed specifically for and trusted by Emergency Service teams throughout the UK and Europe, including the Athena EX-1 RSQ model used by fire and rescue cadets.
• DIABLo EV Immobiliser Compact, rugged double-ended immobiliser device for emergency services to safely immobilise electric and hybrid vehicles. Simulates the charging process to prevent HV current flow; UK-designed and manufactured.
• FirstLook 360 Rescue Camera World's first wireless, live-streaming 360-degree technical rescue and search camera. Features twin cameras, spherical view, HD streaming to Android devices, two-way audio, adjustable LEDs, and rugged water-resistant construction. Available in the UK exclusively from Vimpex.
• HIKMICRO Thermal Imaging Cameras Thermal imaging cameras for firefighting, search and rescue, overhaul and industrial fire response. Includes FB Series for rapid search, FT Series for high-performance interior operations, and FP Series for marine and industrial applications, built for total darkness and dense smoke conditions.
• EV Fire Suppressor Blankets Specialist blankets designed for suppressing electric vehicle fires, used by fire, police, ambulance, military, and emergency services teams as part of the technical rescue equipment portfolio.
• Identi-Leak Water Leak Detection System Water leak detection system complementing the Hydrosense range, expanding Vimpex's notification and detection product portfolio for protecting buildings and infrastructure.
• Ogura Industrial Tools (Rebar Cutters, Benders, and Hole Punchers) Exclusive European dealer and service agent for Ogura rebar cutters, benders, and metal hole punchers. Cordless models use Makita battery technology, including the HB-180BL cordless rebar bender, plus various hydraulic and mechanical cutters and benders.
• Lejon Kemi Decontamination Detergents Cleaning products specifically designed for washing firefighting gear, including FPG Wash, LTW Detergent, FFE Cleaner, Hose Cleaning Agent, SPC Impregnant, and SRP Defoamer. Removes up to 95% of cancer-causing contaminants, independently verified by Swedish and German laboratories.
• Werma Hose Cleaning Machines Exclusive UK distributor of Swedish Werma PLC-controlled hose cleaning machines that unwind, scrub, clean, test, and dry fire hoses. One-man operation cleaning up to 14 hose lengths per hour.
• Scandecon Decontamination Solutions Comprehensive firefighter decontamination system including Lejon Kemi detergents, Electrolux Professional laundry equipment, Werma hose cleaning machines, and consultancy services. Scientific approach with up to 95% removal of cancer-causing contaminants and precisely designed washing programmes for Miele, Wexiodisk, and RESCUE Intellitech machines.
• Service Centre (Ogura Industrial Tools Servicing) Annual servicing plan for Ogura industrial tools and equipment, including full strip down, oil replacement, functionality checks, electrical PAT testing, and logged service history, delivered through Vimpex's specialised workshop and Ogura-trained engineers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Evacuation times significantly reduced with Fire-Cryer voice technology compared to traditional bells or electronic sounders
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature10 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Ogura Industrial ToolscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive European dealer and service agent for Ogura Industrial and Construction products including Rebar Cutters, Rebar Benders, and Metal Hole Punchers. Vimpex stocks, supplies, services and repairs Ogura machines with specialised workshop and Ogura-trained engineers.
• PAB HelmetscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUK's sole distributor of the PAB MP1 Professional Helmet for emergency services including ambulance, fire, and rescue teams.
• Electrolux ProfessionalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerScandecon Strategic Partners to Electrolux Professional providing full range of laundry solutions to UK Fire Services including barrier washers, dryers, PPE washers with proven decontamination programmes.
• FAL Safety BootsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership providing FAL Safety Boots as part of PPE offering to emergency services customers.
• HIKMICROcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUK distributor of HIKMICRO thermal imaging cameras for firefighting, search and rescue, overhaul and industrial fire response.
• WermacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive UK distributor for Swedish Werma hose cleaning machines providing fire services with full hose cleaning capabilities.
• Lejon KemicoreTechnology or IntegrationSupplier of Lejon Kemi decontamination detergents - the only cleaning products specifically designed for firefighting gear, removing up to 95% of cancer-causing contaminants with independent laboratory verification.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Hochiki Europe: UK-based manufacturer of fire detection and alarm products with EN54-certified analogue addressable and conventional devices, directly competing with Vimpex's Identifire Pro and Fire-Cryer lines for the same installer and distributor channel.
• Apollo Fire Detectors: Major European manufacturer of fire detection devices, sounders, and VADs, overlapping heavily with Vimpex's notification product portfolio and serving the same fire-system installer network.
• C-TEC: UK manufacturer of fire alarm panels, disabled-refuge systems, and VADs, directly competing with Vimpex's Identifire, Fire-Cryer, and Identi-Cryer notification range for building-safety specifications.
• Cranford Controls: UK manufacturer of conventional and addressable fire alarm sounders, VADs, and beacons — a closely comparable product set to Vimpex's Identifire Pro audio/visual devices.
• Klaxon Signals (Texecom): Manufacturer of fire alarm sounders, beacons, and VADs under the Klaxon brand, directly comparable to Vimpex's notification and evacuation product portfolio.
• FFE (Fire Fighting Enterprises): UK-based supplier of specialist fire detection and suppression products including optical beam smoke detectors and flame detectors, serving the same fire-safety installer channel as Vimpex.

Broad incumbents

• Honeywell Fire Safety: Global fire detection and alarm incumbent (Notifier, Morley, ESSER) whose broad product portfolio, EN54 certifications, and global channel directly overlap Vimpex's core notification business, especially in commercial and enterprise tenders.
• Eaton (Cooper Lighting / Wheelock): Diversified power management and life-safety group that produces fire alarm notification appliances (Wheelock, Cooper), competing with Vimpex's Identifire Pro range in enterprise and infrastructure projects.
• Gentex Corporation: US manufacturer of audible/visual notification appliances and fire-protective signaling, comparable to Vimpex's sounder and VAD products with a strong North American footprint Vimpex cannot yet access.

Emerging players

• Bull Products: UK-based specialist in temporary and construction-site fire safety, alarm, and evacuation products, with overlapping voice-sounder and fire-detection offerings for construction and infrastructure markets that Vimpex also targets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/vimpexltd
• Facebookfacebook.com/VimpexLimited94
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/vimpex-ltd

Compliance11 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Vimpex