Afex
AFEX Fire Suppression Systems, founded 1968 in Raleigh, NC, manufactures fire suppression systems exclusively for heavy-duty mobile equipment serving mining, oil & gas, forestry, and waste handling operators globally through direct sales and a 100+ distributor network.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1968
- HeadquartersRaleigh, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Afex does
AFEX Fire Suppression Systems (legal entity Bonaventure Group, Inc.) is a family-owned private manufacturer founded in 1968 and headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina. The company specializes exclusively in fire suppression systems for heavy-duty mobile equipment, operating with 51-100 employees across a single manufacturing and corporate facility in Raleigh. AFEX self-describes as the number one manufacturer of fire suppression systems in the Americas and distributes globally through a network of 100+ trained distributors spanning North and South America, Europe, Africa, Australia, and Asia.
The core product portfolio consists of dry chemical, liquid chemical, dual agent, and compact liquid agent fire suppression systems, paired with a proprietary Control Unit featuring telematics connectivity, a 3,272-entry internal data logger, programmable LCD display, dual detection circuits, and enhanced EMI/power surge protection. All systems are third-party certified to FM 5970 HDME, ISO 9001:2015, CE, and ActivFire AS 5062:2022 standards. AFEX sells through three primary go-to-market motions: direct enterprise sales to large mining, oil and gas, forestry, and waste handling operators; OEM factory-installation partnerships with John Deere, Liebherr, and Ground Force Worldwide; and a global distributor channel providing installation, service, and aftermarket parts. The business model is quote-based enterprise B2B with multi-year contracts, targeting primary segments of mining, oil/gas/energy, and forestry, alongside secondary segments including waste handling, construction, agriculture, transportation, steel, coal, and wood/paper products.
Revenue is generated through complete fire suppression hardware system sales and an ongoing aftermarket stream of replacement parts, recharges, and technical service delivered through the distributor network. Recent strategic activity includes the 2023 official African market expansion (systems now deployed in 10+ African nations), the 2025-2026 Compact Series product launches targeting smaller equipment applications, and the 2026 Groeneveld-BEKA partnership combining lubrication and fire suppression solutions. Named enterprise customers include Vale SA, Newmont Corporation, Ferreyros CAT, U&M Mineracao, First Quantum Minerals (Cobre Panama), Waste Pro, ProPetro, and Komatsu-affiliated distributors across the Americas, Africa, and Oceania.
Afex firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Afex
- Legal name
- Bonaventure Group, Inc.
- Website
- https://afexsystems.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1968
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- AFEX Fire Suppression Systems, founded 1968 in Raleigh, NC, manufactures fire suppression systems exclusively for heavy-duty mobile equipment serving mining, oil & gas, forestry, and waste handling operators globally through direct sales and a 100+ distributor network.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Afex industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Fire Suppression Systems for Heavy Equipment
- NAICS
- Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451), Motor Vehicle Electrical and Electronic Equipment Manufacturing (33632)
- SIC
- Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Special Hazard Fire Suppression Systems (Clean Agent/Foam/CO₂/Kitchen Hood) (BPABAHAD)
Keywords
Where Afex is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Raleigh
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Afex business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Fire Suppression System Sales: AFEX generates revenue through the sale of fire suppression hardware systems including dry chemical, liquid chemical, dual agent, and compact systems. These are sold as complete packaged systems with components including tanks, nozzles, detection circuits, control units, and piping.
- Aftermarket Parts & Service: Ongoing revenue from replacement parts, system recharges, maintenance services, and technical support through the global distributor network. Distributors provide in-field technical support, local spare parts availability, and after-sales care.
- OEM Option Packages: Systems sold as factory-installed options through OEM partners like John Deere, with system costs included in equipment financing packages for improved customer cash flow.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Enterprise B2B pricing - Custom quotes for complete fire suppression systems |
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
Afex product offering
Product offeringCore offering
AFEX designs, manufactures, and supplies fire suppression systems purpose-built for heavy-duty mobile equipment such as haul trucks, loaders, dozers, drills, feller bunchers, and rail maintenance machines. Its offering spans dry chemical, liquid chemical, dual agent, and compact liquid agent suppression systems, supported by an in-cab Control Unit detection and monitoring panel with telematics, plus aftermarket parts, installation, and service through a global distributor network.
Product overview
AFEX Fire Suppression Systems offers a comprehensive portfolio of fire suppression products and services exclusively for heavy-duty mobile equipment. The product line centers on three main suppression technologies: Dry Chemical Systems, Liquid Chemical Systems, and Dual Agent Systems (which combines both). The Dual Agent System represents the company's flagship offering, delivering dry chemical for rapid flame knockdown followed by liquid agent for surface cooling and reignition prevention. Supporting the core suppression systems is the Detection & Monitoring product line featuring the Control Unit—an advanced in-cab monitoring panel with telematics connectivity, programmable LCD display, and dual detection circuits. The Compact Liquid Agent System extends the portfolio to smaller equipment applications. The company also provides accessories and comprehensive services including installation, maintenance, and ongoing support through a global distributor network. All systems are designed and manufactured in Raleigh, NC, USA, and backed by third-party certifications including FM 5970 HDME and ActivFire AS 5062.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Dry Chemical Fire Suppression Systems Fire suppression systems using dry chemical agents for fast flame knockdown and fire suppression on heavy-duty mobile equipment operating in mining, construction, forestry, and other heavy industries.
- Liquid Chemical Fire Suppression Systems Fire suppression systems using liquid chemical agents to cool hot surfaces and prevent fire reignition on heavy mobile equipment operating in harsh environments.
- Dual Agent Fire Suppression Systems Advanced fire suppression systems combining dry chemical for rapid flame knockdown with liquid agent for cooling hot surfaces and preventing reignition, designed to deliver comprehensive fire protection on heavy mobile equipment.
- Compact Liquid Agent Fire Suppression System Compact fire suppression system designed for smaller equipment in industries such as forestry, transportation, and underground mining, available in 1.5-gallon and 3-gallon configurations with FM 5970 HDME certification.
- Detection & Monitoring (Control Unit) Advanced fire detection display and monitoring panel mounted inside equipment cabs, featuring an integrated programmable LCD display, standalone battery, internal data logger, telematics connectivity, audible alarm and LED lights, and up to two simultaneous detection circuits with EMI and power surge protection.
- Fire Suppression Accessories Supplementary components and parts for AFEX fire suppression systems, including installation hardware, replacement parts, and system accessories.
- Fire Suppression Services Comprehensive services covering initial quote, installation, ongoing service, and technical support for AFEX fire suppression systems, delivered by the company's in-house teams and global network of trained distributors.
- Next-Generation Compact Panel V2.0 Redesigned next-generation compact monitor panel with integrated on-panel press-to-discharge actuation for immediate system discharge, expanded power flexibility, and simplified installation.
Quantifiable outcome
- System successfully detected and extinguished engine compartment fire within weeks of installation, allowing machine to return to service with only minor damage
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Afex
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments10 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Afex technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Afex partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered strategic, minor and core.
- Groeneveld-BEKAstrategicPartnership building momentum to bring fire suppression solutions to heavy equipment fleets. Combines Groeneveld-BEKA's lubrication systems expertise with AFEX fire suppression for integrated heavy equipment protection solutions.
- NewmontstrategicNewmont participated as guest speaker at AFEX 2025 Distributor Training School. Graeme Robinson (Principal Advisor, Asset Management) shared how Newmont developed its Fire Risk Management (FiRM) program using structured, data-driven approach to mobile equipment fire risk classification and mitigation.
- Komatsu ChilestrategicKomatsu Chile participated as guest speaker at AFEX 2025 Distributor Training School. Francisco Rivera Bogdanic (Product Support Director) highlighted collaborative Fire Risk Assessments with AFEX and Fluitek in Antofagasta, emphasizing impact on operator safety and social license to operate.
- CSIRO (Australia)minorAustralia's national science agency participated as guest speaker at AFEX 2025 Distributor Training School. Dr. Christopher Preston (Director of Infrastructure Technologies) provided overview of ActivFire Certification Scheme and AS 5062:2022 standard evolution.
- John DeerecoreAFEX systems available as factory-installed option on John Deere tracked feller bunchers, wheeled feller bunchers, and skidders. Option codes included at time of purchase with financing. Also partnered with Paladin CustomWorks to offer AFEX systems on any John Deere vehicle platform.
- LiebherrcoreLiebherr features AFEX systems on T284 mining trucks (featured at MINExpo 2016) and PR 776 hydrostatically-powered crawler dozer. Partnership showcases AFEX on world-class mining equipment at major industry events.
- Ground Force WorldwideminorMining support equipment manufacturer featuring AFEX-equipped machines at MINExpo 2016. Designs, engineers, and manufactures mine support equipment including fuel/lube trucks, water trucks, and cable reel trucks.
- Fluitekcore10-year partnership (since 2014) with Chile-based distributor Fluitek, which has installed hundreds of systems across mining, construction, and forestry equipment in Chile. Fluitek provides in-field technical support, local spare parts availability, and after-sales care. Key partner for Cobre Panama and other South American mining operations.
- First Quantum MineralsstrategicAFEX systems chosen for Cobre Panama project (Minera Panama), one of the world's largest copper mines. Approximately 50 machines equipped with AFEX systems including Komatsu WA600 auxiliary machines. Fluitek provided installation services.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Afex competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Amerex Corporation: Amerex is a major US manufacturer of fire extinguishers and fire suppression systems serving industrial, vehicle, and commercial markets. It directly competes with AFEX in mobile and industrial fire suppression equipment.
- Firetrace International: Firetrace International manufactures automatic fire detection and suppression systems using clean agents, dry chemical, and CO2 for industrial, vehicle, and heavy-equipment applications. It is a direct competitor to AFEX in the mobile/industrial equipment fire suppression category.
- Buckeye Fire Equipment: Buckeye Fire Equipment is a US-based manufacturer of fire extinguishers and clean-agent fire suppression systems, including systems for industrial and mobile equipment. It competes with AFEX in the broader industrial fire suppression equipment market.
- Stat-X (Ruggid): Stat-X (owned by Ruggid) manufactures condensed aerosol fire suppression systems for industrial, mining, heavy mobile equipment, and vehicle applications. It directly competes with AFEX in providing fire suppression solutions for heavy-duty equipment, particularly in mining and energy.
- Fogmaker: Fogmaker is a Swedish manufacturer of water-mist fire suppression systems for heavy mobile equipment including mining machines, forestry equipment, buses, and construction vehicles. It competes head-to-head with AFEX in the heavy-equipment fire suppression niche, particularly in Europe and mining markets.
- Ansul (Johnson Controls): Ansul is one of the most established manufacturers of special hazard fire suppression systems for industrial and mobile equipment, including dry chemical and foam systems for heavy machinery. It is a direct competitor to AFEX in the heavy-equipment fire suppression category, with a much larger corporate parent (Johnson Controls) providing scale advantages.
Broad incumbents
- Kidde (Carrier Global): Kidde, owned by Carrier Global Corporation, manufactures a broad portfolio of fire detection and suppression products spanning residential, commercial, industrial, and vehicle applications. It overlaps with AFEX in industrial/vehicle fire suppression but operates at much greater scale and across wider end-markets.
- Minimax: Minimax is a German-based global fire protection company offering detection, suppression, and fire safety systems across industrial, marine, and commercial sectors. It is a broader incumbent competitor to AFEX, with overlap in industrial and mobile equipment fire suppression as part of a larger portfolio.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Afex social profiles
Digital presenceAfex compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance5 records
Afex financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Afex leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
Afex funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Afex 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 Afex
What does Afex do?
AFEX designs, manufactures, and supplies fire suppression systems purpose-built for heavy-duty mobile equipment such as haul trucks, loaders, dozers, drills, feller bunchers, and rail maintenance machines. Its offering spans dry chemical, liquid chemical, dual agent, and compact liquid agent suppression systems, supported by an in-cab Control Unit detection and monitoring panel with telematics, plus aftermarket parts, installation, and service through a global distributor network.
Is Afex a public or private company?
Afex is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Afex founded?
Afex was founded in 1968. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Afex based?
Afex is headquartered in Raleigh, United States, in the North America region.
How does Afex make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Fire Suppression System Sales are the primary driver. The others are aftermarket Parts & Service and OEM Option Packages.
Who are Afex's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Amerex Corporation, Firetrace International, Buckeye Fire Equipment, Stat-X (Ruggid), Fogmaker and Ansul (Johnson Controls). Broad incumbents are Kidde (Carrier Global) and Minimax.
Does Afex have an API?
No public API is recorded for Afex.
What industry is Afex in?
Afex's product category is Fire Suppression Systems for Heavy Equipment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPABAHAD, Special Hazard Fire Suppression Systems (Clean Agent/Foam/CO₂/Kitchen Hood). Its NAICS code is 33451 and its SIC code is 3823.