Wichmann Fire Protection Systems enable installers, specialist planners and building owners to implement fire protection regulations with ease. The company has been developing and producing industrially prefabricated penetration seals in Attendorn, Germany, since 1981. The founder of the family business, Walter Wichmann, set himself the goal of making the sealing of cables and conduits as simple as possible.
Only four years later, he was able to turn his vision into reality: In 1985, the Wichmann Cable Box WD90 received approval in Germany as the first industrially prefabricated firestop. Today, the sustainable Wichmann solutions are used in Germany’s most renowned construction projects.
Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
WICHMANN: Development, production and distribution of solutions both for structural fire protection and active fire protection.
E.E: What’s the news for 2021 about new products?
WICHMANN: We are incredibly proud having launched our new Instafix BKI fire protection duct this year. This feather-light installation duct enables installers to contain fire loads in escape and rescue routes much more easily.
E.E: What are the ranges of products?
WICHMANN: The product catalogue of Wichmann Fire Protection Systems includes state-of-the-art penetration seals, modular cable transits and installation ducts. Our range for active fire prevention systems extends from solutions for small server rooms to high bay warehouses.
E.E: At what stage is the market where you are currently active?
WICHMANN: Many industry players are increasingly struggling with blatantly rising raw material prices. Some raw materials are hardly available anymore. But we are confident about the future. We offer a wide range of products, and we always made a virtue out of necessity. That’s how the first Wichmann cable box came to be. It’s what innovators do.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
WICHMANN: BIM is the number one trend right now. It’s both a challenge and a great opportunity for us and the entire industry. But more importantly, if we do not want to deprive ourselves of our livelihoods in the medium term, sustainability will not only become a trend, but a compelling necessity. Wichmann has always been about sustainable fire protection. We will play an important role in this future, that’s for sure, and we are proud that we can already offer a solution to these challenges today.
E.E: What are the most innovative products marketed?
WICHMANN: That’s the Instafix BKI fire protection duct – no question about it. Unlike conventional ducts, the Wichmann Instafix uses a high-performance intumescent instead of the common but heavy mineral wool, silicate or plaster. The intumescent swells when exposed to heat, and completely seals the duct. The Instafix duct allows for faster installation thanks to the up to 95% thinner wall thickness. Due to the small overall cross-section compared to other ducts, you can install the Wichmann Instafix in confined spaces. The low weight is a true game changer. You need fewer fixing points during installation. This way you will save space, time and money.
E.E: What estimations do you have for 2021?
WICHMANN: It remains to be seen for how long the raw material shortage will have an impact and when the situation will improve again, but on the other hand the German construction industry seems to remain on the growth path in 2021 as well, again unimpressed by the Corona pandemic. So, expectations are positive.
