Raleigh, NC, USA, May 6, 2025 – AFEX Fire Suppression Systems, specialists in designing and manufacturing fire protection systems for heavy-duty mobile equipment, proudly hosted its annual Distributor Training School on April 8-9, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina. The event welcomed 66 attendees from 10 countries across North and South America, Europe, and Australia, advancing AFEX’s mission of empowering distributors with the tools and training needed to deliver exceptional fire protection solutions.
Distributors from Around the World Attend Two-Day Training
Representatives from Australia, Great Britain, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Colombia, Nicaragua, Peru, Canada, and the United States gathered for two full days of technical sessions, product updates, hands-on learning, and knowledge-sharing with AFEX product support and engineering experts.
Attendees received in-depth instruction on:
- System components and installation best practices
- Updates on certifications, including ActivFire AS 5062:2022 y FM 5970:2022 HDME standards
- Hands-on training with the AFEX Control Unit
- New training resources
Introducing the Compact System for Smaller Equipment
A major highlight of the 2025 Training School was the rollout of AFEX’s new Compact Fire Suppression System, designed specifically for smaller equipment across industries such as transporte, forestry, and underground mining. The session focused on product features, installation flexibility, orientation options, and maintenance procedures. Distributors left ready to promote, install, and service the Compact System in growing markets.
Industry Experts Share Fire Risk Insights
This year’s event was elevated by the inclusion of three guest speakers who provided practical, industry-driven insights on fire risk mitigation and compliance:
Graeme Robinson, Principal Advisor, Asset Management at Newmont, shared how the global mining leader developed its Fire Risk Management (FiRM) program. His presentation offered distributors a detailed look at how Newmont classifies, analyzes, and mitigates mobile equipment fire risks through a structured, data-driven approach.
Francisco Rivera Bogdanic, Product Support Director at Komatsu Chile, highlighted the importance of collaborative Fire Risk Assessments, showcasing recent joint efforts between Komatsu Chile, AFEX, and Fluitek in Antofagasta. Rivera emphasized the impact of fire incidents on operator safety, equipment integrity, and social license to operate in Chile’s mining sector.
Dr. Christopher Preston, Director of Infrastructure Technologies at CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, provided a comprehensive overview of the ActivFire® Certification Scheme and the evolution of AS 5062:2022. His presentation reinforced the value of risk-based fire protection standards and certification in ensuring effective, compliant fire suppression system design.
Driving Safer, Smarter Installations Around the World
“The best fire suppression system is only as effective as the team that installs and maintains it,” said Kevin Kroll, Vice President of Operations at AFEX. “This training school helps us align with global standards, share engineering updates, and strengthen our distributors’ ability to deliver at the highest level. Having speakers from Newmont, Komatsu Chile, and CSIRO reinforced the importance of data-driven risk management and collaboration. It’s a privilege to work alongside such dedicated partners.”
Watch Highlights From the Event:
For More Information:
Amy Coulter
Marketing Manager
AFEX Fire Suppression Systems
marketing@afexsystems.com
