Vimpex simplified their life safety product certification through UL Solutions

Simplifying Life Safety Product Certification Through UL Solutions

The challenge

Vimpex, one of Europe’s leading independent manufacturers and distributors of high-quality fire evacuation and alarm products, wanted to simplify its certification process. With more than 25 years in business, Vimpex has a variety of visual and audible alarm devices in its portfolio. Its visual and audible sounders have multiple features, options and cost—great for the customer, but a challenge for certification. 

Vimpex found that working with multiple providers for different product marks has slowed down its expansion into new regions. They looked to UL Solutions to simplify the certification process and make market access easier.

Why UL Solutions

Vimpex decided to, in the words of Managing Director James Jones, “stand on the shoulders of giants” and work with a well-established and recognized authority. 

Vimpex wanted to address three key business needs:

• Market access: Vimpex knew that the UL Solutions brand is recognised internationally, giving products a better chance of being successfully accepted in more markets
• Ease of business: UL Solutions engaged with Vimpex and committed to helping them succeed.
• Scope of certification: UL Solutions' global reach was an important factor in Vimpex’s decision, as was UL Solutions' ability to evaluate a variety of products and services. 

UL Solutions and Vimpex worked extensively and openly on costs, access and timescales to be sure the solutions met with their needs.

Impact

VImpex has found that working with UL Solutions leads to lower overall certification and maintenance costs. They minimize dealing with multiple certification bodies, limiting the costs associated with factory inspections. When product changes are made, they can just speak with UL Solutions for a single project rather than work with three or four different certification companies.
Says Jones, "UL is the largest and best-known testing service internationally and Vimpex’s ambition is to be seen as the go-to independent manufacturer of alarm sounders and associated accessories. It fits with our determination to grow our exports into new markets – many of which favor UL approvals. I believe that our combination of UL approval to European standards is a winning combination."

Vimpex is using the UL-EU and UL North America Marks on their products, allowing them to access global locations with successful certification in the life safety business. Their customers and end users recognize that Vimpex products meet the highest levels of quality, performance and third-party approvals. This phenomenal capacity for business growth will allow the company to innovate and increase its product ranges, markets and territories, and to significantly increase export activity in targeted markets over the next five years.

"UL is the largest and best known testing service internationally and Vimpex’s ambition is to be seen as the go-to independent manufacturer of alarm sounders and associated accessories. It fits with our determination to grow our exports into new markets many of which favor UL approvals."

James Jones, Managing Director, Vimpex