Kentec, a life safety control systems manufacturer, has appointed Kevin Swann as its new Managing Director. He succeeds Kevin Restell, who is retiring after more than 25 years with the business and its parent company, Hochiki.

Kevin is an established name in the fire and security industry, with some 28 years’ experience. He was closely involved in the protocol standard evolution at Apollo and has held a number of senior positions within UTC Fire and Security as Managing Director (Global) and Regional Manager for UK and Ireland, responsible for international growth.

He joins at an exciting time for the business, which has seen turnover increase by 54% under the leadership of his predecessor. The business has also doubled its manufacturing capacity, which Kevin explained is an impressive legacy. He said: “It means we have the perfect platform to make Kentec the world leader in open-protocol and multi-protocol fire detection panels, as well as the first choice for fire extinguishing panels with our robust and industry-leading Sigma XT and Syncro XT technologies.”

Kevin Restell, the outgoing Managing Director, joined Kentec at the point of its acquisition by Hochiki. He successfully supported the merger of Kentec into a large, international corporation and is proud of what the company has achieved: 

“Kentec is an end-to-end manufacturer, with everything sold being made in the UK. The on-going investment in production processes and factory expansion has not only allowed the company to grow and expand our reputation for quality life safety systems, but is also a fantastic story for the wider UK manufacturing industry. I am leaving the company in very good hands and wish Kevin the very best of luck.”

The appointment of a new Managing Director coincides with the 100-year anniversary of Hochiki, and Kentec’s investment in the new generation Taktis fire panel.

Kevin concluded: “Taktis is the only open-protocol and multi-protocol panel, and is building significant momentum in the market place globally. The panel is future proofed and will continue to evolve with a highly impressive road map of additional functions and features.”

Kentec employs more than 230 members of staff in its production facility, head office and research and development department in Kent. It currently sells to some 90 countries worldwide. 

http://www.kentec.co.uk/