A Bromsgrove specialist in fire and security products is celebrating its Silver Anniversary this month.

Safety Technology International (STI) celebrates 25 years of manufacturing products that prevent false fire alarms, deter theft, and minimise vandalism of life safety equipment.

In 1994 when The Lion King was hitting cinema screens and the PlayStation was being launched, STI was beginning life with just three employees; a quarter-century later the workforce has increased tenfold, outgrowing three factories in the process.

To celebrate the impressive milestone STI have launched a commemorative logo and will be sending thank you gifts to customers who have contributed to their longevity in the fire and security industry.

Headquartered in Michigan, USA, the European Office is located in Sherwood Road, on the Aston Fields Industrial Estate.

The STI story began with a challenge made by a Michigan school administrator who wanted to stop false fire alarms. Founder, Jack Taylor - who sadly passed away earlier this year - used his expertise in security systems to invent the original Stopper® protective cover.

From that one ingenious product, over 1,000 products have been designed using Jack’s blueprint, putting a stop to false fire alarms - an issue that costs the UK over £1 billion a year.

Business Support Manager Michala Ford who is the longest-serving employee having spent nearly two decades with the company, says the company’s success is all down to its problem-solving ethos.

“I have grown up with the company and I am extremely proud to see it reach its Silver Anniversary, securing its future and maintaining its position as the leading specialist in the field of anti-vandal fire and security products,” she said.

Born in Canada and raised in England, Jack played an influential role in the founding of STI in the UK in 1994; in 2016 the company made the short move across Worcestershire from Redditch to a new building in Bromsgrove.

Taylor House, named in Jack’s honour, was officially opened by Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid in April 2017, incorporating bigger offices, production and warehouse facilities.

Attending the official open day of his namesake, Jack commented that the original Stopper® had ‘totally exceeded his expectations’.

STI Managing Director Steve Hunt said: “I am always encouraged by the commitment and dedication shown by the STI staff – many having been involved with the business in excess of 10 years. They have a wealth of knowledge of our products, our customers, and the industry – which is invaluable.

“Our strategy continues to evolve but at the core are our customers and product service values which Jack Taylor instigated so long ago.”

From their base in Bromsgrove, STI products are sold and installed all over the world; from the Empire State Building to Ski Dubai, the Cutty Sark to the Nou Camp.