Having successfully delivered multiple projects for Ibstock Brick up and down the UK (including Project America and a recent fit out for its brand new ‘pathfinder’ factory), Woodward Group was once again entrusted by the company to design and install a compliant, high-performance fire alarm solution at its Aldridge site.

Ibstock Brick is the UK’s largest brick manufacturer and supplier of brick products, with an extensive product range and 16 manufacturing sites across the country. The company had been facing ongoing challenges with its existing closed protocol fire alarm system, which was restrictive and was making maintenance difficult and costly due to reliance on a single, unreliable provider. Seeking a more effective and future-proof solution, Ibstock Brick turned to Woodward Group for our expertise in fire alarm systems and our extensive track record in fire alarm maintenance and electrical work.

Woodward Group designed and installed a new open-protocol fire alarm system in line with the requirements set out in Ibstock Brick’s latest fire risk assessment. The system was built to BS 5839-1:2017 standards, ensuring compliance and reliability across the site.

Key elements of the project included:

• Installation of two networked Advanced MX5 PRO 4-loop fire alarm control panels
• Deployment of 97 weatherproof addressable manual call points, 78 optical smoke detectors, 88 wall-mounted sounder beacons, and various other detection and notification devices
• Full replacement of existing fire alarm cabling and equipment, with new containment and site-wide wiring
• Smart programming to allow for fire alarm investigation time before automatic gas supply and machinery shutdown, minimising unnecessary production disruption

The new system provides Ibstock Brick with full control and flexibility, eliminating reliance on a single provider. To ensure long-term reliability, Woodward Group has put a service contract in place, offering ongoing support and maintenance.

This successful project has strengthened Woodward Group’s relationship with Ibstock Brick, leading to further opportunities across its other sites. With completion just weeks away, Ibstock Brick will soon receive a full site ‘as-wired’ drawing package to assist with future maintenance, cementing Woodward Group’s commitment to quality and long-term client support.