By representing world-leading brands and focusing on fully integrated, certified systems, HMA South Africa is positioning itself as a trusted partner in fire detection, suppression, and explosion-proof safety solutions across the continent. The company offers clients not just regulatory compliance but long-term protection for mission-critical operations.
“What sets us apart from other suppliers in South Africa is that we focus on system integration with complete certification and approval,” says Dieter Spangenberg, Product Manager at HMA South Africa, who has been involved in the industry since 2008. “In most cases, these systems are seen as a grudge purchase to satisfy insurance or authority requirements. For our clients, fire and gas leak risks have serious safety and financial implications. Our solutions are not off-the-shelf as they are engineered to protect operations where lost production can cost millions.”
A portfolio of leading international brands
HMA South Africa’s portfolio covers detection, suppression, and explosion-proof equipment for heavy industry, petrochemicals, mining, power generation, and beyond. KIDDE is a global leader in gas suppression and fire detection systems. It provides engineered suppression solutions for mission-critical facilities, backed by decades of experience and international certifications.
“KIDDE’s reputation in suppression is unmatched,” adds Jaco du Plessis, HMA’s Product Manager for the brand, who brings two decades of experience. “But the real strength is in how we integrate the technology with other brands in our portfolio, giving clients a fully certified solution rather than a collection of standalone components.”
Bandweaver is a specialist in heat detection, intrusion, and perimeter monitoring, offering advanced fibre optic sensing solutions ideal for tunnels, industrial facilities, and high-risk sites. ExxFire is an innovator in in-cabinet gas suppression, designed to protect enclosed environments such as server racks, switchgear, and other compact critical equipment. Ex-tech Signalling provides explosion-proof equipment, including beacons, sounders, and manual call points certified for use in hazardous areas.
Braam Booyens, Product Manager for Bandweaver, highlights how fibreoptic sensing is extending fire protection capabilities: “Bandweaver technology allows us to detect heat, intruder, or perimeter breaches along an entire length of fibre, whether in a mine conveyor tunnel or on a perimeter fence. It is proactive protection that integrates seamlessly with your fire alarm systems as well as control systems via Modbus.” A SCADA and HMI package is also available for easy monitoring and control.
HMA is also the exclusive distributor in South Africa for the Det-Tronics range of hazardous gas and flame detection solutions, along with technical expertise and support, ensuring clients benefit from both cutting-edge technology and integrated, fully certified safety solutions.
Widely recognised for its reliability in high-risk industrial environments, the range includes flame detectors, combustible and toxic gas detectors, safety controllers, and integrated safety systems for oil and gas, petrochemical, mining, power generation, and heavy industry applications.
While many competitors assemble systems using individually certified components, HMA South Africa emphasises complete system certification, ensuring reliability and reducing risk for operators. “One of our clients effectively paid off their certified system within five years, purely through insurance savings,” explains Spangenberg. “That demonstrates the long-term value of investing in fully approved and integrated safety systems.”
Growth across Africa
Although mining activity in South Africa remains subdued, demand across the African continent is robust. HMA South Africa has recorded strong year-on-year growth, driven by projects in power, petrochemicals, and mining expansions.
“Our focus is not only supplying equipment but educating clients on proper solutions,” says du Plessis. “That is how we build relationships and ensure clients understand the importance of certified integration.”
Whether it is a petrochemical facility, a power plant, heavy industrial or a mining operation, HMA South Africa’s approach is based on reliability. By leveraging international brands and local expertise, the company ensures African industries have access to world-class fire and gas suppression technologies and solutions that protect not only assets, but also productivity and safety.
About HMA Group
Established in 1966, Halley & Mellowes represents an impressive list of internationally respected companies and manufactures under licence to a number of these companies. We also manufacture a range of products and equipment developed and designed by our own engineers. The HMA Group manufactures, services, and sells a range of capital plant equipment to a diverse range of industries. This includes the mining sector, minerals processing, materials handling, power generation, petrochemicals and oil & gas.
