Fieldbus & Industrial Networking


Suppression and safety solutions for fire and gas in mission-critical industries

October 2025 Fieldbus & Industrial Networking

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 regulatory compliance as well as 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, and provides engineered suppression solutions for mission-critical facilities. The company is 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 supplies innovative in-cabinet gas suppression systems that 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, intruders 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 via Modbus with your fire alarm systems and control systems.” 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 on supplying equipment, but also on 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 industry 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.

For more information contact George Hoffmann, HMA South Africa, +27 10 900 2055, ghoffmann@hmagrp.com, www.hmagrp.com




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Isolated Modbus gateways with built-in Wi-Fi for industrial IoT applications
Vepac Electronics Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Vepac Electronics offers the Sielco Sistemi SS10680 series of isolated Modbus gateways with built-in Wi-Fi, providing three configurations for industrial data acquisition: cloud publishing via MQTT, local USB and FTP logging, and straightforward Modbus TCP to Modbus RTU conversion.

Read more...
XPlanar aids innovation in laser processing
Beckhoff Automation Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Aalborg University is among the first in the world to test Beckhoff’s XPlanar intelligent transport system in advanced laser processes, opening the door to faster, tool-free production of metal parts.

Read more...
Belden expands edge computing portfolio with ProLinx Edge Gateway
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Belden has released the ProSoft Technology ELX3 ProLinx Edge Gateway, combining operational technology protocol conversion with Docker-based edge application hosting on a single ruggedised hardware platform for deployment in harsh industrial environments.

Read more...
Anybus Communicators are CRA-ready
Industrial Data Xchange (IDX) Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
HMS Networks has upgraded its Anybus Communicator range to meet new EU cybersecurity rules, giving industrial manufacturers and integrators an easier path to compliance.

Read more...
Remote I/O modules provide flexible options for distributed applications
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Dinkle International is now stocking the iO-GRID NEMO industrial-grade remote input/output modules, offering support for five leading industrial Ethernet protocols and a range of discrete channel configurations for distributed automation applications.

Read more...
Local energy solutions rewiring resilience across Africa
News Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Engineers across Africa are developing practical, scalable energy and mobility solutions supported by the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation.

Read more...
Daudin expands fieldbus modular remote I/O series
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
: The Dinkle iO-GRID X modular remote I/O family is now available, offering fieldbus coupler modules for major industrial Ethernet protocols, and over 20 types of I/O modules to help integrators and equipment builders create flexible, efficient control systems.

Read more...
Siemens and HighByte partner to scale industrial AI
Siemens South Africa IT in Manufacturing Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Siemens is expanding its Industrial Edge ecosystem through a partnership with HighByte, enabling customers to connect, contextualise and transform data from operational technology and information technology sources to build AI models and applications at scale.

Read more...
Automotive Ethernet media converter
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
HMS Networks has introduced its first automotive ethernet product under the PEAK brand. The PAE-Media Converter is a compact device designed to connect automotive Ethernet (100BASE-T1 or 1000BASE-T1) with standard Ethernet (100BASE-TX or 1000BASE-T) networks.

Read more...
3D electrical systems design workflow for electromechanical innovation
Siemens South Africa Fieldbus & Industrial Networking IT in Manufacturing
Siemens has announced new 3D electrical design capabilities within its Capital software, enabling electrical and mechanical engineers to work concurrently in a shared 3D environment to reduce late-stage design changes and accelerate time to market for complex electromechanical products.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved