#fire safety #Pye-Barker #Southland Fire

Pye-Barker Fire & Safety Enhances Services through Acquisition of Southland Fire Safety Equipment

In a significant development within the fire protection industry, Pye-Barker Fire & Safety has announced its acquisition of Southland Fire Safety Equipment, Inc. This strategic move will bolster Pye-Barker's capabilities and expand its fire suppression services throughout the Gulf South region. Pye-Barker, recognized as the largest integrated and full-service fire protection and life safety services provider in the U.S., is optimistic about the enhanced services this acquisition enables.

Background of Southland Fire Safety Equipment

Founded in 1972, Southland Fire Safety Equipment operates out of several locations in Louisiana, including Gonzales, Norco, and Port Allen. The company has established a reputation for delivering a wide array of services tailored to meet the needs of industrial, corporate, and municipal clients. Among their offerings are fire suppression systems, fire extinguisher inspections and refills, alongside various testing and inspection services. Notably, Southland is licensed by the Louisiana State Fire Marshal, providing critical services such as hydro-testing fire hoses, repairing fire trucks, and conducting air mask fit tests for local fire departments.

The co-owners of Southland, Bert Prejean and Stephen Robert, expressed their enthusiasm about the merger. They highlighted their longstanding commitment to protecting people and property in Louisiana and noted that joining forces with Pye-Barker feels like a natural alignment of values. Prejean emphasized, “For over 50 years, we have prioritized community safety, and now, with the resources offered by Pye-Barker, we can amplify our impact.”

Benefits of the Acquisition

The acquisition promises to provide Southland Fire Safety’s dedicated team with access to Pye-Barker’s national resources, which will enable an upgrade of local service offerings and create new opportunities for their employees. Robert elaborated on this potential, stating, “This new chapter allows us to extend our services and invest in our staff, ensuring that they have the tools and support necessary to serve our community effectively.”

Bart Proctor, CEO of Pye-Barker Fire & Safety, articulated his excitement about integrating Southland’s skilled technicians into the Pye-Barker family, noting,