ANSDALE, Pa., Dec. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Tyco Fire & Building Products, a division of Tyco International Ltd. and the world leader in water-based fire sprinkler systems and technology, will unveil its new Global Technology Center today in Cranston, R.I. Festivities include a ribbon-cutting, guided tours and speeches from the Chief Executive Officer of Tyco International, Ed Breen, as well as other Tyco representatives and Rhode Island government dignitaries. In addition to Breen, Rhode Island Gov. Donald Carcieri, United States Rep. Jim Langevin, Rhode Island Sen. John Revens, Jr., Rhode Island Sen. and Lt. Gov.-elect Elizabeth Roberts and Rhode Island State Fire Marshal George Farrell will be in attendance. Tyco invested $5 million to renovate its Cranston research and development facility into a new, state-of-the-art Global Technology Center. The renovation consisted of a multi-phase remodel resulting in a new, world-class training and product development facility. "The new Global Technology Center will expand our resources as the leading solutions provider in the fire protection and mechanical industries and our commitment to saving lives," said Carmine Schiavone, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Tyco Fire & Building Products. Tyco chose to renovate the existing facility -- the birthplace of modern fire sprinkler technology and a key part of Tyco's history -- and further demonstrate its commitment to the Providence area. "We are thrilled to be expanding our footprint in the Providence community," Schiavone added. "Our history is here, and we wanted to honor that legacy with this investment in the future." Among the improvements is a 4,300-square-foot expansion of the existing building to allow for greater product development capacity and efficiency for new water-based fire protection and mechanical components. Already one of the fastest-growing suppliers of mechanical products in the industry, Tyco will now be able to fully capitalize on its commitment to offer fully integrated fire-suppression systems and mechanical components for the HVAC and plumbing markets. The new and improved facilities will also include valve and fire sprinkler testing areas for industrial, commercial and residential applications. The addition includes state-of-the-art residential and commercial test facilities that will allow the company to simulate Underwriters Laboratories and Factory Mutual test services. Another focal point is the 10,500-square-foot Frederick Grinnell Education Center, which houses a 48-seat multi-media amphitheater, a product museum and display area, a visitor dining/lounge area and a hands-on, 24-seat valve training classroom with fire demonstration cells. The new Global Technology Center will be able to accommodate nearly 800 visitors per year with 38 training classes. Prior to the renovation, the facility could accommodate 200 visitors and conducted about 15 classes per year.
