Fire Protection System Expansion for Critical Process Infrastructure

In early 2023, MJW was contracted by flavors and fragrances manufacturer Symrise to provide a comprehensive fire protection solution for a new tank farm expansion at their Rincon, Georgia plant. This initial phase included a “Parts and Smarts” fire alarm installation—where MJW supplied and configured the fire protection devices while the electrical contractor handled conduit and wiring. The system featured a Potter fire alarm releasing panel, UV/IR flame detectors, manual release pull stations, and notification appliances.

Building on the success of that engagement, Symrise brought MJW back in 2024 to further expand the existing fire protection system. This second phase also followed the Parts and Smarts model and involved the addition of several explosion-proof manual release pull stations to cover a new group of product tanks.

While MJW’s scope was relatively straightforward from a technical standpoint, the project encountered complications due to issues with the electrical contractor, who was responsible for the conduit and wiring. Lacking specific experience with fire alarm systems, the contractor misrouted conduits to areas without fire alarm devices and installed incorrect wiring circuits. These errors required MJW to pause its work until the electrical contractor reworked their installation, causing delays in the overall timeline.

Once those issues were resolved, MJW was able to complete its portion of the project without further disruption—until commissioning. Final testing and commissioning were delayed several times due to a series of unavoidable challenges, including tropical storms that forced temporary facility closures, the need to coordinate around the manufacturer’s active production schedule, and scheduling alignment with the engineering firm and local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), who were required to witness the system test.

Despite these setbacks, the project ultimately reached a successful conclusion. The upgraded fire protection system now provides enhanced coverage for the facility’s growing tank farm, reinforcing both safety and operational reliability. The collaboration demonstrated MJW’s ability to adapt to field conditions and maintain a high standard of execution, even when external variables present challenges.