The Bell Fire Equipment Company of Bunbury, Western Australia, has received an Australian Design Mark at this year's prestigious Australian International Design Awards, for its 400 Spacesaver slip-on fire control unit, which utilises Honda's GX200 engine.
Overseen by the Industrial Design Council of Australia (IDCA), this council has recognised several Australian icons in the past including the Hills Hoist, Holden Monaro, Cochlear ear implant, Décor wine cooler, and the test series cricket helmet.
The award was judged on a strict criterion enforced by IDCA's multidisciplinary panel consisting of both local and international adjudicators.
Judged for innovation, visual appeal, functionality, quality of manufacturer, human factors, environmental sustainability, ergonomics, semantics and safety, the 400 Spacesaver Fire Control Unit is well known among the fire fighting bodies. The Bell Firefighter Spacesaver is also available in 600 and 800 litre capacities.
Commenting on the recent award, Bell Fire Managing Director, Jim Ponsonby, said extensive research and planning had taken place in the development of the 400 Spacesaver.
"The success of the company today is evidence of hard work and experience gained over 35 years in the fire protection industry and working with bushfire brigades around Australia. Together with local companies and government departments, we were able to tailor our products to their needs," he said.
Designed to carry 400 litres while taking up minimal space on a tray or styleside utility, the 400 Spacesaver offers comprehensive valve and coupling flow controls, high pressure discharge revolving hose reel and Honda's GX200-powered pumpset with a suction/discharge facility.
A number of special features give the Bell Firefighter 400 Spacesaver Slip-On Fire Control Unit its industry important recognition.
Unlike most portable fire units, the Bell Firefighter is not fitted onto a metal base frame; instead a strong mould-formed Bellglass fiberglass tank is used and all the unit's components are fitted to the top of the water tank reducing size and increasing practicality.
The 400 Spacesaver carries the Australian-made kangaroo logo, with Honda's GX200 engine and the plumbing being the only imported components, according to Jim Ponsonby.
Bell Fire has used Honda products for the last 20 years and feels that ir meets all the necessary requirements.
According to Jim Ponsonby, Bell Fire's endorsement of the Honda GX200 follows the engine's long-term performance in demanding situations. The the Honda GX200, so far, has never failed nor have there been instances where the engine has not performed to expectation.
The prestigious Australian Design Mark is a milestone for the company which began as a part-time business started in a farm shed in the 1980s.