Potter previously acquired TowerIQ as it builds out public safety portfolio
Potter Electric Signal Company announced the acquisition of SureCall’s emergency responder communication enhancement systems (ERCES) business which provides in-building public safety radio communications for first responders.
In 2020, Potter acquired TowerIQ, a manufacturer of wireless life-safety communication and smart building technologies. The company said that the combination of SureCall’s Guardian product range with TowerIQ’s technology will strengthen the firm’s ERCES offering.
To support this platform, Potter provides business partners, emergency services personnel and building owners with full-service applications design services, including cloud-based monitoring and engineering tools.
Potter’s CEO, Gerry Connolly, said, “We have partnered with SureCall over the last few years and have been impressed with their Guardian product line. Potter is investing in this advanced technology to ensure that first responders can effectively communicate uninterrupted during an emergency. We see the opportunity to improve in-building emergency communications and now have the most complete platform for meeting the requirements of ERCES across North America.”
“SureCall introduced this product because of a market opportunity where our technology was a good fit,” said Hongtao Zhan, CEO of SureCall. “We now recognize that Potter is better positioned to serve this market because of their suite of products that support the entire public safety community. Selling this business unit provides strategic capital that better positions SureCall to focus on the growth of our commercial and consumer products. It also provides significant resources for investing in further innovation.”
ERCES includes Bi-Directional Amplifiers (BDA), Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) and Auxiliary Radio Communication Systems (ARCS). ERCES technology is growing in importance throughout North America and internationally, as local jurisdictions and municipalities adopt codes that specify the need for reliable radio signal coverage used by emergency personnel and first responders. These requirements ensure that front-line first responders will have total communication coverage when responding to an emergency.
Jeff Klein, President of Potter’s Fire Division added, “A key part of the acquisition is the addition of a dynamic engineering and customer support team. We are always adding innovative ways to improve safety in emergency situations, and communications is a key part of that. With the ability to provide fire alarm systems, voice evacuation options, and a range of interconnected communications signals, our goal is to provide customers and the industry with the most versatile emergency solutions.”
ERCES deployed by fire services throughout the country use a variety of frequency bands. The Guardian booster products support the 700/800 MHz frequency band and provide coverage in those installations, Potter said.
Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, Potter specializes in various life safety industries including IP-Based Fire Alarm Systems, Voice Evacuation, Sprinkler Monitoring, Corrosion Solutions, and Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement Systems.
