Coopers Fire’s story is one of craftsmanship, innovation, and a commitment to safety that stretches back 150 years. From humble beginnings as a manufacturer of custom curtains and blinds in 1874 to becoming a global leader in fire and smoke curtain solutions, the company’s journey is a testament to the power of ingenuity and innovation.
The origins of Coopers Fire date back to 1874 when the Cooper family began producing custom curtains and blinds. Known for their attention to detail and bespoke craftsmanship, the company quickly established a reputation for quality. This dedication would become the cornerstone of the company’s future success.
In the mid-1970s, the company’s trajectory changed forever. A visionary architect challenged Coopers to develop a solution for safely controlling hot smoke without compromising a building’s aesthetics. This challenge marked the dawn of a new era.
At a time when fire safety relied heavily on rigid barriers, Coopers saw an opportunity to innovate. The result? The development of the world’s first automatic smoke curtain, powered by Coopers’ pioneering Gravity Fail Safe System. This system, which ensures fire curtains deploy even in the event of power loss, revolutionised fire safety and remains the global benchmark to this day.
With the invention of the smoke curtain, Coopers Fire not only met the challenge but set a new standard. Architects and building designers now had a solution that offered both uncompromised safety and design freedom. The patented Gravity Fail Safe System became the backbone of Coopers’ fire and smoke curtain technology, leading the way for applications in airports, museums, stadia, and commercial buildings around the world.
The success of Coopers Fire is built on five generations of expertise, with each era adding to the company’s rich knowledge base. From engineering breakthroughs to rigorous testing and certification, Coopers Fire has remained committed to developing solutions that exceed industry standards. We continue to pass this knowledge through our accredited RIBA, FIA and CABE CPDs.
Coopers Fire’s innovation extends to record-breaking achievements. The company developed the world’s longest fire curtains for the Masjid Al-Haram tunnels in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Covering a total tunnel length, including lead-in sections, of 927 metres, this groundbreaking project showcases Coopers’ ability to provide advanced, large-scale solutions without compromising safety or performance.
Another testament to Coopers Fire’s ingenuity is the development of the world’s longest concertina fire curtain for St. Nicholas Church in Estonia. This installation demonstrates how Coopers Fire blends technical excellence with architectural heritage, creating bespoke fire curtain solutions for even the most unique and historic spaces.
At Coopers Fire, we believe in fostering the future of engineering, manufacturing, and installation. Through dedicated apprenticeship programmes, we are training the next generation of engineers and skilled professionals, offering opportunities to develop hands-on experience and build rewarding careers in fire safety solutions. Our commitment extends to supporting long-term careers within manufacturing and installation, ensuring that our workforce remains skilled, passionate, and innovative. By providing professional development and career pathways, we help individuals grow while driving the industry forward. Coopers Fire is also proud to participate in initiatives like National Manufacturing Day in partnership with MAKE UK. These initiatives allow us to showcase the exciting opportunities within manufacturing, inspire young talent, and highlight the vital role that fire safety technology plays in shaping a safer future.
As part of The Lowe & Fletcher Group, Coopers Fire benefits from the collective strength, stability, and resources of a global organisation. The group’s commitment to innovation and excellence aligns perfectly with Coopers Fire’s values, allowing us to continuously invest in research, development, and customer service. Being part of a larger family of businesses provides Coopers Fire with the ability to share knowledge, expertise, and best practices across industries. This synergy enables us to remain at the forefront of fire and smoke safety solutions while contributing to the group’s long-standing legacy of success.
At Coopers Fire, we are committed to safeguarding lives through continuous innovation and education. As a leading voice in the industry, we believe it is our responsibility to educate the market on the importance of adhering to fire safety standards. British Standards, along with regional standards in other territories, exist to ensure life-saving products perform reliably when it matters most, and failure to meet these standards puts lives at risk.
Resellers or installers who neglect British or regional standards undermine the safety of occupants, buildings, and first responders. Coopers Fire remains steadfast in upholding the highest levels of safety and quality, ensuring our fire curtains are rigorously tested and fully compliant. By educating customers, resellers, and the wider market, we are working to raise awareness and set a benchmark for best practices in fire safety solutions.
While the company’s roots lie in craftsmanship, Coopers Fire continues to lead through innovation. Products like the FireMaster Insul8 fire curtain, which delivers 90 minutes of insulation without sprinklers, are prime examples of how the company blends safety, efficiency, and design.
As Coopers Fire looks ahead, one thing remains clear: safety, ingenuity, and innovation will continue to guide its journey for generations to come. Join our RIBA, FIA and CABE accredited CPDs to find out the latest in fire curtain technology.
