AN INTELLIGENT fire-safety system which has been developed in Gwent is set to take the world by storm.

The "brainy" fire warning system, developed by a Cwmbran company, brings computer wizardry to bear in the battle to save lives.

Torfaen firm Rafiki has spent six years and £750,000 researching and developing the Sita 200 plus, which represents cutting-edge technology in fire safety.

Rafiki managing director Bill Amlani points out that his new product also cuts the cost of an existing 'intelligent' system by up to 100 per cent.

He said: "We are confident it will make a major impact on the fire-safety market when people realise the many advantages it has over existing systems." Gwent accountants BKR Haines Watts, who cater for the needs of Welsh SME businesses through their network of local offices, are professional advisers to Rafiki.

Alan Cunningham, partner at its Newport office, said: "The quality and inventiveness of Rafiki's products are outstanding.

"They have worked hard to develop this new product to its limits, and now the company will benefit from this investment.

"It is excellent to see a local company taking the lead in this competitive market through a confident investment programme such as this."

The Sita 200 plus has expanded the capability of fire-alarm systems by giving each unit 'intelligence'.

Mr Amlani explained: "The cost of micro-processors is now very much lower than when most fire-warning products were developed in the Eighties. We are now able to put a chip in each detector, making it part of an addressable system, offering the best performance and reliability there is."

Giving the system more 'brains' also increases its capacity - up to 200 detectors and sounders can now be placed on a single loop.

Sita 200 plus can also give the operator far more information about the type and location of the problem that has occurred, and send that information instantly, so increasing speed of reaction.

Sita 200 plus is not their only innovation.

The firm also improved its conventional range of fire systems, making improvements and cutting costs.

The Twinflex system can now be set up using one pair of wires, rather than two, and Mr Amlani estimates this will cut installation costs by 40 per cent. This has been achieved by cleverly combining the three elements of the alarm into a single unit.

Rafiki is targeting the multi-occupancy market with Twinflex.

Mr Amlani said: "An increasing number of properties are being converted to flats and bed-sits, but these have traditionally had difficulties with their fire- detection systems where nuisance alarms are triggered by people smoking and cooking.

"The Checkpoint technology of Twinflex distinguishes individual rooms from communal areas and has seven modes of fire detection in one device, all of which reduces unwanted and annoying alarms."

Rafiki, based on the Springvale Industrial Estate, is launching a major sales drive behind its new products, and the company expects to see sales substantially over the present £2.5 million turnover projected for this year. A recruitment drive to increase the 27-strong workforce is also planned in the near future.