Chinese firefighting equipment makers target untapped EU market

Big China presence at Hanover fair but lack of certification hampers expansion

Shaoxing-based Xingli Safe Way Fire wants to market its extinguishers, including one specifically for fires caused by lithium batteries, in Germany and the EU. (Photo by Jens Kastner)

HANOVER, Germany -- Nearly 300 Chinese manufacturers of firefighting and civil protection equipment exhibited their products last week at a trade show in Germany, by far the biggest contingent from outside of the European Union aiming for a foothold on the continent.