Emsydel launches LPG safety device from Innotek, USA

Innotek Corp. has tied up with Emsydel-Myageri to manufacture and distribute LPG safety devices in India.

American LPG safety device manufacturer, Innotek Corp., has tied up with Bangalore-based Emsydel-Myageri Electronics Pvt. Ltd.to manufacture and distribute a proprietary Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) safety device, in India.

The company will launch two models. The first is a portable safety device that gives an audible alarm when it detects a dangerous level of gas leakage. It is handheld and is activated at the push of a button. It shuts off when not in use, to conserve battery. The battery can last up to 8 hours of continuous use.

The second, is a fixed gas alarm device that is akin to an industry standard smoke detector. The fixed safety device also gives an audible alarm when it detects a dangerous level of gas leakage. Unlike the first model, this device is always active. It is connected to the standard 230V AC outlet.

The alarm is designed to alert users to the presence of gas leaks much before they reach dangerous levels. The gas alarm monitors the air continuously for the presence of radon, butane, propane and natural gas. If detected, the alarm sounds until the gas is no longer present, allowing enough time for immediate ventilation and evacuation of the affected area.

Emsydel-Myageri has a capacity to make 2000 units per day and will expand this depending on the need. Mr.Giridhar Myageri, the managing director of the company, said the company has started marketing and sales operations and expects to finalize the manufacturing operational details and begin manufacturing by October 2006. According to Suresh Doraiswamy, the executive director of the company, the two models will be launched across the country in in May 2006. The prices of the two models will be at par with US prices.

Innotek Corp., have been in the safety business since 1997 and were the first to introduce handheld LPG safety devices in the world. This is the first time that the company is making a foray outside America.

The reasons for the keen interest in India is the 30-million domestic LPG user base in India as well as the potential to outsource manufacturing, given its traditional manufacturing strength, engineering skills, the ability to produce quality goods, and the ability throw up all this in required numbers.