Barriers are being used to protect high-profile police station and sporting events on two different continents
Safetyflex Barriers, based in Coventry, has just seen its products installed at iconic Augusta National golf course in Georgia – home of the US Masters – and also at a new major police station in Australia.
The Melbourne East Police Station is a new multi-million-pound hub supporting police operations across the city, which was victim of a major terrorist attack in November.
Both installations are designed to prevent vehicle-ramming attacks and use the company’s award-winning Truckstopper bollards which can halt an 18-tonne vehicle travelling at 50mph.
The contracts come as a result of Safetyflex’s export drive which has seen the company establish partnerships with distributers in a range of countries across Northern Europe, the US and Australia.
Marcus Gerrard, director at Safetyflex Barriers, said the new projects were amongst the highest-profile won by the firm.
“These are very important locations for very different reasons. It is estimated that Masters at Augusta attracts around 160,000 over the four days and the tournament is beamed around the world and spectator security is of paramount importance.
“Organisers of major events want visitors to have the highest quality visitor experience possible but also to ensure they are secure and safe, and our products are designed with that very much in mind.
“To that extent we are unusual, in that we are happy if our products are not noticed by the people they are designed to help.”
Melbourne hit the international headlines last November when Hassan Khalif Shire Ali drove a 4×4 vehicle loaded with gas bottles into the city centre, ignited the vehicle into a ball of flames, and then stabbed three people.
he new Melbourne East Police Station, which includes offices, training and conference facilities, a gymnasium, end of trip facilities, breakout spaces and storage areas, is a major central hub for capital of Victoria.
Gerrard added: “All police and military installations have to have the highest security measures in place as, sadly, they are major targets of terrorist activity.
“Melbourne East Police Station is very high profile and clearly after the tragic events of last year, every precaution is being taken and our award-winning product – which is fully patented – was chosen to offer the highest level of protection against vehicle attacks.”
