AFI as regional distributor Manufacturer of car technology rescue tools Holmatro has chosen Alaa Industrial Equipment Factory (AFI) of Saudi Arabia as the sole distributor for its products in the region, AFI announced.

Holmatro Incorporated has been manufacturing high-performance rescue tools Ñ cutters, spreaders, combitools, hydraulic rams, airbag covers and stabilisation systems and other accessories Ñ in Maryland, US, for more than 14 years. Its sister company, BV Holmatro in the Netherlands, has over 30 years' experience.

"Holmatro is a world leader in keeping pace with all the new complexities and risks presented to rescuers by safety features in today's automobiles," AFI said in a statement.

"By working in tandem with automobile designers and manufacturers, Holmatro leads the industry in staying current with changes that affect rescue operations. A key ingredient of its corporate culture Ñ continuous and careful study of car design Ñ is the driving force both in how Holmatro tools are designed and how that comprehensive knowledge is shared with the people who use the tools and face these new complexities in rescue situations.

"Holmatro's in-depth knowledge of new developments and hands-on involvement in rescue problems means that Holmatro products and solutions are the most advanced and effective rescue tools available," the statement added.

"Its hydraulic cutters excel in blade design and blade material," says an AFI spokesman, adding it recently introduced its new line of NCT (new car technology) hydraulic cutters.

"Through their unique 90-degree blade shape, these NCT cutters offer superior performance on modern vehicle materials and constructions. Apart from a very controlled and smooth cutting action with little rest energy (no parts flying away after cutting), this cutter range needs less pressure (force) than conventional cutters to cut modern vehicles. The result is that a lot more excess capacity exists for what future vehicle developments might bring."

Discussing hydraulic spreaders, he says they meet modern needs. "New materials and construction methods make it harder to find suitable purchase points for a spreader. Apart from spreading force, grip and ease of control are of vital importance. Tip design, tool balance and ease of use have to ensure a rescuer is able to apply force where it needs to be applied, not where a spreader allows a rescuer to apply it."

About Holmatro's other products, the spokesman says its hydraulic combitools offer sufficient cutting and spreading performance to deal with new materials. At the same time the arm and tip design are suitable for tiny insertion spaces.

Its Hydraulic rams have high pushing forces and special crosshead designs for grip to push away reinforced dashboard areas, and its airbag covers protect rescuers and victims against non-activated airbags. They neutralise the effects of unexpected airbag activation. The airbag cover can be applied within seconds, is strong and protects rescuer and victim against loose parts of the steering wheel and chemical gases. It is also resistant to the high temperatures of the gases that are released upon activation.

The company also has the stabilisation systems and other accessories to extricate victims. They help enhance safety and reduce the time it takes to extricate a victim.

"AFI's core competency in hydraulics has made it a market leader in hydraulics tools and equipment. Its network of branches within Saudi Arabia and GCC countries ensures smooth distribution and enables technical expertise to be provided to customers anywhere, anytime," the company statement said. AFI said it was available for live demonstrations.