Briefs

TVA to increase national headcount by 15 percent SAN DIEGO- In an effort to keep pace with customer demand, TVA Fire & Life Safety announced plans to increase its national headcount by more than 15 percent. The fire protection engineering firm is looking to fill positions in alarm design, consulting, loss control and sprinkler design at its offices in Atlanta, Detroit, San Diego and Seattle. The company attributed the need for additional staff to a 20 percent year over year growth rate as well as a 98 percent customer retention rate. Overall, TVA has 10 offices in the United States and an office in London. Edwards Canada recognized by Frost & Sullivan PALO ALTO, Calif.- Frost & Sullivan awarded Edwards Canada with its 2004 Frost & Sullivan Award for Growth Strategy Leadership Award. Edwards Canada, a division of SPX Canada that designs and develops fire alarm, security, suppression systems and related products, was recognized within the consulting firm’s North American Fire Alarm Services Market report. Frost & Sullivan identified Edwards Canada’s sales techniques, technology development as well as its acquisition strategy as factors for its strength in the marketplace. Fire department proposes sprinkler law DES PLAINES, Ill.- The fire department for the city of Des Plaines proposed a law that would require new residential buildings of less than 1,000 square feet to have automatic fire sprinklers. Chief Fire Inspector Don Schuman said the law would apply to new single family residential buildings of more than 1,000 square feet. The sprinkler proposal excludes detached buildings less than 1,000 square feet, such as garages and sheds that are not used as residences.