History
As a part of Jarden Corporation (NYSE: JAH) family, BRK Brands Europe ltd the maker of First Alert® and BRK Dicon products, is a leading global consumer safety products company that designs, manufactures and markets a substantial portfolio of products designed to help keep your family safe from fire and carbon monoxide, as well as other environmental threats.
History/ Timeline
1958 The company was organized by Burke (B), Roberts ® and Kimberline (K)= BRK
1964First commercial smoke detector produced by BRK®
1969First battery-powered smoke detector to receive UL listing
1970 In May, Pittway bought the company
1974 Sears began selling BRK SS74R Battery Smoke Alarm. Sales were so good that GE, ® Norelco, Water Pik, and Gillette entered the retail market
1976 BRK developed its own retail sales program
1982 Rechargeable flashlights were introduced
1984 System Sensor was formed-commercial
1985 Fire extinguisher business started, and flashlights were introduced
1986 Full line of lighting and timing products including PIR
1992 The company was sold to T.H. Lee & Associates
1993 First battery-operated carbon monoxide alarm was introduced
1995-1996 A line of childcare and eldercare products and a line of fire safes were introduced
1997 First combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarm was introduced
1998 The company was sold to Sunbeam Corporation in March
2000First hands free remote controlled test/silence CO Alarm was introduced
2001 Introduction of "Smart" Smoke Alarm which included a microprocessor and hands free remote controlled test and silence
2002 American Household, Inc. is formed from Sunbeam Corporation
2003First combination Smoke/ CO Alarm with voice and location notification was introduced
2004 Completely upgraded smoke alarm line launched
2005 Jarden Corporation (NYSE: JAH) purchases American Household, Inc.
2005 Onelink™ line of wireless smoke, CO and combination alarms were introduced; First to include voice with location for added safely
2006 BRK Brands/ First Alert becomes part of Jarden Branded Consumables
2006 Completely redesigned carbon monoxide alarm line launched, utilizing electrochemical sensing- the most accurate technology in the residential industry, compared to other sensing technologies
2006-2007 Tundra Fire Extinguisher Spray was launched, winning accolades around the country
Today, First Alert® products continue to challenge the industry standards, and our engineers are continually evaluating designs to see how they might change to meet your families' ever-changing needs.