Frank J. Fee, Founder

COMPANY

The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc. is one of the world's largest producers of automatic fire sprinklers and sprinkler system control equipment.

Reliable has undertaken a major expansion of its manufacturing capability with the construction of a new state-of-the-art plant located in Liberty, South Carolina, a short distance from Greenville. This new 300,000 square foot facility has been fully operational since summer 2006 and is ISO9001 certified.

In mid 2006 the company relocated its corporate headquarters to Elmsford, NY, which is also the Northeast regional sales and distribution center. Reliable also maintains sales and regional distribution centers in Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Orlando, Chicago, Minneapolis, Denver, Dallas, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Toronto, Canada. Reliable has sales offices in Boston, Philadelphia, Richmond, San Francisco, and Vancouver B.C. Reliable ships products to more than 50 countries worldwide, with international sales conducted from its offices in London, England, Mannheim, Germany, Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, PR of China.

Reliable now offers fabrication in local areas.  Reliable One Source Fabrication is operated and managed by individuals with over 30 years of fabrication experience.  Local areas are now in Grand Prairie, Portland, Denver, and Las Vegas and soon to be in many other locations.

HISTORY

Reliable was founded in 1918 by Frank J. Fee, a mechanical contractor who began manufacturing sprinklers when he had trouble securing them for his own jobs. Frank J. Fee, Jr., succeeded his father as company President in 1945, and his son, Frank J. Fee III, became President in 1976. This puts Reliable today in its third generation of Fee family leadership. As part of senior management with Frank J. Fee III are his two brothers, Kevin T. Fee, Executive Vice President, and Michael R. Fee, Vice President, Marketing and Sales Operations. The family-run company also has many employees who have served in excess of 25 years, enhancing its team-family tradition.

PRODUCT OFFERINGS

The company is a manufacturer of automatic fire sprinklers, valve and accessory products, and a major distributor of sprinkler system components. Reliable produces both of the industry's two basic types of sprinklers - the solder type and the frangible bulb - for virtually every type of building applications. Reliable also produces a broad range of valves including alarm, dry, deluge, preaction, and check valve that control water flow to sprinkler systems and actuate alarm signaling.

FIRE PROTECTION INDUSTRY

Reliable has always been an industry-minded company.

Past President Frank J. Fee, Jr., attained many notable positions in the fire protection community, including Chairman of the National Fire Protection Association and Chairman of the National Automatic Sprinkler and Fire Control Association.

Frank J. Fee III is currently serving on the National Fire Protection Association's International Advisory Board. He was past Chairman of the Board and Director of the National Fire Sprinkler Association and held several Board positions including Treasurer, Secretary, and Director of the National Fire Protection Association. Frank has been the recipient of NFSA's "Golden Sprinkler Award" (1998), NFPA's "Distinguished Service Award" (1998), and AFSA's "Henry S. Parmelee Award" (1990) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the fire sprinkler industry.

Kevin T. Fee is currently serving on the Board of Directors of the National Fire Sprinkler Association and has been recently appointed Treasurer. Kevin is the recipient of NFSA’s “Golden Sprinkler Award” (2008).  He was Chairman (1990 - 1994). Kevin has been a Board member since 1981 and is approaching his 29th consecutive year and is the longest tenured Board member in the history of NFSA. Kevin was a founding member of the International Fire Sprinkler Association and served as its first Chairman (2000 - 2003) and is presently a Board member. Kevin was also past Chairman of the American Fire Sprinkler Association's Manufacturer and Supplier Council.

Michael R. Fee is currently serving on the American Fire Sprinkler Association's Manufacturer and Supplier Council and Legislative Committee. For many years, Michael has been on the Membership Committee and helped establish the local chapter development programs. Michael has been Chairman (2000-2004) and Vice Chairman (1998-2000) of AFSA's Manufacturer and Supplier Council.

MISSION

Three goals are at the heart of the mission that the Fee family established long ago: first to be the leading worldwide manufacturer of innovative, quality-oriented fire sprinklers and systems devices; second, to be a leading supplier of fire sprinkler system components; and third, to be the leader in providing the highest level of operational excellence in customer service, exceeding all customer expectations. It is this mission that propels Reliable through the 21st Century and beyond in its service to the fire sprinkler industry.

ENVIRONMENT

Reliable is pursuing a GREEN POLICY and is committed to protecting our environment by developing products that use recycled materials that reduce the use of natural resources.