Firefighting solutions for severe industrial risks
History
Ai Group benefits from a history of nearly 100 years.
1913
Invention
Discovery of Extinguishing Powders
A Hungarian engineer, Vlamos Biro, discovers the extinguishing properties of certain powders against fire to protect the lives of underground miners.
1929
Innovation
Invention of Granito Powder
A few years later, his son Paul Biro, a former student of the École des Mines in Paris, invents Granito powder, which possesses all the necessary qualities of an extinguishing agent: fluidity, waterproofness, stability, and effectiveness.
He presents the first fire extinguisher truck using powder at the first Fire International Congress in Paris.
1946
Creation of Birofils Company
To exploit the fruit of his research, the company BIROFILS is created. The following year, the French Navy orders the first powder extinguishers to equip all its vessels. These modern extinguishers are called "Granito-Gaz". This innovation revolutionizes the old methods of fire extinction.
1971
Factory Construction in Châtellerault
Due to growing demand and to meet customer needs, BiroFils is forced to build a new and large factory in Châtellerault. However, the company's headquarters remain in Paris, a global commercial hub.
1980
Acquisition
Acquisition of BiroFils
SABO France, based in the Châtellerault region, acquires BiroFils.
1985
Relocation
The newly formed company relocates to the Paris region, in Nanterre.
Ai Group relocates its offices from Malakoff to Paris, in the Montparnasse district, benefiting from the economic influence of the French capital while being less than 2 hours by TGV from its factory in Châtellerault.
2015
Research
Ai Group becomes the first in the world to demonstrate a fire suppression technology for gas leaking from a safety valve of a cryogenic LNG tank.
To support the company’s renewal, the Paris offices are transferred to the 5th floor of the Montparnasse Tower, an iconic monument in the capital.
2016
Corporate
Ai Group unveils its new logo
Ai Group adopts a new graphic identity that reflects the company’s ambitions and new strategy, which focuses on innovative and technical products for professionals seeking cutting-edge solutions in their field.
2017
Business
First Product Catalogue
Ai Group publishes its first catalogue of standard fire protection products.
2018
New
New Brand & New Website
Ai Group launches its new website, more comprehensive and with content that is resolutely focused on its customers' concerns regarding fire protection.
2018
Shareholding
Acquisition by Darna Group
Ai Group's entire shareholding is acquired by Darna Group, a French family-owned group controlled by the CEO of Ai Group.
2019
Welcome to Vanves
To support the company’s renewal, the Paris offices are moved to Vanves, on the outskirts of the capital.
2019
First Major Success in Russia
Ai Group wins its first contract for the manufacturing of Deluge Skids as part of the Arctic LNG 2 gas project in Russia, one of the largest liquefied natural gas extraction and processing plants in the world.
2019
Research
In partnership with Ineris and a key player in France's electrical energy sector, Ai Group begins developing a solution aimed at reducing the impact of hydrogen explosions.
2020
Stability
Ai Group stabilizes its financial accounts thanks to multiple international successes and becomes one of the most profitable companies in its sector.
2021
Creation of Subsidiary in the United Arab Emirates
Ai Group Middle East and Asia is established in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, to better serve our clients in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
2022
First Major Contract for SAF
Heavily involved in decarbonization and new energy sources, Ai Group secures a major contract for the supply of fire protection systems at NESTE’s Rotterdam sites, dedicated to the production of sustainable aviation fuels.
2025
Creation of Subsidiary in India
Ai Group India is established in Velur, South India, to better serve our Indian clients and their growth. This subsidiary also aims to provide technical and commercial services to other branches worldwide.
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 in Naintré
A Hungarian engineer, Vlamos Biro, discovers the extinguishing properties of certain powders against fire to protect the lives of underground miners.
A few years later, his son Paul Biro, a former student of the École des Mines in Paris, invents Granito powder, which possesses all the necessary qualities of an extinguishing agent: fluidity, waterproofness, stability, and effectiveness.
To exploit the fruit of his research, the company BIROFILS is created. The following year, the French Navy orders the first powder extinguishers to equip all its vessels. These modern extinguishers are called "Granito-Gaz". This innovation revolutionizes the old methods of fire extinction.
To support the company’s renewal, the Paris offices are transferred to the 5th floor of the Montparnasse Tower, an iconic monument in the capital.