Safety at the Heart of What We Do
Safety is fundamental to the systems we design and to the way we work.
ENGINEERED FOR SAFETY, BUILT ON EXPERIENCE
Safety-critical engineering, control and integration expertise supporting customers across Rail, Marine and Petrochemical.
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Protecting People. Assets & Infrastructure.
FirstClass Safety & Control was established in 2017 following a buy-out from Beck & Pollitzer. Our safety and control engineering experience predates FirstClass, with the capability and expertise developed under the Beck & Pollitzer brand dating back to 1999.
Today, FirstClass combines that long-standing engineering experience with a flexible, application-led approach, designing, manufacturing, integrating and supporting turnkey safety and control systems for customers in the UK and internationally.
Operating from our engineering and manufacturing facility in Essex, UK, and supported by international partners, we deliver innovative, reliable and integrated solutions for the Rail, Marine and Petrochemical industries.
25+ Years’ Experience
Building on safety and control engineering experience dating back to 1999.
24/7 Customer Support
Responsive engineering support when you need it most.
Global Project Delivery
UK engineering expertise supporting projects across the UK and internationally.
Built for the Long Term
Supportable technology designed for integration, maintainability and long-term system life.
BENEFITS
Why FirstClass
Our Approach
Involved Early. Supporting You Long Term.
The earlier specialist safety and control requirements are considered, the easier they are to integrate effectively into the wider project.
FirstClass works with customers, consultants, contractors and project teams from concept and design, supporting risk assessment, HAZID/HAZOP activities, system specification and integration requirements. Our engineers then support the project through manufacture, installation, testing and commissioning.
Once operational, we can continue to provide remote and site-based support, planned maintenance, system modifications, upgrades and extensions, helping the solution evolve alongside changing operational requirements.
Engineering the Right Solution
We believe the best safety and control solution starts with understanding the customer’s operation.
Rather than applying a predetermined system configuration, our engineers consider the facility, existing infrastructure, operational procedures, integration requirements and required safety functionality before developing the solution.
Where existing and legacy equipment remains suitable, we assess how it can be retained, supported, modified or integrated rather than assuming wholesale replacement is necessary. This can reduce unnecessary capital expenditure, minimise disruption and extend the useful life of existing infrastructure.
We combine this approach with proven, widely supported technology and open architecture where appropriate, helping provide systems that remain maintainable and adaptable throughout their operational life.
UK Engineering, Global Delivery
FirstClass systems are designed and manufactured in the UK and delivered to customers in the UK and internationally.
Our experience includes working with operators, manufacturers, contractors and project teams across the UK and international markets including Europe, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand. Wherever the project is located, our approach remains the same: understand the requirement, engineer the appropriate solution and provide the support needed throughout delivery and operation.
QUALITY & COMPLIANCE
Quality at the heart of everything we do.
Our systems are designed and manufactured to meet relevant industry standards. We operate a robust ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System, with safety embedded throughout our processes to support reliability, compliance and consistent quality.
ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System
A certified Quality Management System supporting consistent quality and continuous improvement.
Rigorous testing, validation and documentation
Systems are thoroughly tested, validated and documented in accordance with applicable requirements and industry best practice.
Industry Standards & Compliance
Systems are engineered to meet applicable industry standards, regulations and project requirements.
RISQS-Approved Rail Supplier
Eight consecutive clean RISQS audits demonstrate our commitment to quality, compliance and continuous improvement.
Continuous improvement and innovation
We continually develop our people, processes and technology to improve the solutions and support we provide.
Full project lifecycle support and maintenance
Engineering support from design and commissioning through to maintenance, modification, upgrades and long-term system support.
OUR HISTORY
A Track Record of Engineering & Innovation
1999
Our safety and control engineering capability began under the Beck & Pollitzer brand, providing the foundations for the expertise that would later become FirstClass Safety & Control.
2005
Rail capability expanded with the delivery of an early Depot Protection System installation.
2017
FirstClass Safety & Control established following a buy-out from Beck & Pollitzer, bringing established safety and control engineering capability into the new business.
2019
International expansion and new partnerships in Rail Depot Safety Systems
2022
Moved to our current Essex facility, supporting the expansion of our team and increased UK engineering and manufacturing capacity.
Today
Delivering and supporting safety-critical systems across the UK and internationally in Rail, Marine and Petrochemical markets.
MEET THE TEAM
Experienced. Dedicated. Passionate.
Our team brings decades of industry experience and a shared commitment to delivering safe, reliable and innovative solutions.
Mark Meyrick
Director & founder of the Company
View Bio
Having worked for Beck & Pollitzer (B&P) for 17 years, Mark welcomed the opportunity to start his own business when he undertook a management buy-out of the control system division to form FirstClass Safety & Control Ltd (FCSC) in 2017.
Sam Meyrick
Control Systems Engineer
View Bio
Sam is a driven and energetic young engineer, with a can-do attitude and a passion to explore and develop new methods and techniques within the Safety and Controls environment.
Haroon Saeed
Control Systems Engineer
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Haroon is a skilled Process Automation engineer, he has over a decade of experience in Industrial Automation with multiple system integrator companies across a range of industries including oil and gas, Chemical, Petro Chemical, FMCG, PMS, Pharmaceutical and Railways.
Waqas Habib
Control Systems Engineer
View Bio
Waqas is a dedicated and seasoned Control System Engineer with a passion for solving complex problems in the world of automation and control.
Mark Meyrick
Director & founder of the Company
Having worked for Beck & Pollitzer (B&P) for 17 years, Mark welcomed the opportunity to start his own business when he undertook a management buy-out of the control system division to form FirstClass Safety & Control Ltd (FCSC) in 2017
Mark was instrumental in developing and creating the FCSC offer, working in a small team whilst at B&P, and he continues to bring forth and advance new operational ideas and solutions.
He brings a wealth of business and managerial experience with a very strong background in the Control and Safety System industry. Mark oversees all areas of the business and is a hands-on manager supporting the team whenever required, having a “can do” attitude to all. His Functional Safety Engineer (TUV Rheinland) qualification allows him to co-ordinate the business and assist customers with Safety System Design and Manufacture.
Mark enjoys travel with family and friends, plays golf when time permits, is a keen football fan and has an interest in watching most sports.
Sam Meyrick
Control Systems Engineer
Sam’s interest in engineering started at the young age of 15, with a part-time job modifying and checking over Technical Control Drawings for Beck & Pollitzer, during school holidays. He recently completed a 4-year Advanced Engineering Apprenticeship at FlaktWoods Ltd, an Air Movement company based in Colchester.
During his apprenticeship he gained knowledge within the Mechanical, Electrical and Aerodynamic sectors. He has successfully undertaken projects as a project engineer, including producing and implementing innovative designs into the HVAC Industry.
Sam is a driven and energetic young engineer, with a can-do attitude and a passion to explore and develop new methods and techniques within the Safety and Controls environment.
A keen petrolhead, Sam spends his time working on cars and seeing friends. He enjoys travelling globally with his partner and is a keen cyclist
Haroon Saeed
Control Systems Engineer
Haroon holds a degree in Electronics Engineering from a top ranked University and has developed a diverse range of capabilities in designing and implementing complex industrial control systems. A skilled Process Automation engineer, he has over a decade of experience in Industrial Automation with multiple system integrator companies across a range of industries including oil and gas, Chemical, Petro Chemical, FMCG, PMS, Pharmaceutical and Railways.
Throughout his career, Haroon has demonstrated his ability to develop innovative solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of his clients – delivering projects on time and within budget while maintaining the highest levels of quality and safety, whilst working effectively with cross-functional teams. He brings to FirstClass a passion for Control Systems and extensive knowledge of both the Hardware and Software involved in helping our clients stay ahead of the curve.
Haroon is a passionate sport enthusiast, with a deep love for various sports including cricket, snooker and chess. His love for sports remains a significant part of his life.
Waqas Habib
Control Systems Engineer
Waqas is a dedicated and seasoned Control System Engineer with a passion for solving complex problems in the world of automation and control. With 11+ years of experience in the field, he has honed his skills in designing, implementing, and optimizing control systems for a wide range of industries including Oil & Gas, FMCG, Chemical, Petrochemical and Railways.
Over the years, Waqas has gained proficiency in integrating automation solutions with existing systems, ensuring minimal downtime and a smooth transition to automated processes as well as becoming adept at identifying and resolving control system issues, improving system efficiency, and reducing operational costs.
He brings to FirstClass, a speciality in creating innovative and efficient control system solutions tailored to the unique needs of diverse industries. His designs optimize processes, enhance productivity, and ensure the safety and reliability of systems.
When not immersed in the world of control systems, Waqas is an avid computer gamer, just for entertainment purposes. He also enjoys playing a variety of sports, including badminton, table tennis, football. Whether on the field or the court, he appreciates the camaraderie and thrill of competition.
Discuss Your Requirements
Talk to our team about your next safety, control, automation or interlocking project, from new systems and upgrades to integration, modification and support for legacy and existing systems.