Company opening branch in Amherst, Nova Scotia with plans to employ 10-15 people by end of year
Classic Fire + Life Safety is expanding into Atlantic Canada with the opening of a new branch in Amherst, Nova Scotia, marking the company’s first permanent presence in the region.
The branch, scheduled to open in February, will serve as an operational hub for the Atlantic Provinces and is expected to employ approximately 10–15 people by the end of 2026, according to the company.
Classic Fire + Life Safety CEO Mike Farren described the move as a long-planned step in the company’s Canadian growth, noting that Atlantic Canada has been a strategic priority for several years. The Amherst location adds to the company’s existing network of branches across Canada, broadening its footprint in fire protection and life safety services.
The new branch will be led by Ryan Rees, a second-generation fire and life safety professional who grew up in Tatamagouche, N.S. Rees’ late father operated a fire sprinkler business in the region, and Rees has remained in the industry since taking over the family business in 2006, later working in various roles with other fire safety firms.
Rees said the opportunity to build out Classic’s operations in the region has personal significance, given his family history in the fire protection sector. His appointment aligns with the company’s emphasis on regional expertise and local relationships as it establishes a base in Atlantic Canada.
For health and safety professionals, the expansion may increase regional access to fire and life safety services, including system design, installation, inspection, testing, and maintenance. Classic Fire + Life Safety positions itself as a total fire and life safety provider serving organizations of varying sizes in both the private and public sectors.
The company’s portfolio includes several related businesses: Apex, a fire sprinkler fabrication and supply company; Northern Sprinkler Design, which provides fire sprinkler design and engineering services; and Edge Fire Protection, a full-service fire protection contractor operating in the United States.
With the Amherst branch set to function as a regional hub, employers and safety leaders in Atlantic Canada can expect another option for contracted fire protection services, support with code compliance, and ongoing system maintenance as the company ramps up local staffing through 2026.
