The Insulators Labor-Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT) recently hit a major milestone in the expansion of life safety services. From Jan. 13 to 15, Insulators Local 14 in Philadelphia hosted the largest Firestop Market Recovery Program (FMRP) session to date, drawing over 35 participants from across the Middle Atlantic States Conference.
As building codes, inspection rigor and owner expectations continue to rise, firestopping is increasingly treated as a specialized craft, not a secondary task. The FMRP helps union signatory contractors and HFIAW members build the technical competence and business readiness needed to compete for (and win) more firestop work.
Bridging the Gap in Passive Fire Protection
The FMRP is designed to help union contractors and members reclaim hours by mastering the Firestop market. As traditional insulation markets evolve, firestopping represents a high-growth opportunity for those ready to commit to specialized training and labor-management collaboration.
“Getting into the Firestop Market requires commitment from both the Local Union and contractors,” stated Pete Ielmini, LMCT Executive Director. “FMRP addresses obstacles and encourages cooperation to create new work opportunities. It’s time to embrace Firestop as a way to regain hours lost in traditional markets.”
Comprehensive Training: From Bidding to Inspection
The three-day intensive course provided a deep dive into the technical and business sides of firestopping. Robert Cellucci, Business Manager of Local 14, emphasized that the program provides more than just technical skill, it provides a competitive edge in the bidding process.
“The course delivered clear practical instruction on firestopping from application and installation methods to documentation, inspection readiness, and closeout,” said Cellucci. “Contractors, union representatives, and decision-makers left with a shared process and common language. The program raised readiness and opened more opportunities for Local 14 contractors and members to pursue penetration work.”
Key pillars of the FMRP curriculum:
- Technical application: Installation methods for a range of firestop systems and real-world jobsite conditions.
- Compliance and documentation: Building a documentation trail that supports inspection readiness and closeout.
- Business development: Bidding support and go-to-market strategies to win firestop work.
- Market recovery: A collaborative roadmap for contractors and union representatives to grow market share.
Success Stories: Lessons from Superior Insulation
The session was led by Tom Dake Sr., Co-Founder of Superior Industrial Insulation. Founded more than 45 years ago, Superior Insulation now stands as one of the nation’s leading firestopping contractors, exclusively utilizing members of the Insulators Union for firestop installations.
Dake’s presence provided a “proof of concept” for attendees, showing that the transition into firestopping is not only possible but highly profitable.
“With both union and company ownership present, we could show the importance of working together to successfully recover this market,” said Dake. “The energy was high, and participants were eager to apply these strategies to their own businesses.”
A Collaborative Future for Life Safety
The event saw participation from a wide array of industry-leading contractors, including Irex Advanced Industrial, IREX Advanced Specialty Contractors, K. Guller Commercial and Industrial Insulation and BrandSafway, as well as representatives from Local 89 Trenton, N.J., and Local 32 Newark, N.J.
Jim Petrides, LMCT Senior Mechanical Insulation Specialist, assisted in the facilitation. He noted the eagerness of the participants, who wanted to collaborate on the importance of properly installing fire stop systems.
“The contractors were excited to add this life safety scope to their current specialty services,” he added.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Firestop Market Recovery Program (FMRP)? The FMRP is a strategic initiative by the Insulators LMCT to help union contractors and members capture market share in the firestop industry through technical training and bidding support.
- How can IAHFIAW-affiliated contractors enter the firestop market? Contractors affiliated with the Insulators Union can participate in a FMRP session hosted by their affiliated Local Union in order to learn more about the technical certifications and marketing strategies needed to win life-safety work.
- Why is firestopping critical for life safety? Properly installed firestop systems prevent the spread of fire, smoke and toxic gases through wall and floor penetrations, protecting both building occupants and the structure itself.
- How do I schedule an FMRP class for my Local? Local unions and conferences can coordinate a session by contacting the LMCT leadership directly at the emails provided in this blog.
How to Bring FMRP to Your Local
The LMCT is dedicated to expanding this program nationwide to ensure our members are the primary choice for firestop installation.
Don’t let these hours go to non-union competition. Equip your contractors and members with the skills to dominate the firestop market today.
To host an FMRP class at your facility, contact:
- Jim Petrides: jpetrides@insulatorsLMCT.org
- Pete Ielmini: pielmini@insulatorsLMCT.org