Why Hallam-ICS Partnered with VST Engineering for ANTIDET Systems

At Hallam-ICS, we are deliberate about partnerships—especially when they involve life-safety systems. When a solution is designed to mitigate catastrophic risk, technical excellence alone is not enough. Trust, integrity, and a shared safety philosophy are essential.

That is why we are proud to announce our partnership with VST Engineering to supply the ANTIDET Suppressor and ANTIDET Barrier systems to the U.S. market.

Recognizing Engineering Excellence in Explosion Protection Systems

Our partnership with VST Engineering began with a conversation rooted in technical rigor. VST initially approached Hallam-ICS after reviewing a comprehensive set of specifications we had developed for multiple explosion protection systems. It quickly became apparent to their engineering team that Hallam-ICS deeply understands both the technology and the real-world applications these systems must serve.

VST later shared that this was the most professional and complete set of specifications they had ever received. That mutual respect—engineer to engineer—set the foundation for what would become a strong and collaborative relationship.

A Shared Commitment to Customer-Specific Explosion Protection Solutions

From the outset, we recognized that VST’s approach to customer service closely mirrors our own. VST prides itself on flexibility and on delivering customized solutions, not off-the-shelf answers that may or may not fit the application.

This alignment matters. Explosion protection is never one-size-fits-all. Each facility, process, and hazard profile demands careful evaluation and tailored engineering. Together, Hallam-ICS and VST focus on understanding the customer’s actual risk and designing solutions that address it effectively and responsibly.

Safety Is Non-Negotiable

Perhaps the most important reason for this partnership is VST’s uncompromising safety culture.

If a VST system cannot provide protection for a given application within the limits of its certifications, they will not quote it—period. This principle strongly resonates with Hallam-ICS. In an industry where lives, assets, and operations are at stake, there is no room for overpromising or technical shortcuts.

This shared philosophy ensures that every ANTIDET Suppressor and ANTIDET Barrier system we bring to the U.S. market is applied appropriately, responsibly, and with full respect for certification boundaries and performance limits.

Shared Core Values That Matter in Life-Safety Systems

Beyond technical capabilities, Hallam-ICS and VST Engineering share core values that are critical when working with life-safety systems:

• Honesty – Clear communication about capabilities, limitations, and risks
• Trust – Building long-term relationships with customers based on transparency
• Humility – Respecting the seriousness of explosion hazards and the responsibility that comes with mitigating them

These values guide every engineering decision and every customer interaction. When human safety is involved, character matters as much as competence.

Moving Forward Together

By partnering with VST Engineering, Hallam-ICS is bringing ANTIDET Suppressor and ANTIDET Barrier technologies to the U.S. market—backed by a shared commitment to engineering excellence, safety, and integrity. The ability to provide proven active protection systems for a wide variety of applications, including metals, compliments Hallam-ICS’s commitment to providing the most comprehensive combustible dust safety services in the industry.

We are excited about what this partnership represents: not just a distribution agreement, but a collaboration built on trust, professionalism, and a mutual dedication to protecting people and facilities from catastrophic risk.

Interested in explosion suppression or barrier systems for your facility? Our team can help evaluate risks, requirements, and appropriate protection strategies.

About the Author

Chris Giusto is National Director of Combustible Dust Safety at Hallam-ICS and has over 20years of mechanical and process engineering experience in a variety of industries. He’s spent nearly his entire career working with combustible dust hazards and designing NFPA-compliant equipment and systems. With additional expertise in dust collection system evaluation and design, he and his team bring a comprehensive approach to practical solutions for improving safety and meeting NFPA requirements.

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About Hallam-ICS

Hallam-ICS is an engineering and automation company that designs MEP systems for facilities and plants, engineers control and automation solutions, and ensures safety and regulatory compliance through arc flash studies, commissioning, and validation. Our offices are located in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Vermont, North Carolina and Texas and our projects take us world-wide.