For 30 years, Rotaflow has delivered customized fire protection solutions that provide 360 degrees of care. From in-house engineering and fabrication to risk assessments and implementation, Rotaflow provides fire alarms, pumps and fire suppression systems that protect what matters to you the most. 

“Rotaflow was founded by Zahir Jiwa and his wife,” says Amir Shami, president and CEO. “They came to Edmonton from England and started a small engineering business. When Rotaflow launched, it attracted industrial projects in Fort McMurray for oil sand companies like Suncor and Shell. After establishing itself with instrumentation and process safety, Rotaflow  graduated towards more inspection and risk assessment work.”

A milestone was bringing on board the talent and means to take on sprinkler feeders and hiring a fire alarm technician. This led to a large contract with Suncor and a continual evolution in the fire suppression space.

“Our mission,” continues, Shami, “is to empower our clients’ success through fire and life safety protection.”

This mission is achieved through a multi-pronged process that Rotaflow has developed over the past 30 years. 

It starts with the pillars of success, which are built on the products and services. These include design-built fire sprinkler and special hazard systems, fire water pumphouses, fire and gas alarms, inspections, service calls and integration. It also includes civil and underground utility systems and fabrication. The delivery model hinges upon on-time performance, leaving a positive impact and properly addressing the complexity of project scopes. 

Rotaflow considers its core values and attitude to be a driving factor in its success. The values include a laser focus on safety, being customer-centric, coming together as a team, being accountable and striving for continuous improvement. The attitude behind this is one of hard work, communication, agility, holding a can-do attitude and having fun together at work.

“This is our difference,” smiles Shami when he reflects on the products and services and how they are backed by the carefully curated process. “We are not a group of trade individuals that outsource engineering. We do everything in house.”

Shami and his team want to have a positive impact on clients that goes beyond the balance sheet. 

“Rotaflow is not an expense if it is helping to drive up your revenue,” he points out. “We are part of your project team and very invested in your success. This is why we continue to diversify in scope and in our target markets.”

The target market started in the traditional oil sands with clients such as Suncore and Syncrude. Rotaflow has since expanded to service mid-size companies and its most recent target, commercial services.

“We bring a very professional experience to this space,” Shami adds. “We only align with team members that share our core values to ensure our reputation and corporate culture remain strong and progressive.”

That progression is not limited to the processes. It is very evident in the DNA of the corporate culture.

“We are very invested in diversity,” says Shami. “Last time I counted, we had about a dozen languages in our lunchroom! We have a map on the wall so people can put a pin where they are from. We fully embrace cultural diversity and all the benefits it brings to our company and processes. Rotaflow enjoys investing in its diverse team with training and programs that encourage professional and personal growth.”

Part of empowering the growth of the team and the brand is a commitment to giving back to the community. 

“Every year we donate to several non-profit organizations and many of them are causes or minor sports in which our team and clients are involved. We also support Edmonton’s Food Bank and the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation. Personally, I enjoy providing mentorship with Junior Achievement Northern Alberta.”

Over the years, Rotaflow has been recognized and celebrated for its contributions professionally and in the community. In 2024, Rotaflow was pleased to earn both a customer service excellence award from BOMA and a Business Leaders award.

For 30 great years and counting, Shami says a thank you to the Rotaflow’s founders, its past and present team and the clients.

“I would also like to thank the Young Presidents’ Organization, the Business Council of Alberta and our board directors,” he adds. “It is a privilege to receive their mentorship.”

Shami is excited for the future.

“The path ahead is all about scaling up while staying grounded. Remaining humble, avoiding complacency and keeping a laser-sharp focus are central to our vision. We aim to keep on the path in our field, showcasing how modern technology, thoughtful leadership and strong organizational practices can thrive even in a traditional environment.

“What will continue to set us apart is that we are an engineering firm in the contracting space where many contracting companies are built on trade-focused roots. This gives us a methodical, solution-oriented mindset that has consistently guided us through challenges over the past 30 years. It empowers us to pivot, solve problems creatively and drive innovation in every project.”

Looking ahead, the company is determined to lead by example, shaping the future of their industry while earning trust and delivering excellence at every step.

Shami concludes, “We plan to level up the entire industry and continue to advocate for the changes that ensure safety across the markets we serve. Our model is tested and trusted. We have plenty of infrastructure investments lined up over the next decade and aim to be the name clients think of to deliver trusted products backed by knowledge, passion and exceptional quality.”