Dealer spotlight
In December 1986, Puerto Rico faced a tragedy that reshaped its emergency response community. The Dupont Plaza Hotel fire was a catastrophic event that claimed 97 lives. It was a defining moment for the island’s first responders and a call to action for those determined to make a difference.
One of those people was Carlos Riego, who was already working in the fire industry and saw both a challenge and an opportunity to make a difference.
In 1992, alongside NIVIA, he founded Industrial Fire Products Corp., a family-owned business dedicated to advancing firefighting and rescue capabilities across Puerto Rico.
Together, they introduced new technology, training, and innovation, establishing the company as a trusted leader in the field.
As the business evolved, so did its vision. In 2022, Industrial Fire Products rebranded as Paladius, marking a new chapter of growth and expansion. Built on around-the-clock support, strategic partnerships, and community-focused innovation.
A Conversation with Alberto Riego, General Manager of Paladius
We sat down with Alberto and Paloma Riego, leaders of Paladius’s new generation, to gain a first-hand perspective on what it means to be a DLX® dealer and how this partnership continues to strengthen emergency response capabilities in Puerto Rico and beyond.
FAQ
Q: How did you first get involved as a DLX® dealer
A: From the very beginning. We had worked with JJ in his previous company, and when he launched DLX, we were there to support him. JJ understood Puerto Rico’s local needs, and once the ASAP® product line came out, it opened the market for us. The product spoke for itself, and over the years, we’ve only strengthened our relationship and grown together.
Q: How has working with DLX impacted the value you deliver to your clients
A: DLX allows us to deliver faster, safer, and more intuitive deployments. Clear manuals, consistent labeling, and straightforward layouts make the systems easy to use in the field.
Just as necessary, the factory support has been excellent, DLX has come to Puerto Rico to train alongside our customers, and that direct involvement builds absolute confidence.
Q: How has DLX contributed to Paladius’s growth and evolution?
A: They’ve helped us take on larger proposals and design custom shelter solutions for specialized needs.
When a project required a different layout or configuration, DLX collaborated with us to make it happen. That collaboration led to major wins for both companies.
Q: What sets DLX apart from other brands on the market?
A: Their customer focus and genuine partnership. DLX invests in quality training, engages openly on projects of any size, and treats distributors and end users as one team.
That level of collaboration is rare, and it makes a difference.
Q: Can you share an example of DLX products making a difference in a mission?
A: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Municipality of Canóvanas rapidly deployed an ASAP X-Series drive-thru setup for testing and vaccinations.
The system’s speed and clarity reduced friction for staff and the community. DLX team members supported on-site training and delivery, which made a real impact.
Q: Among the DLX product lineup, which one do you prefer and why?
A: The ASAP Shelter family — especially the newer ASAP 18. It captures what DLX does best: fast, reliable, and field-ready solutions.
Our customers appreciate its balance of durability, weight, and deployment speed.
Q: What new DLX products would you like to offer next?
A: We’re excited to integrate battery and solar solutions more deeply, and to develop remote drone-operations concepts. Command posts that pair shelters with modern power and communications.
Moving away from generators toward cleaner, quieter systems is a big opportunity.
Q: How does Paladius envision its transformation with DLX in the coming years?
A: We see continued growth across Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, with more technology in the mix — particularly drones — along with stronger training, demos, and support networks.
As DLX expands beyond shelters, we see opportunities to offer more complete, cost-effective solutions that modernize logistics and readiness together.
A Partnership Rooted in Progress
From tragedy to transformation, Paladius has become a symbol of resilience, innovation, and service values that align perfectly with the DLX mission.
Together, DLX and Paladius continue to raise the standard for emergency response readiness across the region and beyond.
