News and People, April 2020

April 3, 2020

Schlage ALX Series Launched

Allegion U.S. announced the launch of the Schlage ALX Series. It’s said to be a first in modular design for cylindrical locks.

Allegion calls the ALX Series cylindrical, grade 2 lock “an evolution of the earlier AL Series,” which will be discontinued at year’s end.

According to Allegion, the ALX Series creates flexibility, with new ways to order, configure and use a grade 2 lock. Regardless of whether it’s purchased configured or in separate kits, you gain extreme installation simplicity, exceptional durability, an expansive lever offering and maximum utility in a lock that exceeds expectations for wholesale, locksmiths, architects and end users alike. 

The ALX Series has several so-called X Factor features, including:

  • FleXible buying options: You can purchase the lock configured or in separate chassis, function and lever kits.
  • Function fleXibility: The lock’s patent-pending modular chassis design allows you to create the lock you want on site and change functions as rooms are repurposed.
  • EXtreme installation simplicity: There are no loose parts, and having little or no need to adjust for door thickness can lead to an installation in just over a minute, Allegion says.
  • EXpansive lever offering: The ALX Series comes in 10 designs, 10 finishes and a full range of key-system support, including all Schlage as well as five competitive cylinder formats.
  • EXceptional durability: ALX Series locks have grade 1 compression springs and a stainless steel latchbolt, and they carry a 10-year warranty.

The modular design enables locksmiths to do more with less inventory and solve problems at the jobsite with field-configurable solutions that could reduce callbacks when unplanned needs arise dramatically.     

The ALX Series is designed to work perfectly with the Schlage ND Series, sharing an expansive lever offering. You can pair the two to gain grade 2 savings where appropriate using the ALX, and ND Series’ grade 1 strength, security and added functionality where needed. 

The ALX Series’ patented “plug and play” function capability lets locksmiths configure seven of the nine functions on the spot or change an existing function to repurpose the lock. For maximum flexibility, the ALX Series also features field-reversible Vandlgard to non-Vandlgard locked lever engagement on any locking function.

“We’re excited about this lock and committed to offering every possible configuration,” says Reyn Parsons, vendor relations for Security Lock Distributors, a distributor of Schlage locks. “We see the modularity, durability and security features as building on the best of Schlage innovation.”

More Info: https://us.allegion.com/en/home.html

 
Lockmasters 2020 Catalog Available

The newest version of Lockmasters’ annual lock and tool catalog is available now! If you don’t receive Lockmasters' mailers, call 800-654-0637 and request a copy of the catalog and current sale flyer. The 65th anniversary catalog is available in print and CD version.

More info: www.lockmasters.com.  

dormakaba Expands Phoenix Manufacturing

dormakaba continues to increase its presence in North America, this time in Phoenix.

Months after expanding its headquarters in Indianapolis, the access control solutions company doubled its manufacturing capabilities in Phoenix by moving into a new facility, which it calls the “Americas Hollow Metal Center of Excellence.”

The 100,000-square-foot facility allows for what dormakaba calls “connected, innovative and efficient hollow metal manufacturing.” The company will produce door frames, including hollow metal, elevation, corner and arch top, and lock seam, seamless-edge, slope-top and arch-top doors at its Phoenix facility. Full production began in January 2020.

“Investing in this facility, and the Phoenix community in general, was an easy decision for us,” COO Michael Kincaid says. “We have a strong and resilient workforce here. Being the trusted leader in smart access solutions starts with the best people, and that is why we are investing in Phoenix.”

In addition, dormakaba says, the new facility:

  • Expands capacity to support growth and lead times
  • Improves customer service and confirms consistent quality standards
  • Extends fabrication capabilities
  • Uses new manufacturing systems to improve sustainability

****People in the News ****

With an eye on providing better customer support for high-security PROTEC2 CLIQ locks and key systems, ABLOY USA hired Jeff McCormick to serve as CLIQ System Specialist. Based in the Irving, Texas, office, McCormick reports to Michael Woody, ABLOY Customer Service and CLIQ Competence Center Manager.

McCormick has 15 years of experience in the software and technical-support field. He joins ABLOY USA after working the past 12 years in the security industry for Keri Systems, a manufacturer and provider of card access control and integrated security systems.

In his new role at ABLOY USA, McCormick will be tasked with supporting and training customers regarding PROTEC2 CLIQ products. He also is expected to develop documentation for integrators and sales.

”I liked that CLIQ is a relatively new product in the U.S. market and I would be part of the team securing a foothold for it,” McCormick says. ”I’m looking forward to working with distributors and end users to grow and develop CLIQ and educate them about it. One of my immediate goals is to provide troubleshooting documentation for dealers and end users, as well as for ABLOY technicians. I also want to begin building solid relationships with those dealers and end-users.”

After an extensive national search, SDC (Security Door Controls) selected door hardware and security industry sales veteran Les Neal as the new business development manager, Central Region. He is responsible for all major accounts, distributors, and security and hardware representatives in the Central territory, which encompasses MN, ND, SD, WI, IA, NE, KS, MO, IL, IN, OK, AR, TX (excluding El Paso), LA, MS, Western TN, OH, KY, WV & Western PA. He brings 35+ years of locksmith, door, frame, hardware and architectural sales experience on behalf of manufacturers, distributors and rep firms. In addition, he brings a wealth of installation, facilities management, project bid, teaching, institutional locksmith, alarm company and rep management experience.

“We’re very excited about the knowledge base and interdisciplinary expertise Les brings to our sales channels,” says Shane Geringer, SDC’s CEO and president. “We think it's virtually impossible to replicate the product familiarity and real-world industry experience Les brings to share with our reps and distributors in both the door hardware industry and the alarm/electronic security industry.”

Because of his scope of experience, Neal also will provide additional inside sales support when he isn’t traveling to serve and support SDC's hardware and security sales reps, distributors and dealers in the Central Region.

"During my career, I've had the good fortune to recommend, sell, install and use SDC's products as a field tech, facilities manager, instructor, institutional locksmith and alarm company owner,” Neal says. “I've also represented the brand as an outside sales rep and territory manager for several wholesaler distributors in the industry. I slept very well at night knowing that my association with SDC only enhanced my industry reputation. I believe my unique SDC experience can be used with reps, distributors, dealers and integrators to show them how to better connect with the end-user customer and their requirements."

"I think that Les brings a unique understanding of the whole door opening and professionalism that will benefit all our stakeholders," Geringer continues. "He's actually been one of the many sales prospects we target with our access and egress hardware control solutions, so it's easy for him to help us all relate to their needs."

Neal can be reached at:

Phone: (805) 217-2004

Email: [email protected]

VIZpin, designer and manufacturer of the VIZpin smartphone-based, Bluetooth-enabled access entry system, recently added Rui Manuel Barreira to its executive leadership team. Barreira joined the Lancaster, Pennsylvania-based company in the role of vice president of technology.

Barreira will be responsible for managing VIZpin’s global engineering and product teams, execute VIZpin’s product strategy and expand VIZpin’s patent portfolio. He also will develop and manage VIZpin’s API/SDK Developer Program and the associated partner relationships.

Before joining VIZpin, Barreira cofounded and served as CEO of motel.io, a global, scalable platform for testing software on mobile devices, and was chief digital officer for Critical Software.

“Rui is a great addition to the leadership team,” says VIZpin President and CEO Paul Bodell. “His process-driven approach to product development, technology background and user-experience focus will ensure that VIZpin continues to lead the mobile-credential and smartphone access control markets.”

Christopher Larocca has joined Nortek Security & Control as its new CEO.

Larocca previously served as CEO at Luminance Brands, a consortium of seven divisions that developed and manufactured lighting products, energy controls, and connected home and smart-lighting solutions. He also held CEO and executive management positions at Dover Corp., General Electric and EMCORE Corp.

Joining Larocca on the company’s executive team is Darren Learmonth, who has been appointed the company’s new chief technology officer (CTO). Learmonth most recently served as CTO at ASSA ABLOY. He has held other CTO and senior vice president positions at HID Global and Thales E-Security.

“I am honored and excited to assume the CEO position at Nortek Security & Control,” Larocca says. “It’s inspiring to join a company whose products have already made millions of consumers more secure and a leader in creating connected environments for a more personalized and intelligent experience. From this strong foundation, I look forward to working with the exceptional professionals at NSC to implement strategies focused on strengthening our brand equity, delivering innovative solutions to the market and bolstering customer relationships.”

“I am thrilled to join NSC at this powerful time in the company’s history,” Learmouth says. “We are on the cusp of product and feature breakthroughs where I will lead and help expedite our product development in order to keep pace with the rapidly evolving markets we serve. My primary objective is to work with NSC’s knowledgeable engineering and R&D staff to maintain the company’s position as an innovator and industry leader while delivering advanced and differentiated products that help us meet our global growth targets.” 

Larocca and Learmonth are based at the company’s Carlsbad, California, Headquarters.