Another ALOA show is in the books, and the Locksmith Ledger team learned a great deal at this annual gathering of the locksmithing industry. Most of the locksmiths agreed that the best part of their week was the training, and the Security Expo was a worthy bonus.
Some trends were evident on the show floor. It looks like 2025 and early 2026 will see quite a few key machine introductions. Lock Labs had one of the coolest displays on the floor, showing off its new Maverick key machine with a giant LED screen. Kaba Ilco previewed their EvoX machine, and XHorse’s giant booth featured its XHorse Condor XC-Twins automatic key machine.
Some of the largest booths belonged to (primarily) automotive distributors, American Key Supply, UHS Hardware, Transponder Island and Key Innovations, which had the popular Dean’s Deal bin, where locksmiths could pay a set price and dive through a bin of remotes and fobs, grabbing as many as they could in 15 seconds. ASSA ABLOY and Allegion also had large displays, featuring electronic locks, door hardware, electric strikes, maglocks and other products.
ALOA New Product Showcase
The ALOA New Product Showcase has grown, with 11 great entries, some so new that they are not yet available through distribution. Mul-T-Lock took top honors for its MVP 3000 stainless steel slam lock, designed to safeguard commercial vehicles. Here is the full list of nominees.
Allegion ND Series Privacy Indication Locks: Know It's Locked visibility comes from the patented 180-degree window of ND Series indication trim. It's large enough to see even from across the room to ensure classroom, security, and privacy needs are met.
Allegion’s Schlage Performance Series Locks: This grouping included Mortise, Cylindrical and Tubular locks.
More info: www.allegion.us
ASSA ABLOY Control ID IDFace Max: With a modern design and elegant finish, iDFace Max monitors and controls the entry and exit of people through facial identification technology. Its advanced algorithm and high-quality cameras allow the identification of up to 100,000 faces with face liveness detection and identification of users with and without a mask.
iDFace has an integrated SIP intercom, TCP/IP, USB, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. The device also features a large 7” LCD touchscreen display that allows easy and intuitive navigation for configuring access rules and viewing reports.
More info: https://www.assaabloy.com/ae/en/solutions/topics/access-control/control-id
ASSA ABLOY’s Norton Rixson 4500 Series Low-Energy Operator: The 4500 series low-energy operator is a great retrofit solution that simply mounts on the door and plugs into a 24v power source, just like a house lamp. Available all in one kit, Norton Rixson has pulled together everything needed to automate any swing door, including a 4500 operator, switches, transmitters and a 24v power cord. A great solution for non-fire rated, interior doors from restrooms, offices, patient rooms and more. the operator’s multiple accessory outputs allow for seamless integration with electric strikes and other hardware.
More info: www.nortonrixson.com
ASSA Technical Services’ High Security SFIC with Sidebar: The Demont+ system is patent-protected until 2037 /2042 (with special profiles), delivering improved key management and enhanced security.
Features include:
- Solid brass construction for durability
- Unique interlocking finger pins with sidebar design
- Solid nickel silver bottom pins
- Can be keyed to A2, A3 or A4 system
- Compatible with all SFIC housings
- Uses existing SFIC tools
- Keys can be cut with existing IC machines
- Available in 7-pin
- Seven finishes: polished brass, satin brass, satin bronze, oil-rubbed bronze, matte black, brushed chrome and polished chrome
More info: www.assatechnicalservicesinc.com. It will also be available through KSP, www.icccore.com.
EDM Solutions Ltd. 8C04 SFIC: The 8C04 SFIC is an exclusively designed SFIC core that combines the external design of the Stanley BEST SFIC with the internal configuration of the Schlage key system.
“The concept behind the 8C04 SFIC is to facilitate key and code sharing between standard BEST and Schlage lock systems, enabling SFICs’ to be seamlessly integrated in any security environment that prioritizes Schlage security systems,” explained company founder and president Tom Lu, adding that it acts as a bridge between BEST and Schlage.
More info: www.edmsolutions.ca
Kaba Ilco Smart Pro Mini: The Smart Pro Mini is an easy-to-use, low-investment tool designed to help locksmiths enter the fast-growing and highly profitable car remote programming business. Backed by Advanced Diagnostics, Smart Pro Mini is also ideal for experienced professionals looking for a compact, secure, and easy solution for vehicle remote programming. Programming is done through the MYKEYS Pro app.
The Smart Pro Mini covers the most in-demand models from Audi, Ford, Lincoln and Volkswagen, giving locksmiths and automotive professionals more opportunities to grow their business with reliable, easy-to-use programming capabilities.
Technical data:
- Connection: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
- App Control: MYKEYS Pro (Android/iOS)
- Dimensions: 6.77 in x 3.6 in x 1.18 in / weight 0.38 lbs
- LED Indicators: Red, Device Problem; Yellow, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Status; and
Blue, Procedure in Progress
More info: www.ilco.us/products/smart-pro-mini
KSP – Killeen Security Products Two-Step Lock: This prototype was created by college student Damon Degre (son of KSP’s Gene Degre), with Damon’s school funding the new product entry.
In Lockout position, Key 1 only moves between the lockout and functional positions. This prevents the change keys from operating the cylinder. Key 2 and beyond operates the cylinder and can be keyed alike or master keyed.
To restrict building access, the lock can be staged in the lockout position, preventing use of change or master keys by employees, tenants, etc. For machine lockouts, only authorized users can unlock equipment.
More info: www.iccore.com
Mul-T-Lock MVP 3000: Keeping your van and your expensive tools secure is an important concern for all locksmiths. Mul-T-Lock provides a solution with the MVP 3000, the newest member of its Mul-T-Lock Van Protection (MVP) line. MVP locks are trusted by fleet owners, service providers, and delivery operations for their durability, key control, and flexible keying options.
The MVP3000 is a stainless-steel slam-lock engineered for rear and sliding van doors, but also suitable for industrial enclosures and entrance doors. It’s compatible with the MTL 400 platform — Mul-T-Lock’s advanced key system that offers patented key control, high resistance to picking and drilling, and long-term key duplication protection — ensuring security that goes beyond the lock.
The MVP line also includes the MVP1000 and 2000 models.
More info: www.mul-t-lock.com
XHorse Key Tool Midi: The Xhorse Key Tool MIDI is an all-in-one advanced diagnostic and key programming device combining powerful IMMO and TPMS functionalities in a portable unit. According to XHorse, this device supports over 90% of vehicle models for IMMO programming and over 98% for TPMS sensor services. It includes a modern touchscreen interface.
XHorse Condor XC-Twins: This XHorse key machine is billed as the first automatic key-cutting machine with Artificial Intelligence. Features include:
- New double-cutter design
- AI optical recognition
- Built-in pressure sensor
- Key shape customization
- All-purpose clamps
- Seven-inch touchscreen
- Smart indicator light
- Powerful all keys lost database
More info: www.xhorsetool.com/
Trending
New Product Showcase entries were just a few of the product introductions at ALOA. Here are some of the other items that caught our eye.
Electronic access control remained a growth market, with more services using the cloud and generating recurring revenue. Nexkey demonstrated the ease of upgrading mechanical locks to EAC. Watch for a Nexkey installation article and video in an upcoming issue of Locksmith Ledger.
Keyincode previewed its upcoming sleek. modern KIC9500 smart lock, powered by Korelock, for narrow stile aluminum doors.
For thicker doors and special installations, KSP’s 408 Housing Extension enables locksmiths to convert current 408 housings to longer lengths. They are stackable and come in the following sizes: ½-inch, ¾-inch, 1 inch and 2 inch.
In addition to its PAC-BLU access control system, PACLOCK showed its impressive new PACLOCK PL951 padlock prototype for government and high security applications, almost ready for market.
Frontline Defense had some impressive interlocking latch guards with multifamily and commercial applications.
For the safe tech, MBA USA is getting ready to launch some new tools and has launched the MBA Locksmith Portal, a membership-based website for verified locksmiths that will include training courses and videos, product information and a community forum.
The Maverick automatic key machine from Lock Labs is billed as a reasonably priced back-up or entry-level key machine, with U.S.-based technical and warranty support. Two versions are offered, the Maverick and the Maverick Max. This product (and its striking booth display) drew crowds and positive reviews at ALOA. Watch for more information as this product is released.
See You in 2026
ALOA is early next year. We’ll see everyone June 26-27, 2026, back at the Southpoint Resort in Las Vegas. Classes begin June 21. For more information, visit www.aloa.org/convention.