News, People April 2026

Yale, Master Lock Eye Commercial Market

Yale and Master Lock, part of Fortune Brands Innovations, have introduced new smart lock solutions exclusively for professional customers, designed to meet the unique needs of multi-family residences and commercial buildings. Yale is expanding its Yale Pro 2 lineup for multi-family housing with three new smart locks, while Master Lock is introducing two all-new smart locks designed for commercial use.

“Yale and Master Lock are delivering the industry’s most flexible smart lock solutions that work with nearly any system, from smart apartment building platforms to small business security networks,” said Dave Barry, President of Security & Connected Products at Fortune Brands Innovations. “Grounded in years of proven reliability, these new products extend our legacy of convenience and security with options that meet a wide range of requirements, providing our customers with scalable, high-quality professional-grade access solutions. The launch comes at a pivotal time, with renter households surging by more than 1.2 million in the past two years,1 underscoring the growing need for smart and future-proof access solutions for multi-family rental properties."

Yale Pro 2: Expanded Access for Smarter Multi-Family Buildings

Built on the same industrial design of the Yale Assure Lock 2 residential product line, the new professional-grade smart locks combine modern aesthetics with industry-leading technology, delivering a flexible solution to meet the needs of multi-family housing and commercial facilities.

The Yale Pro 2 line adds three new locks engineered for apartment and multi-family facilities, including residential units, gyms, mailrooms, and other shared spaces to create a centralized, fully integrated smart access experience. Property managers, residents, and guests benefit from smart and secure keyless entry that streamlines operations across the entire property. Now offering interconnected, mortise, and cylindrical lock options, the Pro 2 line adapts to diverse hardware and regional code requirements while integrating with leading smart building systems for a fully connected and flexible experience. Backed by some of the shortest lead times in the industry, Pro 2 ensures faster deployment so property managers can upgrade access control solutions without delays.

The Pro 2 line is expanding to include:

Yale Pro 2 Interconnected Lock: Combines a deadbolt and lever for apartment entry doors, designed for regions that require single-action egress. Gives residents quick, secure keyless entry to their individual unit while letting property managers manage access codes and integrate with smart building systems.

Yale Pro 2 Mortise Lock: Built for high-traffic shared spaces like lobbies or mailrooms with a smart upgrade for traditional mortise locks. Offers durable, high-security performance with keyless access for residents and easy integration for property managers.

Yale Pro 2 Cylindrical Lock: Delivers keyless entry, strong security, and remote management in a compact design with an all-in-one keypad with lever, ideal for single door preps in gyms, offices, or mailrooms.

Master Lock: Smart Locks for Commercial Facilities

Master Lock debuts two new smart lock solutions designed for small- and medium-sized commercial businesses, combining advanced technology with a durable form factor built for high-traffic environments. Available in cylindrical and mortise models, each lock integrates seamlessly with smart building and alarm systems that utilize open standards, such as Z-Wave Plus and Zigbee. These locks simplify access management, reduce operational costs, and give business owners and facility managers scalable control. Employees and visitors enjoy secure and convenient keyless entry, while property owners maintain complete control with tamper-proof, pick-resistant locks featuring built-in alarms.

The Master Lock commercial product options include:

Master Lock Cylindrical Lock: Offers easy installation with standard door preparation and is ideal for common area spaces in commercial buildings, including exterior and interior doors for gyms, lounges, lobbies, side entrances, and more.

Master Lock Mortise Lock: Ideal for mortise door preps in higher traffic rooms and entrances in commercial spaces like schools, healthcare facilities, retail spaces, small businesses, and more.

Key features across the new Yale Pro 2 and Master Lock professional smart lock offerings include:

• Control Access at Scale: Create and manage up to 500 unique codes for residents, staff, employees, and maintenance teams.
• Enhanced Security: Tamper-proof, pick-resistant design with built-in alarm if removed.
• Automated Control: Auto-Lock ensures doors are always secured.
• Smarter Monitoring: DoorSense alerts managers if a door isn’t closed securely.
• Code-Compliant Safety: Single Action Egress supports fast, safe exit.
• Customizable Design: Push-button or touchscreen options with durable finishes, including Satin Nickel, Satin Chrome, Oil Rubbed Bronze & Black Suede.
• Remote Access: Lock or unlock doors from anywhere, anytime.
• Flexible Connectivity: Works with Z-Wave Plus, Zigbee, and Wi-Fi3 for seamless integration with smart building systems and applications.

The new Yale Pro 2 and Master Lock smart lock solutions are now available for purchase by professional customers, including property managers, commercial facility operators, and more.

Visit shopyalehome.com/multi-family-housing and masterlock.com/connected-commercial-locks for more information.

Automated Safe Deposit Technology for Casinos

Gunnebo Safe Storage has worked in partnership with Capital Vaults to install its high security SafeStore Auto Maxi at Sibaya Entertainment Kingdom and Casino, designed to provide clients with secure, automated access to their valuables.

The SafeStore Auto Maxi Solution was seamlessly designed within a certified EN 1143-1 Grade VII vault at a high-security site for the leading Casino complex in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

As a protected, discreet facility where customers can store and retrieve possessions at any time without relying on staff, the solution enables the maintenance of the highest level of physical protection.

“This project demonstrates how SafeStore Auto can provide secure and convenient access to valuables without the limitations of traditional safe deposit services,” stated Theo Moodley, of Capital Vaults. “Gunnebo’s automated system is housed in a certified EN 1143-1 Grade VII vault and combines robotics with rigorous identity verification to give users confidence their belongings are protected at all times.”

SafeStore Auto Maxi is an automated safe deposit system which operates entirely within a certified strong room and always remains closed and secure, eliminating the need for staff interaction during access.

Multi-layered authentication ensures only the authorised user can call up their safety deposit locker. The installation has been further strengthened by a proprietary six-eye protocol. The vault is completely isolated from external networks and does not require an internet connection, reducing the risk of hacking or data breaches.

Located within the broader security perimeter of a major entertainment complex, the site benefits from constant surveillance, controlled entry and exit points, and on-site security teams, while offering customers complete privacy once inside the private suite where the locker is delivered.

Access is always available, allowing clients to deposit or retrieve items whenever they choose. Items commonly stored include jewellery, documents, luxury watches, precious metals, digital wallets, and family heirlooms; these are possessions that are often irreplaceable or hold significant sentimental value.

Gail Carew, Sales Director of Gunnebo Safe Storage South Africa added: “Capital Vaults turned to Gunnebo for a secure, automated alternative to conventional safe deposit boxes. Through a close partnership, we combined our SafeStore Auto technology with a certified high-security vault to deliver 24/7 access in a secure environment.”

The success of the installation highlights how advanced vault technology can be adapted to local requirements while adhering to international certifications for burglary resistance. As demand for private secure storage continues to grow, Gunnebo Safe Storage expects similar solutions to play an increasing role in providing individuals with peace of mind and uninterrupted access to their most valuable possessions.

Axis Opens Americas Experience Center in Milwaukee

In a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony, Axis Communications unveiled its newest Axis Experience Center (AEC)  —  its 19th in the Americas —  located in Milwaukee.

The facility occupies a 7,800-square-foot space and aims to provide customers and partners with interactive access to Axis’s security and analytics technology.

Milwaukee is described by Axis as its third-largest market in the upper Midwest, with key customers across education, retail, sports venues and stadiums, government and healthcare sectors.  The new AEC will showcase real-world applications of Axis solutions through video footage and hands-on demonstrations, allowing visitors to see how the company’s offerings work in practical settings.

The design of the Milwaukee center is said to reflect local heritage: the space features reclaimed Cream City Brick and copper details, and includes a “Taste of Milwaukee” experience highlighting local flavors. The facility offers views of Lake Michigan, the Milwaukee Art Museum and the nearby Summerfest Grounds, inviting visitors to appreciate both the technology and the spirit of the community.

Inside, the AEC offers demonstrations of the latest Axis technologies — including cameras powered by the AV1 codec and the ARTPEC 9 chip — as well as environmental sensors that detect vaping, smoking and air-chemical changes, and an IP Speaker Clock. 

Additional features include quality-testing zones where devices are subjected to extreme conditions (heat, freezing, water and impact tests), video case studies showing technology solving real-world safety and efficiency challenges, and rooftop cameras offering live long-range views of highways and city streets.

At the opening event, Axis executives — including Karl Radke, Business Area Director Midwest, and others such as Keith D’Sa and Nikki Nemarich — joined customers, partners and community members for a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by a champagne toast.

The Milwaukee AEC is located at 833 E Michigan, suite 1150, Milwaukee, WI 53202. To schedule a time to tour the new Axis Experience Center or to learn more about the facility and its resources, email [email protected]. 

People in the News

Amityville, NY — NAPCO Security Technologies has hired Frank Alvernaz as Business Development Manager, joining the company’s National Accounts team and working under the leadership of Duane Warehime.

In this role, Alvernaz will support NAPCO’s national and strategic accounts, focusing on relationship development, growth opportunities, and enhanced support across NAPCO’s portfolio of Commercial Fire, Intrusion, Access Control, & Locking solutions.

Based in Northern California, Alvernaz will work closely with regional field sales teams and independent representatives.  His addition strengthens the company’s commitment to providing dedicated resources and consistent engagement for its largest customers.

“Frank’s addition to the National Accounts team reflects our continued investment in people and partnerships. Working closely with myself and the national accounts team, he will help drive alignment, responsiveness, and long-term value for our customers,” said Duane Warehime, VP of National Accounts

Alvernaz brings 36 years of experience in the Professional Fire and Life Safety Industry to this role, further enhancing NAPCO’s ability to serve complex, multi-location customers across commercial, institutional, and multi-family markets. The expanded National Accounts team structure underscores NAPCO’s focus on collaboration, service, and strategic growth.

Alvernaz can be reached directly at 631-332-8561 (cell) or by email at [email protected]

Integrated Control Technology (ICT) has appointed longtime security industry veteran Robert Romps as Western Regional Sales Director for the United States.

Romps brings more than 25 years of experience spanning residential installations, small-scale deployments and large enterprise environments. ICT said his background blends technical depth with channel leadership and a strong customer focus.

In an announcement, Romps said he is eager to join a company that prioritizes innovation and support for its partners. He noted that ICT’s Protege ecosystem offers a flexible and intuitive platform for modern security needs and said he looks forward to working closely with integrators to help them deliver measurable value.

Before joining ICT, Romps spent seven years as Regional Sales Manager at Kastle Systems supporting customers across the central U.S. He previously served as Executive Vice President at Advanosys Security and Automation Technologies leading growth initiatives, solution development and partner enablement. Earlier roles at BW Systems and Colorado Systems Group strengthened his work in system integration and enterprise solution delivery.

A long-time Colorado resident, Romps will operate from ICT’s Denver office where he will lead regional growth efforts, expand the company’s partner ecosystem and support both new and existing partners across key vertical markets.

Pat Alvaro, Senior Vice President and General Manager for North America, said Romps’ leadership and relationships across the Rocky Mountain region make him a strong fit for the role. Jeff June, Vice President of Sales for the U.S., added that Romps’ enterprise knowledge and commitment to partner success will be central to ICT’s continued growth in the U.S. market.