News, People May 2026
Squire Joins SHDA, Eyes North American Market
ST. LOUIS — Henry Squire & Sons USA LLC has joined the Security Hardware Distributors Association (SHDA) as an Associate Member, marking a significant milestone in the company’s strategic expansion into the United States and Canada.
Founded in 1780, Squire is one of the world’s oldest lock manufacturers and remains family-owned through eight generations. Under the leadership of CEO John Squire, the company is extending its 245-year engineering heritage into North America with a focused commitment to the professional locksmith and security hardware distribution channel.
“We are not entering North America as a volume importer,” said John Squire. “We are entering as a long-term partner to distribution, aligned with SHDA’s mission to support the professional channel and elevate standards across the industry.”
Squire’s North American strategy is simple: build Stronghold into a trusted professional house brand through disciplined distribution and operational clarity. By combining certified performance standards with clear ordering, service, and channel support, Squire aims to give SHDA distributors and locksmiths a specification-grade platform they can standardize on today and confidently grow with tomorrow.
The company’s flagship Stronghold SS100CS LEV5 padlock is the first and only padlock to achieve LPCB Level 5 accreditation and also meets CEN Grade 6 standards, the highest European benchmark for padlock security.
For North American security professionals, these certifications translate directly into ASTM F883 performance language. CEN Grade 6 and LPCB SR5 testing require sustained resistance to tensile pull, shackle cutting, plug torque, impact, drilling, and prolonged manual attack. In ASTM terms, this aligns with, and in several categories exceeds, the thresholds associated with ASTM F883 Grade 6 padlocks.
ASTM Grade 6 testing includes high-load tensile pull requirements, aggressive shackle cutting force thresholds, extended plug torque resistance, and timed drilling and manipulation resistance. The SS100CS LEV5 is engineered to withstand extreme mechanical assault, including angle grinder attack, through tungsten carbide reinforcement in both the body and shackle. It is designed not merely to delay attack, but to destroy cutting discs before compromise occurs.
In practical terms, this allows distributors and locksmiths to confidently position the Stronghold platform in regulated, utility, transportation, and infrastructure environments where ASTM Grade 6–level performance is expected.
New BHMA Energy Consumption Standard
WASHINGTON, D.C. — With the industry experiencing a spike in electrified access control (EAC) solutions in commercial and institutional buildings, the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) has published ANSI/BHMA A156.45 for Determination of Builders Hardware Energy Consumption, introducing a consistent method for measuring the operational energy usage of wired architectural door hardware, including locks, strikes, and input devices.
ANSI/BHMA A156.45 establishes a framework for evaluating energy consumption, with certification values expressed in kilowatt hours per day (kWh/day) across multiple levels of use. These results allow for meaningful comparisons between products and can support broader building energy evaluation programs such as the LEED rating system.
The new standard measures energy consumption over a 24-hour period using three operational models that reflect real-world door activity:
- Secure – when passage is not possible
- Non-Secure – when free passage is possible
- Triggered – when a credential is required for passage
“A156.45 is a great example of BHMA recognizing and responding to a changing market,” said Anthony Gambrall, Director of Standards at BHMA. “As building owners pursue energy-efficiency and net-zero goals, there is a growing need to quantify the energy impact of these systems. This standard provides a standardized tool to compare the energy performance of electrified architectural hardware and support more informed building design decisions.”
In addition to establishing a repeatable test method, A156.45 also includes actual measured energy values in Certified Products Directory (CPD), allowing specifiers, facility managers, and building owners to more accurately estimate electricity usage.
The new standard complements existing BHMA product standards by allowing large facilities such as universities, hospitals and government buildings the ability to quantify usage where thousands of electrified openings may be installed.
Each ANSI/BHMA standard can be purchased on the BHMA website (www.buildershardware.com), and summaries of each standard can be accessed on the Hardware Highlights page. For more information on ANSI/BHMA standards, contact [email protected].
Allegion Acquires DCI Hollow Metal on Demand
DUBLIN — Allegion plc has acquired privately held DCI Hollow Metal on Demand (DCI), a leading U.S. manufacturer of custom, quick-ship hollow metal doors and frames for industrial, commercial and institutional markets.
DCI solutions are installed in a wide range of facilities, including hospitals and medical centers, government buildings, K12 schools and universities, commercial offices and stadiums. DCI’s product line includes custom commercial steel doors, bulletproof doors, fire-rated doors, STC doors and hollow metal frame manufactured to customer specifications, in their 100,000-square-foot facility in Southern California.
DCI will operate as part of the Allegion Americas segment, led by Allegion Senior Vice President Dave Ilardi.
“We are very excited to welcome DCI to Allegion,” Ilardi said. “DCI strengthens our core mechanical portfolio and leverages our go-to-market capabilities in non-residential markets, while expanding our presence on the West Coast. Together, we can better serve customers with a stronger local presence, faster response times and more tailored solutions.”
DCI CEO Bob Briggs will serve in an advisory capacity, supporting a smooth transition for the business as it joins the Allegion doors and frames portfolio, which also includes leading brands like Steelcraft, Republic Doors and Krieger Specialty Products.
“With our specialties being quick ship and customized doors, DCI is a highly customer-centric business – making us a natural fit for Allegion,” Briggs said. “We share their ‘partner of choice’ mentality, providing our customers what they need when they need it.”
HID Debuts Visitor Manager for Healthcare
HID has introduced HID Visitor Manager for Healthcare, a cloud-based visitor management solution that strengthens security for facilities, staff and patients while reducing friction in the process.
Unlike legacy visitor management solutions, HID Visitor Manager for Healthcare delivers a modern, configurable check-in process. The solution integrates directly with electronic health record (EHR) systems, including Epic and Oracle Health, enabling staff to link visitors to specific patients with room location data. Drawing on decades of HID's experience in healthcare security, the solution is designed for hospitals and health systems, with a deployment model that requires minimal IT involvement.
Key capabilities of HID Visitor Manager for Healthcare include:
- Integration with Epic, Oracle Health and other major EHR systems
- Photo capture, ID scanning, watchlist management and hundreds of out-of-the-box reports
- Support for multiple locations, different visit types (patients, professionals, vendors) and registration styles via pre-registrations and walk-ins
- Audit-ready logs and analytics to support compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), CMS and HIPAA, as well as state-specific workplace violence prevention laws
Beyond visitor management, the HID Healthcare Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) platform, designed specifically for clinical environments, enables instant coordination of staff, patients, and assets. Use cases include Asset Management, Staff Safety, Infant Security, Wander Management, Wayfinding, Hand Hygiene, Environmental Monitoring, and Clinical Workflow.
HID introduced these products at a time of growing urgency around hospital safety and identity management. According to HID's 2026 State of Security and Identity Report, worker safety and compliance are now the primary drivers of RTLS adoption (cited by 69% of respondents), while identity management has emerged as the top strategic priority for security professionals globally. The company's healthcare offerings address these priorities by helping hospitals manage visitor access, protect staff and patients, and support regulatory compliance within their existing infrastructure.
For more information about HID's healthcare solutions, visit https://hid.link/3ej.
i-PRO Americas Launches Scholarship Program
i-PRO Americas Inc. has announced the first recipients of its Security Technician Scholarship Program, a workforce initiative aimed at addressing the growing shortage of trained technicians across the physical security industry.
The company awarded scholarships to 19 participants in the Las Vegas area, with each recipient receiving hands-on technical training valued at approximately $4,000. Applicants were identified through outreach to technical and vocational programs at the College of Southern Nevada, as well as through industry referrals. The program is designed to equip aspiring technicians with the practical skills needed to begin careers in physical security installation and support.
Participants completed a blended curriculum that combined online coursework with a four-day, in-person training program held in Las Vegas. The training covered key areas including video technology, access control and IP networking. Recipients also gained hands-on experience configuring i-PRO cameras, AI analytics and video management software.
Adrian Voorkamp, director of learning at i-PRO Americas, said the program was developed in response to workforce challenges facing the industry.
“The security industry is facing a technician shortage as the workforce retires, and many integrators don’t have the time or resources to train new hires from the ground up,” Voorkamp said. “This program was created to help bridge that gap. We’re giving new technicians the foundational skills needed before they even step onto a job site, helping integrators shorten onboarding.”
People in the News
HONESDALE, PA — Brian Pertman, president of Top Notch Distributors, has announced the promotion of Marty Mulcahy to vice president of sales. In this role, Mulcahy will lead the company’s sales organization and continue strengthening customer partnerships nationwide.
“Marty has earned this opportunity through his leadership, industry expertise, and commitment to our customers. I am excited to see him thrive in this role as he leads our sales organization into the future,” said Pertman.
Mulcahy succeeds Eric Deddens, who served as vice president of sales at Top Notch for 12 years. Deddens played a significant role in shaping and strengthening Top Notch’s sales organization during a period of meaningful growth for the company. “We are grateful for Eric’s many contributions and the lasting impact he has made on our organization. We wish him the very best during his well-deserved retirement,” said Pertman.
Mulcahy joined Top Notch in 2023 as director of residential sales, where he quickly made a meaningful impact on the company’s growth strategy and customer engagement initiatives. He brings more than two decades of experience in the building products and door hardware industry.
Prior to joining Top Notch, Mulcahy spent nearly 20 years in progressive sales leadership roles supporting the Kwikset and Baldwin brands, developing national account relationships and leading builder channel growth initiatives. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for cultivating long-term customer partnerships, driving sustained revenue growth, and developing high-performing sales teams.
In his new role as vice president of sales, Mulcahy will oversee sales strategy across residential and commercial divisions, with a continued focus on customer connection, operational excellence, and long-term growth.
Appleton, Wisconsin — Jeske Hardware Distributors has added Ameet Kular to the Jeske team as the company’s new national account manager. He is based in Bothell, Washington. Kular will be responsible for managing corporate accounts, developing and strengthening Jeske’s relationships with numerous national customers.
Prior to joining the Jeske team, Kular spent more than 18 years with National Hardware, going back to the company’s days as part of Stanley Black & Decker. Throughout his career with National Hardware, Kular worked with both wholesale distribution and corporate retail accounts, driving territory growth and building strategic relationships.
“We’re always striving to strengthen our relationships with our customers, from the local store to the corporate office,” said Larry Whitt, director of sales and customer experience for Jeske Hardware Distributors. “Ameet’s experience managing high-level accounts will help these relationships with our national customers continue to grow, which, in turn, allows us to better meet our customers’ needs each day.”
Jeske Hardware Distributors is a wholesale hardware distributor headquartered in Appleton, Wis. The company sells residential and commercial door locks and hardware to lumberyards, millworks, hardware showrooms and other retailers. Since 1962, the company has partnered with leading hardware brands such as Kwikset, Baldwin and Schlage. The company is also the exclusive wholesale distributor of Stone Harbor Hardware.
For more information about Jeske Hardware Distributors, visit www.jeskehardware.com.
It is with profound sadness that Southern Lock & Supply announces the passing of former owner and longtime President David Matthies on Sunday, March 15, at age 77 following a six-year battle with frontotemporal dementia.
He was a dedicated member of the Southern Lock team for over 59 years. What began as a warehouse position at age 16 evolved into an impactful career in the security hardware industry, culminating in over four decades of leadership as President of Southern Lock.
He captained Southern Lock into one of the largest regional distributors in our industry. In addition to serving as President of Southern Lock, he was a two-time president of the Security Hardware Distributor Association. He loved and served the industry as a welcoming ambassador for over half a century.
He is survived by his wife Joann, his daughters Jenell and Julia, and his four grandchildren Anna, Marley, Landon, and Kate. Services were held March 28.