Gulf Construction Online - Assa Abloy reinforces its commitment to region

Regional News

Assa Abloy reinforces its commitment to region

01 November 2003

A senior Sweden-based executive of Assa Abloy Group, which is acknowledged as the world's leading manufacturer of locks and associated products, was in the Gulf last month (October) to reinforce the group's commitment to the region.

Ake Sund, vice president of marketing and business development, also delivered a keynote speech at the Cityscape conference entitled 'Unlock your Life' during his visit to Dubai, UAE. This showcase conference and exhibition, held from October 18 to 20 focused on the latest trends in the architecture, design and construction of commercial and residential buildings across the region.

Assa Abloy Group opened its regional office in Dubai last July to meet the increasing demand from the Middle East for locking solutions.
The extensive facilities in Jebel Ali Free Zone are planned for exponential growth and already include a sizeable staff for sales, technical support and training supporting various brands provided under the Assa Abloy umbrella.

Assa Abloy has more than 450 active patents worldwide underpinned by a tradition of innovation with the company developing, producing and marketing mechanical, industrial, electromechanical and electronic locks as well as hotel locks, fittings, exit devices and accessories.

This formidable array of locking solutions is backed by a regional strategy of establishing local expertise based upon experience of local requirements, together with proactive distribution channels and customer service to develop the various brands.

Market segments include construction locks, door and window hardware and accessories such as the Bezault brand, hotel locks, and identification locks as well as automotive.
According to Sund, the group has expanded within a decade to its leadership position by a combination of acquisition of the world's strongest brands and organic growth. The acquisition strategy will continue focusing on strengthening the group's presence in geographic areas and adding expertise in new technology areas.

'With our global resources and unique focus on locking solutions, Assa Abloy stands apart in a fragmented industry that has been typically dominated by hundreds of small and medium-sized companies,' says Sund.

'In this region, we are strengthening our position to unlock the potential by working with architects, consultants and developers to develop locking solutions. It is a long-term vision and one that will facilitate the application of leading-edge products and technologies as the demands for security increases. We are interested to discuss security and increase awareness of the technology shift in locking solutions and the move towards biometrics,' adds Sund.

The application of advanced security technologies is increasing worldwide, notably electronic lock cylinders. Other technologies such as the smart card that incorporates biometrics for additional identification security is also increasing.

In the rapidly growing sector of electromechanical locking solutions, Assa Abloy holds a leading position in identification, door automatics and hotel security systems.
Assa Abloy enjoys market leadership in many countries, and according to Sund, there is a great opportunity to drive the standards of locking solutions in the region and sees the Middle East as one of the group's most important growth areas.

Assa Abloy employs more than 30,000 with annual sales of $3 billion. The group originated in the Nordic region in 1994, as a subsidiary of Assa AB from the Swedish security company Securitas followed by the acquisition of the Finnish lock company Abloy.

* Assa Abloy is a sponsor of the second-day lunch of the Annual Aluminium and Glass Conference which is being held under the umbrella of the Gulf Construction Week at the Emirates Towers Hotel in Dubai.