With a stable of brands including Lockwood, Whitco, Yale, ABLOY, and Henderson, ASSA ABLOY is the largest global supplier of intelligent locks and security solutions. “One in 10 doors globally has an ASSA ABLOY product on it,” says David Oliver, Regional President Australia. He says the group’s strength is in the variety of traditional and new products it can combine to create a large number of different door solutions.
Originally established in Sweden in 1994, the company has grown into an international group with around 46,000 employees, sales of about $11 billion and operations in EMEA, APAC, and North and South America.
“The businesses for which I’m responsible are ASSA ABLOY Australia; Security Merchants, a security distribution business; and Pyropanel, which provides fire door solutions and certification for fire doors,” says David, who was appointed to his position in June last year.
“Here at the Australian ASSA ABLOY business, we supply everything from locks you’d find in your local hardware store, to high-security locking systems for enterprise and government institutions,” says David. “Physical security in the age of 3-D printing is a growing concern. To combat this, we have a product called ‘Cliq’—an electro-mechanical key and cylinder system we assemble here in Australia. Cliq’s benefit is that it uses a key with a movable element with an electronic credential on it.” The electronic credential can specify different security clearances and access based on factors like time of day.
“Our business is based on adding value to customers by providing a total door opening solution, and is focused on leading in innovation,” says David. “From a local perspective, we have a strong new product development pipeline. For example, in June this year we introduced a new Australian-made mortice lock, which provides a high level of security and the versatility to change the function of the lock in the door. This is an innovative product designed, developed, and made in the company’s Oakleigh facility.”
“ASSA ABLOY offers the manufacture and design of innovative products to meet Australian standards and market requirements, and that will continue into the future,” says David. “We also manufacture high-end door furniture and door solutions for commercial applications such as schools, hospitals, and apartment complexes.”
To ensure the reliability of the products it creates, the company applies and adheres to stringent security protocols that ensure no part of the manufacturing process is open to exploitation. “We have tight internal controls and separation of knowledge around the manufacturing process to ensure customer security,” says David.