Pro Installer March 2021 - Issue 96 | Page 30

Installer Support
30 | MARCH 2021

Installer Support

100 YEARS OF SECURITY

Some Pro Installer readers may think of Burg-Wächter UK as the company behind the trusted Sterling DoorMinder brand of cylinders , along with various other door and window locks . However , the company has established itself as one of the UK ’ s leading manufacturers of a wide range of security solutions , from simple padlocks and RAL coloured post boxes to “ Smart ” access control , alarms and CCTV . Here we take a look at the history of the company , reflect on significant structural changes and outline the recent accreditations , approvals and awards its products have received .
A Sterling start
Sterling Locks was formed in 1987 to manufacture and distribute good value security and hardware products . The business steadily grew and the company invested heavily in its Sterling brand , which focuses on the core values of quality , value and good service . The product range increased to accommodate many of today ’ s popular products including a broad range of door and window locks quality padlocks , security cables and chains , post boxes , cash boxes and hardware .
In 2006 the company ’ s continual growth culminated in a management buy-in and the following year Sterling acquired the SafeCan business . Shortly after celebrating its 25th Anniversary , Sterling Locks became part of the Burg-Wächter group in 2013 , with the company name changing to Burg-Wächter UK .
Priding itself on being “ Always the safe choice ”, Burg-Wächter is Europe ’ s largest manufacturer of safes and post boxes . From relatively humble beginnings in a small locksmith ’ s forge in Wetter-Volmarstein , Germany in 1920 , Burg-Wächter has grown over the past 100 years to become one of the world ’ s leading providers of innovative and trusted security solutions . Today Burg-Wächter has over 600 employees , five manufacturing sites and 55,000m 2 of floor space worldwide .
Tailored offering
Over the past few years Burg-Wächter UK has strived to reduce the overlap between the Burg-Wächter and Sterling ranges . This has been reflected in the company ’ s first integrated all in one product catalogue , recently launched as part of its centenary celebrations . Covering everything from padlocks , post boxes and door / window security to independently rated safes and smart security solutions , over 4,000 products have been organised into nine colour-coded sections enabling the right security solution to be found quickly and easily . The catalogue also reflects the strong values and service levels that have established both ranges as trusted and reliable names in the security products sector , making it an essential resource for retailers and installers .
Independent recognition
Burg-Wächter UK has been working hard over the last 12 months to gain widely recognised and independent approvals for its products . As a result , it now offers more than 250 Secured By Design Police approved and nearly 40 Sold Secure rated products , along with over 125 BSi certified Euro Cylinders . Burg-Wächter ’ s participation in these prestigious security initiatives underlines its commitment to producing high quality , effective and affordable security solutions that work for installers and customers alike . This has been reinforced by the company winning leading industry awards for both its products and customer service , both in the UK and internationally .
Supporting infrastructure
Warehousing , logistics , product development and marketing are all part of the company ’ s developing plans to establish Burg-Wächter UK as a major brand in the UK .
Sterling Locks has always been based in West Yorkshire , with its initial premises located alongside Leeds Bradford Airport . The transition into Burg-Wächter UK meant the business outgrew this facility and in 2015 the company moved into bespoke premises on the Eurocam Technology Park , just outside of Bradford . The building boasts state of the art facilities that reflect the company ’ s ambition to continue to provide innovative security solutions .
A 140m 2 merchandised showroom allows customers to experience all of the Sterling and Burg-Wächter products first-hand . There is also a dedicated testing laboratory to ensure products continue to meet and exceed high standards of quality and performance . The building is also home to customer support teams , offering both technical and sales support materials .
Rapid delivery has always been a key part of the Sterling service , but now Burg-Wächter products are really rolling too , with UK based stock , support and service . A sophisticated warehousing facility means Burg-Wächter UK is able to better coordinate products from the group ’ s five international manufacturing plants . In addition to increasing on-site stock capacity and efficiency , this provides faster access to products , allowing more customer orders to be fulfilled in a shorter timeframe . Burg-Wächter UK ’ s home allows it to match its expansion ambitions whilst maintaining existing customer service levels .
Family and community values
Despite its large size and international outlook , Burg-Wächter remains a family owned business ( 4th generation ) with strong family values , which are reflected in its philosophy that everyone should feel safe in their own home . The group is also very much focused on being an active member of local communities , and in 2019 Burg-Wächter UK launched its Secure Communities Scheme .
Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic , the scheme has remained committed to helping local communities with limited resources meet their security needs . Heavily oversubscribed , the scheme has so far donated tailored security kits to over 50 local causes , ranging from scout groups and village halls to knife awareness campaigns and bicycle workshops .
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