The Locksmith Journal 114 November 2025 | Page 48

MLA EXPO
25 REVIEW

FROM STRONGBOXES TO LITHIUM BATTERY SAFE STANDARDS

» PHOENIX SAFE’ S STORY BEGAN IN 1799, shipping strongboxes from Liverpool to the USA. When we dropped anchor at their MLA stand, we discovered a much more modern concept on display— the new lithium battery safe.
As Phoenix played a key role in the working group that developed the first ever lithium battery testing standard( VDM 24994:2024-08), we had to find out more.
“ Typically, fire safes are designed to keep fire out— but these are designed to keep fire in,” explained Leon.“ We’ re already seeing strong uptake from the emergency services, mining industry through to military, construction and education sectors. For domestic use, a lithium battery safe in a garage can protect e-scooter batteries, laptops, power tools and other rechargeable devices.”
Leon also highlighted the opportunity for locksmiths:“ Locksmiths should be aware of this type of product and its potential— it could become a lucrative addition to their portfolio. Even if they don’ t currently sell safes, being able to direct customers to Phoenix battery safes, opens up a valuable new revenue stream.”
www. phoenixsafe. co. uk www. batterysafes. com

IT’ S A FAMILY SHOW

» ANYONE WHO HAS BEEN to a show where Autowave is exhibiting will know how hard it is to get five minutes with Ravi! The team was as busy as ever, including Ravi’ s brother, and new addition
to Autowave: Dipen, Sales Manager. And the family theme is apt for Autowave, as visitors to the stand are essentially part of the team.
As Ravi explained, one of the biggest parts of a show like this for them, is to extend the tech support they offer every day to their customers. Over the three days in Telford, auto locksmiths were able to get up close and personal to the products, and talk one on one with the experts that use them, buy
them and supply them.
In fact, Ravi estimates that around 75-85 % of the footfall over the event were existing customers, a testament to the client base Autowave has established. Of course, this wouldn’ t be possible without
the product portfolio, with some of the most popular ranges on display – and available to buy – at the show too.
And you can find out more about those here: www. autowave. co. uk

Precision-engineered locking solutions to key industry professionals

» WE SPOKE TO CABTECH’ S Siddharth Gupta about how the MLA Expo offered the perfect platform to strengthen their network with existing OEMs and distributors, and introduce Cabtech’ s capabilities as an OEM manufacturer for cylinders, locks, and precision components.
Siddharth told us:“ We expected MLA Expo to be
a highly interactive and professional event that would allow us to connect with established brands, explore collaboration opportunities, and gain deeper insights into UK and European market requirements. We were right!
“ The response exceeded our expectations. We met several potential customers and leading industry
representatives from across Europe, the UK, and the Middle East.
“ Our main intention was to strengthen our network with existing OEMs and distributors, and introduce our capabilities as an OEM manufacturer for cylinders, locks, and precision components. It was also a platform for us to study market trends and
understand the evolving product preferences in Europe.
“ Across the three days, we spoke to many about Cabtech Engineering’ s manufacturing capabilities and got to showcase our precisionengineered locking solutions to key industry professionals, OEMs, and distributors.”
www. cabtecheng. com
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