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New ERA for Home Security
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UK HOME SECURITY EXPERT ERA has been designing and manufacturing high quality home security products for 180 years . The business has just moved to new purpose-built premises , not only reflecting its success and confidence – but preparing for future growth of smart home security solutions .
The media visit to ERA ’ s new facility just outside Wolverhampton on the prestigious i54 business park was an eye-opener to many . Those in the know remarked that the super sleek , super efficient new building was a world away from ERA ’ s old premises in Willenhall - the traditional hub of the locksmith industry .
Staff working at the new site can enjoy great modern facilities : they have their own canteen with a chef , as well as computers they can use in their breaks . There is parking for 200 cars and the ‘ future-proofed ’ parking area is already equipped with points for electric cars .
David Huse , Chairman of Neighbourhood Watch Network , cut the ribbon for the official opening along with ERA Chief Executive Officer Darren Waters . Before that , visitors were treated to a tour of the new premises , including the Customer Suite , 3D Printing and Innovation Area , Independent Test Centre , Warehouse , Assembly and Recycling Centre .
The 135,625 sq ft new building brings together three existing facilities in the West Midlands and provides ERA with the perfect platform for future success in the design , development , manufacture and distribution of high quality home security products .
Darren Waters , CEO , told guests : “ Our new home is a great fit with our longterm business strategy and will help to differentiate our brand , both as an innovative supplier and as a responsible employer .
“ The new site is home to our state-ofthe-art research and product development hub , manufacturing and warehousing , as well as test and training facilities .
“ In addition , our bespoke Customer Suite showcases the entire ERA Total Security portfolio , including our extensive range of trusted hardware as well as our cutting edge smart home security solutions .”
TRUE TO ITS ROOTS ERA has a long history and has constantly proved itself as more than adaptable - back in the war years , it even made Bren machine gun spanners .
The business has grown in its mission to help people navigate through the complex security market . For example , well over three million windows were sold in the UK in 2016 and one million of these had an ERA lock .
Since 2009 , the business - which works with systems houses , fabricators , installers , locksmiths , tradespeople and
Darren Waters
homeowners - has seen nine per cent annual growth and share prices have risen along with revenues .
Darren Waters said : “ We ’ re proud of the fact that in moving we have stayed true to our roots in the Black Country .”
‘ CAN DO ’ ATTITUDE
ERA employs a team of over 300 people whose collective aim is to provide the best possible products and services for its customers . Investing in its employees has helped drive the business forward and kept it at the forefront of innovative product design , including not only an extensive and well-respected lock range but also a cutting edge smart homeware range that takes home security to a convenient and discrete new level .
CEO Darren remarked : “ We have 180 years ’ experience in keeping homes secure as well as a ‘ can do ’ attitude that runs through our entire organisation , especially product innovation . At the core of this is our trusted team – they make it happen .”
The company sees itself as a true one-stop shop . It has more than 10,000 mechanical security products in its catalogue . Darren added : “ We are proud of the fact that all our products are designed and tested by us and that we have a UKAS accredited test facility .”
Darren Waters & David Huse OBE
FILLING A KNOWLEDGE GAP
Although home security is becoming an increasingly important issue , there is evidence to suggest that a knowledge gap exists , with some homeowners not fully appreciating that there can be a huge difference in the quality of locks and security products available , potentially leaving their properties more vulnerable to attack .
LOCKSMITHJOURNAL . CO . UK | MAR / APR 2018 Sponsored by Lockex 2018 - Security & Fire Safety