AUTO LOCKSMITHS
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» LEADING BRITISH MANUFACTURER
of commercial vehicle accessories, Van
Guard, has recently launched its own range
of aftermarket Van Locks and security
products. John Land, Marketing Manager,
and Grandson of the Founder, Gerald
Land, discusses the company’s entry into
locks and their previous experience in LCV
security.
With van security the fastest growing
sector in van accessories due to a huge
increase in van and tool theft, 12 months
ago, we undertook an in-depth assessment
of the market, analysed the options
open to us, and concluded that there
was an opportunity to enter the market
successfully. Normally a project of this
magnitude would take years rather than
months, but we worked alongside a leading
name in the van locks market, whilst
utilising our vast manufacturing facilities in
Exeter, Devon, and previous experience in
van security.
Back in the early 90s, Van Guard was
formed as an off shoot of G.K. Land
Engineering Co. Ltd, an aerospace
72
engineering company established by my
Grandfather, Gerald Land, near Exeter
Airport. Founded in 1976, G.K. Land
specialised in the supply of precision
machined components and industrial
finishing to electronics, lighting and audio
products. Highly regarded in the South
West for our high engineering standard, we
were approached by a local utility company
who were experiencing vehicle break-
ins. This resulted in the development of
aftermarket rear window grilles and blanks
that provided a visual deterrent against
break-ins. Hence the name Van Guard.
The success of the window grilles
allowed Van Guard to explore the van
security market further by developing
aftermarket Bulkheads, Tool Stores and
Pipe Carriers. Some 20 years later, we are
pleased to say that with modernisation over
time, these products are still going strong in
today’s marketplace.
Van Locks
We exhibit at Tool Fairs and Trade
Shows around the country, and were
frequently asked – ‘As Van Guard, what
can you do to guard my van against break
ins?’ Yes, we produce window grilles and
bulkheads, but the majority of today’s vans
come unglazed and come with a factory
fitted bulkhead as standard. We are now
able to say we have a range of aftermarket
van locks and security products.
We really have hit the ground running
by stocking a large range of van locks –
all keyed alike and bespoke to the van
model with door specific kits as standard.
Our Deadlocks and Hooklocks fit to the
vehicle’s door providing added security
to the manufacturer’s existing locking
mechanism. The Slamlocks provide
couriers and companies making multi-
drop deliveries the immediate lock of the
vehicle’s door upon closing.
Due to the unfortunate spate of break-
ins of Ford Transits & Transit Customs
due to the OEM locks being extremely
vulnerable, we have designed our own
bespoke, direct replacement lock. No
drilling is required in order to fit the
product and provides instant protection
against lock picking and forced entry.
It’s important to add that we manufacture
a range of security plates and shields to
protect the door handles and weak areas
of the van doors; all manufactured from
high quality stainless steel. Not only do they
protect the vulnerable area in an attack,
the external plates act as a visual deterrent,
hopefully stopping the attack happening in
the first place.
It feels like we have come full circle here.
Sheet metal work really is our bread and
butter as this is what we started off doing
over 40+ years ago. We are a proud member
of the Made in Britain campaign, with
our Managing Director, Barry Woodward,
joining G.K.Land as an apprentice back in
1981. It’s an inspirational story, but we are all
extremely passionate about manufacturing.
Our experience and reputation for
manufacturing high quality van kit, means
that our range of van locks are no exception,
with all stainless-steel bracketry finished
to the highest of standards and installation
being made simpler with clear & detailed
fitting instructions.
We deal with a network of van converters
around the UK, with many specialising in
the ply lining of vans, the design and fitting
of internal racking, or installation of audio
visual equipment, but many have ventured
in to lock fitting as a result of the climate
we’re living in. Not only can we help existing
distributors by offering them a one-stop-
shop, larger portfolio of van accessories,
but we have the manufacturing experience
and security background to support any
locksmith that wants to branch out into van
lock fitting.
www.van-guard.co.uk
NOV/DEC 2019
locksmithjournal.co.uk
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