Smartair locks, online Update On Card (UOC) and offline readers supplied by Abloy UK provide an intelligent and cost-effective access control system at the new, 53-apartment Oakmere residential Extra Care development in Handforth, near Wilmslow in Cheshire. Installed by access control specialist Lock-tec (UK) Ltd, working in partnership with Chubb Fire & Security and MITIE, the Smartair access control solution includes stand-alone locksets on all apartment doors and selected internal doors.

Russell Wagstaff has been appointed Head of Product Management – Access Technologies at high performance lock and access control company Abloy UK, part of the world’s leading lock manufacturer - the ASSA ABLOY Group. Russell commented: “Abloy UK is bringing a number of exciting new access control platforms and products to market this year. I am delighted to join such a prestigious company and I’m looking forward to helping the business maintain its position as a world leader in providing access control solutions.”

As the access control environment becomes increasingly complex, with a multitude of products from electric locks to door operators expected to communicate with each other, Abloy UK introduces a groundbreaking new access control integration system, Hi-O™ at IFSEC 2009, 11 – 14 May.

Leading security and access control company, Abloy UK, has launched a new range of attractive yet durable handle sets to complement its acclaimed line-up of electromechanical locks. Combining contemporary styling with meeting the stringent EN179 standards, Inoxi long-plate lever handle sets are manufactured in stainless steel and are also approved for use on fire doors to standard EN1634-1.

Smartair locks, Update On Card (UOC) readers, a portable programmer and ARX access control technology, all supplied by Abloy UK, have been integrated to provide an intelligent and cost-effective access control system at Royal Holloway, University of London. Specified and installed by Rochester-based NT Security, the seamlessly integrated package controls and monitors staff, student and visitor access through interior and perimeter doors at Royal Holloway’s Huntersdale administration building in Egham, Surrey.

Innovative use of market-leading security products from Abloy UK is helping to provide a complete security solution for Devon & Somerset Fire Service. The organisation’s headquarters in Exeter has recently had a new wing added and long-term security partner, locally-based Guardian Security (South West) Ltd, was called into provide a complete solution encompassing both access control and locking.

In the current economic climate, an SME (small to medium enterprise) has to fight to be successful and the diverse constraints on its business can prove hard to survive. Day to day issues often take precedence over matters such as building security which is rarely front of mind, except when it is breached. However, the prevalence of identity fraud and theft today means it is vital to ensure the protection of a building from both unwanted visitors and trespassing members of staff.

Sophisticated electronics combined with high performance mechanical lockcases make electric locks suitable for use in high security areas, within access control systems and also in conjunction with door operators - to provide hands-free functionality. Leading high-performance lock and access control solution supplier Abloy UK, provides installers with a one-stop solution to meet this multitude of applications, with its extensive range of standards-compliant motor and solenoid locks from ABLOY.

Preventing unauthorised access to key buildings and equipment along the 24-mile (39 km) second section of the High Speed 1 – Southfleet junction in Kent to St Pancras International in London - is a vital security and safety requirement for Network Rail (CTRL) Ltd, the operator of High Speed 1, Britain’s first high speed railway in over 100 years.

Abloy UK, a leading security solutions provider, has appointed a Market Development Manager to strengthen and increase the growth of its high security markets. Tom Jenkins joins the company with 27 years of experience in the security industry. A master locksmith by trade, Tom has previously been a customer of ASSA ABLOY – working as a locksmith and specialist installation engineer, and progressed to project manager for a number of high profile, high security organisations in London.

Geoff Seddon, Access Control General Manager at Abloy Security, explores the benefits that non-proprietary TCP/IP access control solutions offer integrators, end-users and specifiers. Historically, some manufacturers used to embed their own access control solutions within closed operating systems, making it very difficult for customers to go anywhere else when they needed additional products or wanted to upgrade their access control system.

"We have decided on three separate brochures this year to ensure that our customers are getting the information that is specific to them and what they need", says Abloy Security MD Robin Rice. "The result is one brochure that details our locking solutions for the OEM market, a second that describes our full complement of products for electronic security and access control solutions and a third that lays out our professional end user range of high security padlocks, cylinders and mechanical lockcases".