Squire Locks USA has enlisted Channel Championz, headed by security industry expert Jerry Burhans, to spearhead its expansion into North America's critical infrastructure sector.
With over three decades of experience in U.S. security hardware and access control, Burhans has held leadership roles at ISONAS, SimonsVoss, and ASSA ABLOY. His focus will be on penetrating the transportation, utilities, telecommunications, and other critical infrastructure markets.
Squire's stronghold series
Squire's padlocks are among the few that meet the rigorous EN12320 European standards, which are often more stringent
Boasting 245 years of lock-making history in the United Kingdom, Squire is distinguished by its durable industrial padlocks, including the renowned S100CS, the strongest production padlock globally.
Notably, Squire's padlocks are among the few that meet the rigorous EN12320 European standards, which are often more stringent than their U.S. counterparts. Burhans highlighted the robust security offered by Squire's Stronghold series, engineered to withstand real-world challenges such as drilling, cutting, and corrosion, and certified to EN12320 Grade 6.
Squire's inigma smart access control system
Channel Championz aims to introduce the Stronghold line to the U.S., along with Squire's innovative inigma smart access control system. This system allows users to manage padlock access via Bluetooth, using a secure key programmed through a mobile app, tailored for critical infrastructure needs.
Inigma replaces multiple physical keys with centralised control and audit trails, aiding compliance with NERC-CIP standards, which demand stringent access logging.
Partnership with security distributors
The aim is to build enduring partnerships with consistent expertise and a focus on channel investment
"Squire brings something new to security hardware distributors," noted Burhans, emphasising Squire's role as an independent manufacturer committed to strong distributor relationships.
This approach contrasts with corporates by offering direct support and continuity rather than rotating sales staff. The aim is to build enduring partnerships with consistent expertise and a focus on channel investment.
Commitment to high-performance solutions
John Squire, Global CEO of Squire, expressed enthusiasm for partnering with Channel Championz, valuing their understanding of distributor relationships and customer proximity.
"Squire Locks USA is firmly dedicated to serving the North American market, underscoring a long-term commitment to providing trusted, high-performance security solutions for critical infrastructure," he remarked. This expansion highlights Squire's dedication to securing the vital systems relied upon by millions daily.
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Squire Locks USA has appointed Channel Championz, founded by security industry veteran Jerry Burhans, to lead its expansion into the North American critical infrastructure market.
Burhans, a seasoned industry executive with leadership roles at ISONAS, SimonsVoss, and ASSA ABLOY, brings over 30 years of experience in the U.S. security hardware and access control market. He will lead Squire’s North American expansion, with a focus on transportation, utilities, telecommunications, and other mission-critical infrastructure sectors.
Squire’s Stronghold® series
With 245 years of lock-making experience in the United Kingdom, Squire is recognised for its hard-wearing, industrial padlocks, including the world’s strongest production padlock, the S100CS. But beyond strength, Squire is also one of the few manufacturers whose padlocks undergo the rigorous EN12320 European testing standards for real-world attack resistance. These criteria are often more demanding and application-relevant than many U.S. benchmarks.
“Squire’s Stronghold® series brings a level of mechanical security this market hasn’t seen in years,” said Burhans. “These aren’t just strong padlocks, they’re engineered and tested to survive in the real world. We’re talking about products that can resist drilling, cutting, sawing, freezing and corrosion, certified to EN12320 Grade 6, which goes far beyond U.S. standards. In critical infrastructure, that level of protection matters.”
Squire’s inigma smart access control system
Channel Championz will focus on introducing the Stronghold line to the U.S. market, alongside Squire’s inigma smart access control system. inigma enables users to manage access to compatible padlocks via Bluetooth, using a secure smart key programmed through a dedicated mobile app.
Designed specifically for critical infrastructure applications, inigma eliminates the need for managing multiple physical keys across remote or dispersed sites. Just as importantly, the system offers centralised control and detailed audit trails, supporting compliance with NERC-CIP standards that require strict logging and traceability of access to protected utility assets.
Security hardware distributors
“Squire is bringing something security hardware distributors haven’t seen in a long time,” added Burhans. “An independent, family-owned manufacturer that’s technically sophisticated, strategically focused and truly committed to its U.S. partners.”
“Distributors today aren’t just looking for a product, they’re looking for a partner who answers the phone, provides knowledgeable support and builds long-term relationships. You’re not dealing with a revolving door of salespeople or a diluted corporate structure. You’re getting consistent expertise, direct access to decision-makers, and a brand that’s here to invest in the channel, not bypass it.”
High-performance security solutions
John Squire, Global CEO at Squire, added: “We’re thrilled to be working with the Channel Championz team and to leverage Jerry’s expertise in this sector. They understand the value of strong distributor relationships and staying close to the customer, which aligns perfectly with Squire’s approach of building a long-term presence rooted in trust, service and performance."
"Squire Locks USA is deeply committed to serving the North American market. This expansion underscores the company’s long-term dedication to providing North American critical infrastructure customers with trusted, high-performance security solutions to safeguard the systems that millions rely on every day.”
