Gunnebo - Experts & Thought Leaders

Gunnebo Safe Storage is reinforcing its position in Europe by combining large-scale manufacturing with advanced locking technology across its full range of safe storage solutions. With specialist sites now operating as a single platform, the company has created one of the most comprehensive secure storage operations on the continent, with recent integrations being central to its success. High-security locking systems The Markersdorf facility in Germany, one of Europe’s key manufacturing sites, adds significant capacity to Gunnebo’s ability to produce its entire portfolio of products within Europe. The Primat Group in Slovenia has introduced additional scale for safe production, while WITTKOPP in Germany contributes decades of expertise in high-security locking systems. Locking technology within Europe “By bringing Primat, WITTKOPP and our Markersdorf site into a unified platform, we have connected design, manufacturing and locking technology within Europe,” said Elisabeth Whitefield, Vice President Europe, Gunnebo Safe Storage, adding “This ensures our products meet certification standards, adapt to local market needs and remain available even when global supply chains are disrupted.” Gunnebo’s European portfolio Gunnebo’s European portfolio serves financial institutions, retailers and residential customers. Operating these areas under one organisation allows the company to act as a single point of reference for customers with diverse requirements. Beyond reducing delivery times and ensuring compliance, local manufacturing provides the flexibility to tailor solutions to different markets while supporting more sustainable supply chains. Long-standing expertise in high-security mechanical locks “Our customers expect more than a safe,” said Elisabeth Whitefield, adding “They need smart, integrated solutions, backed by technical service capabilities they can rely on. Having all these capabilities in Europe means we can deliver with speed and reliability while keeping quality at the core.” Locking systems are a core element of safe storage, and Gunnebo benefits from having two specialist brands. Tecnosicurezza strengthens the portfolio with electronic solutions, while WITTKOPP contributes long-standing expertise in high-security mechanical locks. Gunnebo safe storage solutions Elisabeth Whitefield concluded: “By keeping research, development and production within Europe, Gunnebo Safe Storage can proactively anticipate and meet evolving demands. This focus strengthens our ability to adapt quickly and reinforces our position as a pioneering hub for safe storage solutions, serving institutional and residential markets with resilience and consistency.”

Gunnebo Safe Storage has joined SteelZero, representing a strategic step in the company’s sustainability roadmap and highlighting its determination to tackle the environmental footprint of its material supply chain. As a global corporate initiative of Climate Group uniting organisations committed to accelerating the transition to a net-zero steel industry, SteelZero requires members to commit to using 50% low-emission steel by 2030 and achieving 100% net-zero steel by 2050, while collaborating with partners and influencing sustainable industry practices. Gunnebo Safe Storage’s products Steel is central to Gunnebo Safe Storage’s products, including safes, vaults, strongrooms and secure storage solutions, driving on average 40% of Gunnebo’s total carbon impact.    Myriam Bevillon, Head of Research and Development, Quality and Sustainability at Gunnebo Safe Storage, says: “Steel underpins the security and resilience of our products, but it also carries a high environmental cost. By joining SteelZero we can take practical steps to reduce this impact." “The partnership gives us direct access to expertise and collaboration that will support progress across our own operations while contributing to wider industry change.” Transitioning to low-emission steel For Gunnebo Safe Storage, reinforced steel is one of the most significant purchased materials and a key driver of its overall carbon footprint. Transitioning to certified low-emission and near-zero steel is therefore an essential part of its goal to become a net zero business by 2045. The company will now work alongside more than 40 other SteelZero members, together representing demand of over 10 million tons of steel each year. Collectively, this membership base is building the conditions needed for systemic change in the steel sector, encouraging innovation and scaling technologies that reduce carbon intensity. Steel decarbonisation Sameen Khan, Senior Manager at SteelZero at Climate Group added: “Steel is one of the largest sources of industrial emissions, and Gunnebo Safe Storage is proving that leadership in steel decarbonisation can come from any sector.” “By working closely with their supply chain and prioritising low-emission steel, they’re showing how collaboration and embedding best practices are essential in accelerating the industry’s transition to net zero.”

Gunnebo Safe Storage has published a new white paper titled Embedding Sustainability into Business: From Principles to Practice, which examines how organisations can move beyond regulatory compliance to fully integrate environmental, social and governance principles into their operations. The downloadable white paper addresses the need for businesses to respond to climate change, evolving legislation and rising expectations from stakeholders. It explores how sustainability can be embedded across supply chains, workforce development, materials innovation, governance and transparency. Sustainability as a core measure Drawing on industry data and practical examples, it highlights the transformation required to operate responsibly in a resource-constrained and interconnected world. Says Myriam Bevillon, Head of Research and Development, Quality and Sustainability at Gunnebo Safe Storage, and author of the white paper: “Sustainability is now a core measure of how strong and adaptable a business can be. It influences every decision we make, from the design of our products to the sourcing of materials and the way we operate our facilities." “This white paper shares our experiences and lessons learned in creating change journey that is both practical and measurable. We hope it provides valuable insights that others in manufacturing and security can adapt to their own sustainability strategies.” Integrating sustainability Specific topics in the report include the role of renewable energy in decarbonisation The white paper emphasises how meaningful progress requires more than isolated environmental projects. It calls for a comprehensive approach that integrates sustainability into the daily activities of every function, supported by robust governance structures and transparent reporting. It stresses the importance of engaging employees, suppliers, customers and industry partners in collective efforts to reduce environmental impact and improve social outcomes. Specific topics in the report include the role of renewable energy in decarbonisation and the benefits of life cycle assessment in product design. It also highlights the importance of skills development and workforce inclusion. In addition, the report explores the value of circular economy models for extending the life of materials and reducing waste. Sustainability as a driver of innovation As Myriam concludes: “The paper positions sustainability as a driver of innovation, resilience and long-term value creation.  It reflects a belief that sustainability should be a shared responsibility, combining clear targets with collaborative action and continual learning.” “We collectively continue working to deliver positive change across global operations while contributing to progress in the wider security and manufacturing sectors.”

ISC East continues to flourish as the Northeast’s largest security trade show. Focused on the big Tri-State market and overall Northeast sector vs. the flagship ISC West event in Las Vegas in the spring, the International Security Conference & Exposition at New York’s Javits Center will be held Nov. 20 and 21. “Anybody who has been to the show has commented and seen the growth,” says Mary Beth Shaughnessy, Event Director, ISC Events at Reed Exhibitions. Ninety new exhibitors When the show opens, there will be around 90 new exhibitors, including Gunnebo, Mobotix, Liftmaster, Cypress Integration Solutions, SAFR from Real Networks and Security Brands. Because it is a regional show, some large companies have smaller exhibits that feature their local and regional personnelLarger exhibitors at the show include Brooklyn Low Voltage Supply (distributor), Axis Communications, DoorKing Inc., NAPCO Security Technologies, and All American Monitoring. Because it is a regional show, some large companies have smaller exhibits that feature their local and regional personnel eager to meet with security professionals from the Northeast corridor. ISC East will be co-located with the Infosecurity ISACA North America Expo and Conference. The combination provides a comprehensive approach to physical and cyber security products and services. Rapid growth in past three years The audience at ISC East is unique – about 90% of attendees do not attend ISC West. The show has seen rapid growth in the past three years, and attendees report a new energy and passion among exhibitors and attendees. By every measure, the show will be bigger than last year, while maintaining the intimate, smaller vibe of a regional show. A “Crack the Tap” cocktail reception will be held at the end of the first day on the show floor. A charity activity on the ISC East show floor will be presented in partnership with Mission 500, an organisation that works to serve the needs of children and communities in crisis. At the Mission 500 booth which will be adjacent to the Main Stage, each exhibition attendee will be invited to create a “care package” of essential hygiene items that will be delivered to children and families in need, in partnership with Volunteers of America - Greater New York. Attendees may write a note of encouragement to be included in the package they assemble. Event will highlight security startups A Nov. 20 (Wednesday) session at ISC East will highlight startup companies in a format reminiscent of television’s “Shark Tank.” Four finalists will take to the main stage and provide a seven-minute pitch about their new product or service. After the “Tech Tank” presentations, audience members vote live on their mobile app for their top choice, and the winner will be announced during the “Crack the Tap” cocktail reception.Four finalists will take to the main stage and provide a seven-minute pitch about their new product or service “It’s a programme that allows attendees to see and hear about cutting edge technologies,” says Nicole Miller, Senior Conference Manager, ISC Security Events. The four finalists, chosen from more than 40 exhibitor submissions, are Arrow Labs’ MIMS Smart Watch for mobile incident management; Cepton Technologies’ Helius Smart LiDAR System; SAFR from RealNetworks’ Facial Recognition system, and ZeroEyes’ Weapons Detection and Active Shooter Mitigation Platform. New partnership with ASIS New York Beginning in 2020, ISC East will be combined with the ASIS New York chapter’s annual conference and expo, which was held in May this year. Starting next year, the events will be rolled into one industry-wide expo and education event geared to serving the total security industry in the tri-state area (New York, New Jersey and Connecticut). In 2020 there will be an enhanced education programme along with the combined event next fall. In recognition of the new partnership, ISC East is involving the ASIS NYC chapter in this year’s show, too, with a booth on the show floor, and promotional logos and signage. The ASIS chapter will have a table at the SIA Honors Night event on Nov. 20. “We are really involving them this year to show we are working together and partnering going forward,” says Shaughnessy.