Gunnebo - Experts & Thought Leaders

Latest Gunnebo news & announcements

Gunnebo acquires WITTKOPP for high-security growth

Gunnebo Safe Storage AB, a global provider of certified physical security solutions, is pleased to announce the acquisition of WITTKOPP, a renowned German manufacturer with a 167-year legacy in high-security lock systems. The strategic acquisition strengthens Gunnebo Safe Storage’s high-security lock portfolio, supporting continued innovation and product development as well as expanding the customer network globally. Portfolio of high-security locks WITTKOPP, headquartered in Velbert, Germany, is known for its broad portfolio of high-security locks, including electronic, mechanical, and biometric solutions. Validated and certified by industry-pioneering certification bodies such as VdS and ECB-S, the products manufactured by WITTKOPP represent a combination of heritage craftsmanship and advanced technology. Gunnebo’s broader growth strategy Asset of Tecnosicurezza to build a lock portfolio that meets the demand for high-security locking keys Says Wolfgang Brede, Managing Director, “Joining forces with Gunnebo Safe Storage is a significant step forward for WITTKOPP. We are proud of our heritage and look forward to contributing our expertise to Gunnebo's vision of becoming a global leader in high-security locking solutions. Together, we will create more innovative, secure, and reliable products for our customers worldwide.” This acquisition is part of Gunnebo’s broader growth strategy, following the acquisition of Tecnosicurezza to build a world-pioneering lock portfolio that meets the high demand for high-security locking solutions globally. Innovation in the security industry Kate Clark, Gunnebo Safe Storage’s VP of Business Development and Innovation, added: “WITTKOPP's longstanding reputation and deep expertise in high-security locks offer us a unique opportunity to expand our offerings and drive innovation in the security industry." "We are excited to collaborate with the WITTKOPP team, whose knowledge and skills align perfectly with our aim to deliver enhanced value and security to our customers around the world.” Acquisition of WITTKOPP  The WITTKOPP brand will continue, honouring its strong reputation and maintaining the trust it has built over more than a century. Stefan Syrén, CEO of Gunnebo Group, concluded: “The acquisition of WITTKOPP enhances our product portfolio and strengthens our position in the high-security lock market, serving the top customers in Europe. This aligns with our strategic objectives and commitment to delivering innovative, high-performance security. With WITTKOPP’s expertise and our shared values of quality, innovation and security, we are excited about the opportunities this acquisition creates for our customers.”

Gunnebo safe storage: Luxury retail crime solutions

Gunnebo Safe Storage, a global pioneer in secure storage solutions, has launched its latest downloadable white paper, "Are Luxury Retailers Equipped to Handle the Escalating Threat of Sophisticated Retail Crime?" This in-depth report explores the unique security challenges luxury retailers face amid a sharp rise in theft and organised retail crime, offering innovative strategies to protect high-value merchandise without compromising the exclusive customer experience. Luxury retailers are under increasing threat as theft incidents continue to rise globally. Implementation of visible security The white paper reveals a 35% year-on-year increase in crimes targeting high-end stores The white paper reveals a 35% year-on-year increase in crimes targeting high-end stores, with designer goods such as handbags, jewellery, and watches becoming prime targets for both opportunistic thieves and organised crime syndicates. "The rising threat of retail crime is a major concern for luxury brands worldwide," says Emmanuel Harir-Forouch, Global Business Development Director at Gunnebo Safe Storage. "These risks are exacerbated by the very qualities that make luxury stores distinctive: open layouts, high-value inventories, and an emphasis on immersive shopping experiences that often limit the implementation of visible security measures." Actionable insights and strategies Harir-Forouch added: "To address this, our new white paper provides actionable insights and strategies to help luxury retailers safeguard their assets while maintaining the elegance and exclusivity their customers expect." The paper highlights the mounting complexity of evolving threats, including the prevalence of smash-and-grab robberies and insider theft involving employees acting on behalf of organised groups. Advanced secure storage technologies The white paper underscores the growing importance of advanced secure storage technologies As organised retail crime becomes more violent and unpredictable, luxury retailers face difficult decisions about balancing security with maintaining the serene and elegant shopping atmosphere that their clientele expects. The white paper underscores the growing importance of advanced secure storage technologies, such as certified strong rooms, lightweight modular panels, and bespoke vault doors. These solutions provide robust protection against burglary and organised crime while preserving the premium aesthetic that high-end brands pride themselves on. Unique challenges "Security is critical for luxury retailers, not only to protect their merchandise and their employees but also to preserve the trust and confidence of their discerning clientele," added Emmanuel. "By listening to the unique challenges they face, we’ve developed tailored solutions that integrate advanced security technologies with the elegance and exclusivity their customers expect. This white paper provides a roadmap to achieving this balance, empowering luxury brands to stay ahead of escalating retail crime while maintaining their reputation for excellence."

Gunnebo Origo: Secure electronic safe lock for high-risk areas

Gunnebo Safe Storage has launched Origo as a new electronic safe lock tailored for safes, strong rooms and vault doors, to secure against increasingly sophisticated burglary risks.  The global provider of safe storage solutions has introduced Origo to play a significant role in safeguarding valuables, cash, and document storage in high-risk environments, with no compromise to style or compliance. Sophisticated security solutions Origo offers a secure One-Time-Code (OTC) algorithm and encrypted communication, offering unparalleled protection for valuables in banking, Cash in Transit, high-risk environments, and commercial sectors.  Says Kate Clark, Vice President of Business Development Innovation and R&D at Gunnebo Safe Storage: “With a significant rise in robberies, shoplifting, burglary, and theft over the past year, the need for sophisticated security solutions has never been more pressing. Businesses and the wider commercial sector are facing unprecedented challenges in protecting their assets and ensuring the safety of their premises." Origo safe locks   Origo safe locks can operate as standalone keys or integrated network mode, with up to 15 secure units connected Clark added: “In launching Origo, we demonstrate how Gunnebo Safe Storage is committed to innovation and security excellence, both being at the core of everything we do. Constantly listening to feedback, we are finding ways to enhance our product portfolio to meet evolving requirements to enable more customers to benefit from smart safe locking technology. “  Origo safe locks can operate as standalone solutions or integrated network mode, with up to 15 secure units connected, requiring minimal user intervention for lock access. This can be via fixed codes or with the flexible combination of fixed codes and one-time codes that can be set for certain periods of time. Data security and communication encryption Certified secure units across B, C, and D classes guarantee heightened reliability across diverse application areas. Origo safe locks have attained certifications from industry authorities such as VdS, ECB•S, and CNPP, demonstrating adherence to the rigorous European EN 1300:2023 standard for data security and communication encryption.   Kate concludes: "Origo sets the benchmark for reliability and security in electronic safe locks. As we continue to innovate and evolve, our customers remain at the heart of everything we do. Their trust and satisfaction drive us to continuously improve, ensuring that we not only meet but exceed their expectations. With Gunnebo Safe Storage, you can trust that your security needs are in capable hands, backed by a legacy of excellence and a steadfast commitment to innovation." The user management software platform for the Origo range of safe locks is validated with S-CONSIT and ATRUVIA certificates.

Insights & Opinions from thought leaders at Gunnebo

ISC East 2019 Preview: Exhibition prepares to make its mark in New York

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.

Quick poll
What is the most significant challenge facing smart building security today?