RFI launches new central

SAN JOSE, Calif. - Full-service security firm RFI will wrap up the construction of a new central station next month, giving the company an opportunity to further tap into the national third-party monitoring market and increase its technology capabilities. With the new facility located adjacent to its old central station, RFI will transform the 32,000-square-foot location  its former central occupied into a training center, according to company President Brad Wilson. The company began testing the new, UL-listed site in November and will operate both locations simultaneously through the end of the year. The central will feature a number of new technologies, including Surgard receivers, IP-based monitoring applications and an upgrade from MAS’ B-32 platform to its MASterMind product. “We wanted to put a foundation in for remote interactive services,” said Wilson. One of the services the company looks to roll out is GPS monitoring, which is expected to occur during the first quarter of next year. Wilson estimated the cost of the central to be $1 million, which includes the expense for physical and technological upgrades. But for the $38-million company, the investment is projected to produce an overwhelming dividend. “Our business will grow 50 percent within the next 36 months through organic growth,” according to Wilson. RFI is a systems integrator with a regional footprint in the states of California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. It gains a national presence through its relationship with SecurityNet, a network of systems integrators throughout North America. RFI provides monitoring services for approximately 20,000 accounts. “We are very focused on growing our services to dealer customers,” said Cara Denecour, central station manager, who would not disclose forecasted growth figures.