Archive: 2002
Security firm a 'no call' offender
December 1, 2002Andrea Gura
CHESHIRE, Conn. - A two-location home security firm based here paid the state $25,000 to settle charges that the security firm violated Connecticut's new No Call list.
Home & Life Security was cited by state officials for making unsolicited calls to Connecticut residents whose names appeared on the list. The company was also charged with making repeated calls to consumers who had directed the company not to call them again and for not clearly identifying itself to the consumer. The calls were made...
We're only a phone call away
December 1, 2002Chelsie Woods
Editor, Security Systems News
Not a day goes by here at Security Systems News where either editorial or our sales department doesn't field a call from a person inquiring about how to work with the editorial department and get coverage in our pages.
It's actually really simple, more so than many people realize.
Sometimes all it takes is a telephone call and building a relationship with one of the editors here. Tell us what you're up to, if not by phone then by email.
We want to know what your...
Silent Witness eyes land, new building for growing company
December 1, 2002Chelsie Woods
SURREY, B.C. - Camera manufacturer Silent Witness is looking to build a new facility here that would provide more room for the company's growing business.
In early October, Silent Witness entered into an agreement to buy 11.9 acres of land for $3 million Canadian. Over the next month, company officials plan to look at options, such as whether Silent Witness would own the building or lease it from a developer.
"Because there's no existing inventory here, we took the step of securing land and examining...
False alarm ordinance watch
December 1, 2002SSN Staff
Botetourt County, Va.
County officials are embarking on a public awareness campaign to lessen the number of false alarms.
Plans could call for an alarm ordinance that would penalize repeat alarm offenders with fines, according to a report in the Roanoke Times & World News, if the public awareness campaign is ineffective.
In 11 months, the county responded to 840 false burglar alarm calls and 92 false fire alarm calls. County officials plan to look at false alarm numbers in six to eight months...
Home integrator to market retail, installation concept
December 1, 2002Andrea Gura
HOUSTON - A holding company here with a structured cabling division has launched a home security monitoring service and is looking at bundling its home installation and other residential product manufacturing divisions into a national retail and installation model over the next five years.
SpectraSource Inc., through its Connect Source Communications division, is now offering a branded residential monitoring service called Watchdog Surveillance by partnering with local and regional builders in Texas....
Elan expands into U.K. market
December 1, 2002SSN Staff
LEXINGTON, Ky. - Poised to capture a market in which custom audio-visual and automation systems for the home have only recently become popular, Elan Home Systems has introduced its full line to the United Kingdom.
Expansion to the U.K. comes as Elan has realized a 500 percent growth over four years. The Lexington, Ky.-based company has released more than 250 products in the past six years.
Jonathan Smith, director of distribution for Elan Systems (U.K.), said the success of Elan in the U.S. is...
Westar forced to reorganize; chief executive indicted
December 1, 2002SSN Staff
TOPEKA, Kan. - Westar Energy Inc. was told by state regulators in early November that the company would have to restructure its operations amid concerns that the company was forcing its electrical ratepayers to shoulder debt from its non-regulated utilities, including its 88 percent share in Protection One.
The order from the commission came one day after David Wittig, Westar's chief executive officer was indicted on conspiracy and money laundering charges by a federal grand jury on Nov. 7. The...
Fargo sales hit $17.8 million;
December 1, 2002SSN Staff
debt paid down
MINNEAPOLIS - Fargo Electronics in October reported net sales for the third quarter ending Sept. 30, of $17.8 million compared with sales of $15.4 million in the third quarter of 2001, an increase of 15 percent.
Net income for the third quarter was $2.4 million or 19 cents per share (diluted), compared to $1.4 million or 12 cents per share (diluted) in the same period last year.
"We are pleased with Fargo's third quarter performance, which set a new quarterly revenue and earnings...
SPX expands reach with Vance Int'l
December 1, 2002SSN Staff
OAKTON, Va. - In a move that mirrors industry consolidation trends, SPX Corp. acquired Virginia-based Vance International to expand the company's Security and Investigations Division.
SPX officials announced the purchase of Vance, a $95 million in annual revenue executive protection and guard firm, a day after the Oct. 14 acquisition. Cost of the acquisition was not disclosed.
Plans call for the two companies to reorganize. SPX's Security and Investigations, which focuses on protection services...
Axcess furloughs employees, seeks funds
December 1, 2002Chelsie Woods
CARROLLTON, Texas - A month after putting employees on furlough, asset tracking and digital video product manufacturer Axcess Inc. in early November was still searching for an investor to keep the company afloat.
"We have not closed on the funding yet," said Allan Griebenow, president and chief executive officer of Axcess, in early November, shortly before press time. "But we remain optimistic."
Griebenow said the company was pursuing several options to provide the company with financing, including...