Archive: February 2002
Johnson Controls scoops up Scientech
February 1, 2002Chelsie Woods
MILWAUKEE-Johnson Controls increased its expertise in the systems integration market with the purchase of Scientech Security Services.
The acquisition provides Johnson Controls Government Systems division with a design-build security firm that specializes in government applications. The purchase price for the privately held company was not released.
"We already have Johnson Controls Government Systems as a huge part of the business," said Darryl Fortune, director of public relations for Johnson...
Securitron improves website
February 1, 2002SSN Staff
SPARKS, Nev.-Securitron Magnalock recently improved its website.
Securitron's website, found at www.securitron.com, features a search capability for the company's entire product line by name or by parts number. It also includes links to sister ASSA ABLOY Group companies, the company's distributor database and its e-newsletter, MagnaZine.
Dealers can download brochures and installation instructions, standard wiring diagrams and the company's 52-page 2001 product catalog.
In addition, the website...
Move into digital video benefits Universal Atlantic
February 1, 2002Chelsie Woods
UPPER DARBY, Pa.-Nearly three years after first introducing remote management of digital video systems, the service has grown to represent 30 percent of Universal Atlantic Systems' business.
The full-service alarm company made a greater push with this commercial application after the company relocated its headquarters and central station to a 12,000 square foot building in 1999. Company officials wanted to tap into the digital video and national accounts market, which work well together.
"The goal...
Vogel exits alarm biz to Safetron
February 1, 2002Chelsie Woods
ORANGE CITY, Fla.-Safetron Security Services picked up some new accounts in December, thanks to its purchase of the alarm division of Vogel Investigative and Protective Services.
Paul Casassa, president of Safetron, characterized the purchase as small, but one that integrates well with his company because both used the same products and central station. The purchase price and number of accounts from Vogel were not released.
"Everything melded in perfectly because he's a Security Pro Dealer and...
Securex increases national presence with new accounts
February 1, 2002Andrea Gura
CANTON, Mass.-A national systems integrator with a unique partner has signed on a number of national accounts over the last year and opened its own state-of-the-art central station at its headquarters here to handle the growth.
Securex, a two-year-old integrator, late last year signed on Rainbow Apparel, a 360-location clothing retailer based in Brooklyn, N.Y., one of a host of national accounts generated from its relationship with its parent company, L.P. Innovations. The loss prevention company...
The new future of monitoring
February 1, 2002Cliff Dice
As technology continues to develop, and as communication and security needs continue to merge, the role of the central station will become ever more important to today's society.
People live their lives at a fast pace, and they require technologies that allow them to do so with convenience and security. In this era of cell phones, pagers and long-distance commutes, the security industry must continue to develop solutions for today's public.
In trying to achieve these solutions, the alarm industry...
Safeguard expands with two firms
February 1, 2002Andrea Gura
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.-A regional player in the central Arizona market has expanded both its account base and geographic reach with the acquisition of two security firms in the Southwest.
With the acquisition of Santa Fe, N.M.-based Tech 2 and Phoenix-based Regal Electronics, Safeguard Security gained about 3,600 accounts. The company now monitors about 11,000 of its own accounts in a central station in Scottsdale. The bulk of accounts came from low-voltage security and communication company Royal, about...
Community considers sprinklers in home
February 1, 2002SSN Staff
ROUND LAKE BEACH, Ill.-All new homes and some that undergo extensive remodeling may soon be required to install sprinkler systems.
The community development committee here made the recommendation in January because homes in the town's older districts are close together, some with only a distance of 10 feet.
The local fire marshal said residential sprinkler systems are inexpensive when installed in new homes.
The proposal is currently being reviewed by the fire marshall and community development...
Centex exits security installation market
February 1, 2002Chelsie Woods
DALLAS-Centex HomeTeam Security exited the security installation business in December, selling the majority of its branches to Ranger American based in San Antonio.
The sale of the installation division comes more than six years after parent company Centex Corp. first entered the security market. The transaction, however, did not include the company's 75,000 customers or its central station here. The purchase price was not released.
"We decided to focus more specifically on our pest management...
Custom Alarm scoops up Premier
February 1, 2002Chelsie Woods
ROCHESTER, Minn.-Security and sound company Custom Alarm picked up 450 additional accounts for its central station by buying neighboring firm Premier Alarm & Security.
The transaction included all the assets of Premier, such as product inventory, existing installation projects and monitored customers. The purchase price was not released.
"The owner just felt it was time that he moved on," said Leigh Johnson, owner and chief executive officer of Custom Alarm/Custom Communications Inc., a full-service,...