Archive: March 2002
Kidde reports flat earnings for 2001
March 1, 2002SSN Staff
Fire protection products generated half of profits
LONDON-Kidde PLC, a worldwide fire products supplier, said in January that falling sales in its aerospace sector would not be offset by cost-cutting measures the company put in place in 2001.
Although sales in that division, stemming from the slowing U.S. economy, the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and a drop in air travel, fell 25 percent, the company did see some recovery in October and November.
Sales of fire protection products to that industry...
First Alarm expands in San Jose, Calif.
March 1, 2002Chelsie Woods
APTOS, Calif.-After serving the San Jose market for three years from a small 975 square foot office, First Alarm recently moved into a larger office that will be staffed by 15 technicians.
The need for a new, 6,000 square-foot location follows a recent push by First Alarm to increase its presence in the commercial market through partnering with building and electrical contractors.
"Our commercial fire alarm and access control business in San Jose has grown dramatically to where we have to have...
Integrator SimplexGrinnell earns its Microsoft Certification
March 1, 2002Chelsie Woods
WESTMINSTER, Mass.-SimplexGrinnell has recently become a member of the Microsoft Certified Partner Program, a program that recognizes systems integrators for their expertise in using a Microsoft operating system.
The distinction is the first of its kind for a systems integrator with the size and scope of Simplex-Grinnell, according to Tom Giannini, director of the integrated security systems group for SimplexGrinnell.
"I believe we're the only national integrator at this level that has the...
Valley National Gases chief steps down
March 1, 2002SSN Staff
WHEELING, W. Va.-The head of Valley National Gases, an industrial gas distributor with a line of fire protection equipment, will step down from his post to pursue other interests, company officials announced in early February.
Lawrence Bandi, who has served as president and chief executive officer of Valley National Gases for 28 years, will retire on April 1.
The company, along with its packaging and distribution of industrial, medical and specialty gases and welding supplies, distributes portable...
Financing activity predicted to rise as year progresses
March 1, 2002Joanne Friedrick
Financing activity predicted to rise as year progresses
How do capital providers view 2002?
With optimism and an eye toward new business and increased acquisitions activity, according to interviews with Security Systems News.
While the pendulum has swung in a conservative direction over the past year, Henry Edmonds, chief executive officer of SLP Capital in St. Louis, said it's heading back to where it had been.
"We're coming to the end of the cycle," he said, noting markets and values are stabilizing....
Guardall N.A. rebranded as Verex
March 1, 2002Chelsie Woods
MISSISSAUGA, Ontario-A two year license that allowed Guardall North America to continue to use its name after its parent company Williams PLC demerged has nearly expired, requiring the access control manufacturer to come up with a new name.
The company will now be known as Verex, a name that will be unveiled during the ISC Show in Las Vegas early this month.
"The strategy was to come up with a name that was modern, short and didn't create any language problems," said Ron Flook, general manager....
Diversified penetrates airport market
March 1, 2002SSN Staff
SADDLEBROOK, N.J.-Systems integrator Diversified Security Solutions has further penetrated the airport market, with recently awarded contracts with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to provide security systems, upgrades, services and maintenance to three major airports in the metropolitan area.
"These high-visibility contracts to install and service state-of-the-art electronic security systems at three of the nation's busiest airports provide a platform for Diversified Security Solutions...
Joint venture plans for ADI cancelled
March 1, 2002Chelsie Woods
SYOSSET, N.Y.-Five months after announcing plans to find a joint venture partner for product distributor ADI, Honeywell officials say that's being called off.
No reasons was given for the decision, which was announced in mid-February. Officials declined to elaborate further on a company issued press release and clarify what Honeywell meant by finding "a joint venture partner" for ADI.
"This action is clearly an affirmation of ADI's strategic importance to Honeywell," said Roger Fradin,...
Sonitrol opens new Ga. location
March 1, 2002Andrea Gura
SAVANNAH, Ga.-A new Sonitrol branch that is the second in the state opened here early this year.
The new branch marks strategic territory for the franchise operation, based in Alexandria, Va., because it serves a densely populated area of the state, company officials said.
"This new franchise addition will help us expand our integrated security service capabilities and presence in the state of Georgia," said Todd Leggett, vice president of distribution and franchise business development for Sonitrol.
Sonitrol...
Videolarm adds replacement parts store
March 1, 2002SSN Staff
DECATUR, Ga.-Videolarm has added a virtual replacement parts store to its website.
Current Videolarm customers are given a user ID and password to access the system. Users are taken to a menu of products and from there, can link to a product's part number. Once an order is made online, inside sales at Videolarm will follow up with the user to provide pricing and delivery dates.
The website, located at www.videolarm.com, also includes product specification sheets, links to distributors and sales...