Boon Edam celebrates 150 years of excellence

LAS VEGAS – This year a big player in the physical access security industry celebrates an important milestone in their history.

2023 marks the 150^th anniversary for Boon Edam, a company that’s come to be recognized around the world for their revolving doors and other security accesses. Originally founded as a carpenters shop in 1873, they relocated to Edam in 1970 and began the transition to the company they are today.

“We started the same year as Heineken Beer and Levi Strauss, so a couple of old companies who have evolved a lot and for the last 30 years, we've focused primarily on the security entrance side of our business as opposed to the architectural entrance side. Around the world they still do a lot of that product, but this industry for us is just growing really quick, and it's evolving from year to year,” said Boon Edam Director of Marketing, Derek Nilsen. Security System News spoke with Nilsen at ISC West this year where the company was celebrating its anniversary.

“You know we started out with the more serious products that prevent unauthorized entry like the superior revolving doors and the circle locks, and then we actually backfilled. So, we bought a turnstile company to make high turnstiles and waist high turnstiles, and we got into the optical turnstiles as well,” Nilsen continued. “So, products that deter and detect but don't necessarily prevent. So, we like to promote this layered strategy and we're finding out that a lot of the companies that we do business with that use those lesser products keep saying, ‘This is good but, I need more. Now I need something that's actually going to keep people out’.”

Nilsen goes on to describe rising troubles with shootings and tailgating that are driving innovation in the industry. A lot of their work is also informed by customer requests. “We work with most of the Fortune 100 companies, and we have a lot of accounts, and they keep driving us for some of these innovations. You know, it's kind of hard to develop something when you have a customer that hasn't bought anything yet says, ‘Hey, can you do this?’ Well, we like to use the 80/20 principle. So, you know 80% of your business comes from 20% of your customers, and so if somebody says, 'Can you create an awning system for us so that we can actually buy a full height turnstile with a gate, with the access control, plus a sun and weather awning?' sure, we'll do that for you. So that's how a lot of our business development gets done from the Amazons, and Microsofts and FedExs. There’s a lot of cool stuff going on right now.”

Some of that cool stuff made an appearance in the form of products from Boon Edam on the show floor this year. Those included the vandal resistant glass film mentioned by Nilsen for their security door products and an anti-piggybacking system for their full-height turnstiles. In addition, Boon Edam stated that they’re looking to the future by prioritizing environmental responsibility though incorporation of sustainable practices and materials into its products and operations. “The company is also looking to share its innovations with others via an outside-in approach, inviting collaboration and excitement for the road ahead,” they stated in a release. “Our 150th birthday is not just a celebration of our past but also a moment to look forward to the future and all of the exciting possibilities that lie ahead. So, let's come together and celebrate this incredible achievement and be inspired to continue pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve. Here's to another 150 years of success and growth!”

More on Boon Edam and their products available at www.boonedam.com.