Sonitrol opens new Ga. location

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 of Savannah is operated by Christopher Duncan, franchisee and owner, his wife Jennifer, president of the branch, and Senior Accounts Manager Darryl Siddel. Duncan was familiar with Sonitrol through his family's ownership of a franchise in Southern Oregon, he said. "It was an open franchise opportunitya good spot at the right time," he said. Located in office space in downtown Savannah, Duncan said the branch plans to expand into bigger facilities and expand its territory sometime over the next two years, as business contiues to grow. "We do plan on expanding our territory as much as we can into the uncharted areas of Georgia," Duncan said. The location now covers the counties of Bryan, Bulloch, Chatham, Effingham and Liberty. The closest Sonitrol branch is in Atlanta, which is four hours away, Duncan said. Sonitrol looks to open between five and 10 new locations each year; last year the company increased its coverage with eight new franchises, and in 2000, with five. The company now has more than 170 locations in the U.S. and Canada, with 100 central stations.