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New ASSA ABLOY facility opens in South Africa

As ASSA ABLOY celebrates its 30th anniversary, it announced the opening of its new facility in Durban, South Africa. This new site unites IDS and Impro operations, bringing both manufacturing plants under one roof to create a hub for innovative access solutions.

The inauguration of the new facility took place on 29 October 2024, spotlighting the latest advancements in access control and security solutions. This modern new site showcases the company’s technologies and products, emphasising its commitment to innovation.

The South African team hosted the ceremony, joined by Neil Vann, EVP & Head of Opening Solutions EMEIA, Mauro Felice, SVP & Head of Opening Solutions MEIIA, the Swedish Ambassador, representatives from Business Sweden, and local government officials.

“I am immensely proud to open our new, state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in South Africa. This facility marks a new era of innovation and excellence, putting the customer at the heart of everything we do. This collaborative space will be a vital resource, enabling our partners and customers to explore the future of security technology,” says Vann.

Mauro Felice, SVP & Head of Opening Solutions MEIIA, Gerrit Viviers, SVP & Head of Africa Opening Solutions EMEIA, Neil Vann, EVP & Head of Opening Solutions EMEIA, Vusumuzi Cyril Xaba, eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Håkan Juholt, Swedish Ambassador South Africa.

Experience centre with the customer in focus

At the heart of the new facility is an Experience Centre, designed to showcase the seamless integration of Impro’s access control systems and IDS’s security solutions. This immersive space allows customers to explore our innovative products and witness live demonstrations, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how the solutions work in real-world scenarios.

The new facility is designed with sustainability at its core, featuring advanced solar solutions. In the production areas, the company installed electrostatic dissipative (ESD) flooring and workstations to enhance safety and protection.

The roofing has been upgraded with insulated steel sheeting, and natural light floods the space through south-facing windows, while north-facing roof sections are prepared for future solar panel installation.

To further reduce resource use, a 40 000-litre rainwater storage system supports water conservation efforts, and energy-efficient inverter air conditioners help minimise electricity consumption across the facility.

“We are incredibly proud of this new facility. Its grand opening is not only a testament to our commitment to excellence, but also a clear declaration of our intention to lead the industry in the Africa region and beyond, with innovative, sustainable, and client-focused solutions that set new standards,” adds Felice.

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