A move to new, purpose-built premises is giving ERA “the perfect platform” to design and deliver high quality home security solutions, including its latest smart range. PHPD finds out more.
While not as eye-catching as a new kitchen or bathroom, the security features of a new home can be just as important. Homeowners certainly place a value on security and developers should carefully consider the security features being offered on any new home.
ERA has around 180 years’ experience in keeping homes secure and the company has recently re-committed itself to this market through the development of a new purpose-built premises. Located on the i54 business park just outside Wolverhampton, the company’s 135,625 sq ft new facility has brought together three existing facilities in the West Midlands. It provides the company with what it describes as: “the perfect platform for future success in the design, development, manufacture and distribution of high quality home security products.”
Darren Waters, CEO at ERA, said: “Our brand-new home is a great fit with our long-term business strategy. The new site is home to our state-of-the-art research and product development hub, manufacturing and warehousing, as well as test and training facilities.
“In addition, our bespoke Customer Suite showcases the entire ERA Total Security portfolio, including our extensive range of trusted hardware as well as our cutting edge smart home security solutions.”
New premises
Along with a vast warehousing operation – which includes 12,500 pallet spaces holding approximately £9m of stock – the site also has a fully equipped training centre enabling the company to offer a mix of both practical and theoretical training across its diverse product portfolio.
In addition, a dedicated customer suite enables ERA to exhibit its latest product innovations along with its full range of both traditional and ‘smart’ security solutions in addition to the Fab&Fix line-up of durable hardware accessories such as handles, letter plates and knockers.
The facility also boasts a UKAS Accredited testing laboratory. It offers enhanced security, durability and weather resistance testing in accordance with standards such as PAS24 and BS6375. A ‘home automation’ testing area is under development, with ERA already working with BSI on a test standard dedicated to IoT (Internet of Things) technology.
The knowledge gap
With this solid foundation now in place, the company is looking to tackle what it says is a ‘knowledge gap’ in the market when it comes to home security – in particular, that there can be a huge difference in the quality of locks and security products available which can leave properties more vulnerable to attack.
Both traditional security solutions as well as cutting edge smartware have a role to play in minimising security risks. Tania Tams, ERA’s Head of Marketing, explained: “Fitting an inferior security product could cost the end user dearly, not only financially, but also in terms of inconvenience and emotional distress.
“Our traditional range of locks and latches covers all essential lock types for securing external doors, including euro cylinders, mortice locks and night latches. As the only brand to be recognised by Neighbourhood Watch, ERA prides itself on offering a large range of high security products, which have been tested and approved to the highest standards.
“For example, with lock snapping becoming widely recognised as a form of entry for intruders, ERA’s Fortress cylinder lock offers maximum resistance against entry by snapping, along with being anti-pick, anti-drill and anti-bump.”
Smart innovations
Innovation is integral to ERA’s philosophy, as exemplified by the company’s smartware range of security products, including its newly launched HomeGuard Pro, a cloud-based alarm system operated using a single smartphone app.
Tania said: “Being cloud-based brings a plethora of benefits such as the ability to monitor multiple hubs from one account, real time alerts to all contacts and the delivery of upgrades quickly and easily directly to the hub. With future developments in mind, HomeGuard Pro works with Lightwave to fully integrate with ERA’s forthcoming new products including DoorCam, a Wi-Fi video doorbell and TouchKey, a keyless smart lock, creating a state-of-the-art total home smartware solution.”
She concluded: “Security is a serious business and, by building on our heritage as well as embracing innovation, we are committed to providing the best total security solutions possible.
