Security provider acquires lock manufacturer

London-based security provider Banham has swooped for Willenhall lock manufacturer Guardian.

Founded in 1926, Banham remain the largest provider of home security systems in London and the South East of England.

The family-run business, currently in its fourth generation, has seen year-on-year growth over its 95 years in operation.

Guardian Lock and Engineering Company, founded in 1982, are the largest independently owned lock manufacturers in the UK owning three lock brands; Imperial, Benton and Worrall.

Since 1984 it has occupied a 20,000 sq ft premises in Willenhall.

Guardian will continue to be run as an independent company as part of the Banham Group, with director David Bate at the helm.

Charles Hallatt, executive chairman at Banham, said: “Banham are delighted to officially welcome Guardian to the Banham Group family. We have worked with David and his team for many years and have a wonderful collaborative working relationship that has been integral to Banham’s success. Our shared values in British craftsmanship and championing UK manufacturing in our industry has been instrumental to producing some of our most iconic locks. This is an exciting development for Banham and we look forward to working closer with Guardian to combine our expertise and continue to lead the way in our industry.”

David Bate said: “ This is a very proud moment in Guardian’s history in joining the Banham Group and being part of one of the most iconic security providers in the UK. We have worked very closely with Banham for many years, almost since our own beginning, and we have always had a long and trusted relationship with them. Having built up Guardian over the last 40 years in Willenhall, we are very proud of everything that we have achieved and the benchmark we have set for British lock manufacturing. This partnership with Banham marks the start of a new phase in our company’s established history and we look forward to the wealth of opportunities that lie ahead.”