SIA New Member Profile: Knox Company

New Security Industry Association (SIA) member The Knox Company provides rapid access solutions for public safety agencies, industries, military and property owners across the world. Knox is a woman-owned business that is proud to offer products designed and manufactured in the United States. The company is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, with offices in Chicago, Illinois, and Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

SIA spoke with Neal Zipser, industry affairs manager at Knox, about the company, the security industry and working with SIA.

Tell us the story of your company.

NZ: In 1975, the need for a unique rapid access product that could be utilized by fire departments during emergency response calls was born. The KnoxBox, a high-security key lock box, was developed to provide rapid access, along with reduced response times, while minimizing firefighter injuries and avoiding the property damage incurred during a forced entry.

Today, this revolutionary lock box has grown into a complete system providing rapid access for public safety agencies, businesses, U.S. military bases and property owners throughout the world. The Knox Company is trusted by more than 14,000 fire departments, law enforcement agencies and governmental entities.

Moving forward in the company’s evolution is the introduction of rapid access solutions to a wide range of industries where security, accountability and traceability are must-haves.

What solutions/services does your business offer in the security industry? And what makes your offerings/company unique?

NZ: Knox provides rapid access solutions for first responders, governmental agencies, K-12 and higher education institutions and commercial and residential environments, which enables facility managers to share building accessibility with emergency personnel to improve response times and entry capabilities. Knox products include the most highly recognized outdoor high security key vaults in the industry, along with document cabinets, power shutoff and gate access products. Knox also offers narcotics vaults that deliver accountability and access to controlled substances. Products can be equipped with KnoxLock electronic lock cores for use with eKeys along with key retention/tracking devices and cloud management software for greater accountability. Knox is the premier rapid access provider in North America.

What is something we might not know about your company – or something new you are doing in security?

NZ: Knox recently launched its revolutionary KnoxConnect rapid access system with Knox eLock. The Knox eLock System has redefined secure and accountable entry with its technology and innovation – it is the first complete electronic rapid access solution. The system is designed for maximum security and eliminates concerns over lost or misplaced keys that lead to costly, time-consuming and problematic rekeying.

The Knox eLock System is ideal for schools and governmental and commercial environments, where seconds matter when managing active threats and hostile events. Using unique electronic submastering, tactical units can leverage a preplanned strategic and shared rapid access process that provides fast and safe entrance to buildings (e.g., keys, security cards, blueprints), which positively impacts response capabilities and outcomes.

What does SIA offer that is most important to you/your company? And what do you most hope to get out of your membership with SIA?

NZ: SIA members include the “who’s who” of the security industry – experts, leaders and influencers who are at the forefront of security trends and innovations. Knox appreciates the opportunity to learn and participate in the future of the security industry.

The views and opinions expressed in guest posts and/or profiles are those of the authors or sources and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Security Industry Association.