Industry veterans and customers of UTC Fire & Security UK Ltd gathered at the company’s head offices in Milton Keynes to mark the 35th anniversary of Aritech in the UK.
Aritech began trading in the UK in 1978 from offices in Romford, before moving to Milton Keynes. The company changed owner and name several times and was acquired by UTC Fire & Security in 2010, but Aritech remained as a security and fire brand. The Aritech product line covers electronic security and fire.
Guest speakers included Jeff Little, Chief Executive of the NSI and Stefan Hay, Head of Membership Development at the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA). Jeff Little said: “It’s great to see what Aritech has achieved over 35 years and really wonderful that the current team seems as enthusiastic and committed as ever.” He predicted that the security industry was facing a period of profound change, including the rise of new risks and the acceleration of information technology, and he said that companies like UTC would play an important part. Stefan Hay said that the convergence of security with IT made installation an increasingly exciting and important area to work in.
The original Aritech UK Managing Director Graham Harper also made an appearance, as did his PA from the very first days, Theresa Grainger. Graham, who went on to set up Harper Chalice, recalled how Aritech started with very basic but effective products and rapidly grew its sales, customer base and its range.
Among other guests were early customers, including Mike Cahalane, who was later a key figure in setting up the Association of Security Consultants, and several customers who had themselves installed Aritech detectors and sounders at the start of their careers. A collection of the original 1970s products and catalogues was on display and it was revealed that some of this equipment is still in working order in premises where it was originally installed.
Guests were shown around the company’s demonstration suite, conference room and the training facilities available for installers and customers. The ‘Aritech 35’ afternoon concluded with a look at some upcoming Aritech launches, including the new PIRcam, a wireless sensor with visual alarm verification, and the latest Advisor management software, which integrates intrusion, access control and video. Installers and users at the demo saw for themselves use of this new system by tablet, Android or iPhone.
Kevin Swann, country manager, UTC Fire & Security UK Ltd, said: “We are very proud of what Aritech has achieved and how it has always set the highest standards in terms of product performance and reliability. This gathering is proof of the loyalty and affection that the brand continues to inspire.”
You can catch up with Aritech at upcoming road shows. Visit www.utcfssecurityproducts.co.uk
