Saudi-based Universal Building Materials (UBM) has become the exclusive distributor for Allegion (formerly known as IR) in the kingdom, strengthening its partnership with the innovative door hardware manufacturers.

“UBM and Allegion are joining hands to promote Allegion products in this market. Allegion products can now be ordered to the required specifications from the design stage by UBM, which has the expertise, product and market knowledge to serve the growing needs of the construction industry in Saudi Arabia,” said UBM’s CEO Raghunath Sadasivam, who signed the agreement with Allegion representative John Stanley at the US-based company’s head office in Indianapolis.

He added that UBM’s team is “well qualified to offer building materials from the concept stage to delivery and beyond”.

Jeff Bennett, Allegion’s commercial leader for the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region, said: “Allegion is a global pioneer in safety and security, with leading brands like CISA, Interflex, LCN, Schlage, Von Duprin, Falcon, Briton, Ives, Cisa e-signo, and Zero. A $2-billion company that focuses on security around the door and adjacent areas, Allegion produces a range of solutions for homes, businesses, schools and other institutions.”

He added: “UBM’s tie-up with Allegion to market its hardware further enhances the services UBM has been offering its clients over the past 37 years with the best of American and European engineering technology.”

With more than 25 brands sold in almost 130 countries across the globe, Allegion specialises in security around the doorway – everything from residential and commercial locks, door closer and exit devices, steel doors and frames to access control and workforce productivity systems.

Known for its continuous innovation, Allegion’s brands have established leadership positions in their markets and long-standing reputations for quality.

Several Allegion brands created their respective product categories, such as Schlage (cylindrical locks), Von Duprin (exit devices), LCN (door closers) and CISA (electrically controlled locks), Bennett pointed out.

Elaborating on the latest technology and product launches, Bennett said: “Allegion launched the keyless era with a suite of keyless electronic locks including Schlage Touch, Schlage Connect, commercial electronic locks and China’s SEL-320 high-performance lock.

He said in January this year, Allegion launched Schlage Sense, its most technologically advanced lock yet.

“Schlage Sense is one of the strongest, most intelligent Bluetooth-enabled locks on the market, with the highest industry rating for security and durability. It’s designed to work with Apple HomeKit, allowing users to control their door lock as part of their smart home. Apple HomeKit technology provides advanced security, with end-to-end encryption and authentication between the Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt and an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. With an Apple TV in the home, remote capabilities are possible. Additionally, HomeKit lets consumers unlock their Schlage Sense using Siri voice control.”

Meanwhile, with aptiQ mobile and CISA solutions, Bennett added, a smartphone becomes an access-control credential by using NFC (near field communication) technology. It saves companies, hotels and schools time and money by eliminating the need to reprint and replace key cards. It also capitalises on the ubiquitous availability of smartphones.

“The Schlage NDE Series locks with Engage technology streamline the transition from mechanical keys to electronic credentials in commercial office applications. It is easy to install, connect, manage and use. This is the first product to leverage the new cloud-based platform,” he continued.

“And CISA’s eSIGNO is a new access control solution for hotels that combines the most innovative, superior Italian design with advanced security features and patented privacy features.”

Among other innovations, Allegion’s new electrified mortice lock (eLi) has been called “an industry game changer” by a distributor, after seeing Allegion’s update of a standard solution, said Bennett.

“The lock offers tremendous benefits for end users. A single lock body can support 24 different end-user applications. It would take 17 parts to deliver the same flexibility with the prior design.”

Finally, Von Duprin has made great strides in meeting institutional customers’ needs for quiet spaces, concealed cables and rods, and to be compliant with new accessibility standards, Bennett added.

UBM, which has been serving the construction industry for the last 37 years in two distinct sectors – door hardware and plumbing and drainage – has exclusive dealerships with global brands from the US and Europe including Mandelli, CES, AGB, Simonswork and Raven.

With branches throughout Saudi Arabia, the company supplies a wide range of specialised building materials from stock and undertakes direct import of materials for specific requirements or projects.

“The company strives to exceed the expectations of its customers by sourcing, offering and serving specific needs with the world’s finest brands, products and solutions,” said Pawan Singh, general manager, door hardware at UBM.

UBM also has a dedicated team of door hardware schedulers, who are qualified to ascertain the requirements in door hardware as per ANSI/BHMA, NFPA, SDI (Steel Door Institute), EN and DIN standards.

The company, which has a Specification and Design Centre in Riyadh, is an associate of the Construction Specification Institute (US) and the Saudi Green Building Council.

As the world becomes more connected with the convergence of electronic and mechanical platforms, Allegion says it is making the world safer by solving new problems in new ways – creating practical solutions and leading-edge products. At the core of its business is the knowledge and experience of the 8,500 dedicated employees behind its brands.

To announce the new partnership, UBM and Allegion have held road shows in Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar and Jubail, which were attended by senior members of the construction industry, including clients, consultants and contractors.