FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
KWIKSET® CELEBRATES
SMARTKEY™ TECHNOLOGY AS ONE OF ITS MOST SUCCESSFUL INNOVATION LAUNCHES IN
COMPANY HISTORY
Overwhelming Market Adoption of New Residential Lock Technology
Demonstrates Kwikset's Innovation Leadership
LAKE
FOREST, Calif./LAS VEGAS –
January 20, 2009 – Validating its reputation as
an innovation leader in residential door hardware, Kwikset® today acknowledged
its revolutionary SmartKey™ technology, first announced last year at the
International Builders' Show (IBS), as one of the most successful launches in
company history. SmartKey's groundbreaking technology exceeded company
expectations, producing a 20 percent growth in U.S. retail sell-through of the
Kwikset Signature Series line of products in 2008. Kwikset's SmartKey technology
is unique in that it provides consumers with the ability to re-key locks quickly
and easily, without removal from the door, for improved access control and
security.
"Kwikset takes tremendous pride in being a company built on American
ingenuity and innovation, and our SmartKey technology is an outstanding
demonstration of a company's refusal to be satisfied with what's always been,
and pushing to do better," said Brent Flaharty, vice president of Marketing,
Kwikset. "The overwhelming success of our SmartKey-enabled products validates
our vision and commitment to providing consumers with the next generation of
advanced, yet affordable, door locks."
About SmartKey
SmartKey's patented side-locking bar technology is central to the lock's
ability to be rapidly and easily re-keyed. This locking system allows consumers
the flexibility to quickly match all the entry points to one key, offering
instant one-key convenience. By using the included SmartKey Learn Tool and the
existing functioning key, home and property owners can safely match or change
out keys without special training or outside contractors, yet are secure against
any unauthorized key changing.
Delivering outstanding strength and
protection, SmartKey deadbolts feature ANSI Grade 1 certification and have
passed the most stringent lock picking standard, UL 437, par. 11.6. This
affordable lock eliminates the typical sheer line, pins and tumbler mechanisms
in its design, removing the most vulnerable points in residential locks.
SmartKey deadbolts feature improved drill resistance and integrated BumpGuard™
Protection, offering consumers an affordable solution to the growing concern of
lock-bumping intrusions.
SmartKey technology is available in all Kwikset
Signature Series keyed entry products, including handlesets, levers, knobs and
deadbolts, as well as the new SmartCode Signature Series touchpad electronic
deadbolt. They are also available in a wide selection of the latest styles and
finishes at major home improvement retailers nationwide. Kwikset's SmartKey
enabled products will be displayed for demonstration at the 2009 International
Builders' Show in Las Vegas, Jan. 20-23 at The Home Depot booth, No. C6357, in
the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
About Kwikset®
For more than 60 years, Kwikset, manufacturer of America's most trusted name
in security, has provided beauty, security and peace of mind for millions of
families. For additional information on Kwikset products, call 1-800-327-LOCK or
visit www.kwikset.com
Black & Decker Hardware and Home
Improvement (BDHHI) Group is a division of Black & Decker, the world's
largest producer of power tools, power tool accessories and security hardware.
Today, the BDHHI Group includes some of the most recognizable hardware and home
improvement brands in the world including Kwikset, Weiser Lock®, Baldwin®, Price
Pfister® and K2™ Commercial Hardware by Black & Decker.
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