Talleres de Escoriaza (Tesa), which is soon to cross a significant milestone with the supply of its millionth locking system, will display a broad range of security locks, cylinders, knobs and handles, access control systems, emergency exit devices, armoured doors, door closers, master-keying systems and other accessories, at this year’s Big 5.

Tesa is the leading manufacturer and supplier of locking procedures and access control technology aimed at the residential and institutional markets.
Established in 1941 as a manufacturer of locks and fittings, Tesa entered vital partnerships with leading manufacturers over the years to become what it is today. These include the tie-up with US-based VSI in the 1960s, which enabled it to expand its range of products.
A decade later, the company made its foray into the export markets following the opening up of a new industrial plant in Irún (a town located right at the Spanish-French border, home of Tesa’s current headquarters). The company soon made its transition into the challenging area of security locks in the 80s with the launch of high-security locks and later pressed forth further expansions of capacities and territories with the opening up of plants in Mexico and Atlanta in the US.
The company’s impressive business results and technical achievements (owning more than 200 invention patents) made it an attractive prospect for multinationals, and in 1997 the company was bought by British group Williams Holdings. In 2001, the company became part of the Assa Abloy group – owner of 100 leading companies with 30,000 employees across 40 countries.
Tesa has three production plants located in Spain and one in Mexico and is marketing brands such as Tesa, STS, Inhova and Idasa, thus being a strong presence in all the main worldwide segments and markets.
Elaborating on the company’s relentless pursuit of excellence in quality and reliability, export manager John Garmendia says: “Customers demand reliability, security and quality, which is why Tesa is interested in those international certifications guaranteed by the most demanding tests. One of them is the CE label, which is obtained when European standards are reached. Tesa also takes part actively in several national and international committees dealing with rules and certifications.
“The company has kept its commitment towards excellence by being the first company in its sector to include the N label in its panic exit devices for emergency exits. “The N label goes one step beyond – it indicates that not only has the company implemented a quality system, but also tested its products internally and has successfully passed tests by AENOR (the maximum private, independent certification committee in Spain). With this labelling, we’re also protecting the interests of promoters, builders and architects.”
“Tesa knows the key to the future lies in technology, distinction and service, and therefore it combines mechanical and electromechanical products with new developments based on leading technologies: contact-less chips for electronic keys, smart locks with remote control, etc. ISO 9001 and 14001 certificates were attained in 1993 and 1999,” he adds.
Commenting on the efforts made by the company to improve customer confidence in its products, he says: “First, we listen; next, we develop solutions that meet the market’s requirements. Our bet is on safety and security, and also on maximum ease in case of evacuation – that’s why access control, electronic cylinders, proximity locks, exit panic devices (both mechanically and electrically controlled) and security locks are at the heart of our product range. We bring together the security of goods that brings a three-point lock with the safety of persons in products such as, for example, the motorised bar with an access control system.”
“Different buildings have different security needs. For instance, institutional and residential buildings are evaluated separately in terms of equipment and security fittings,” says Tesa’s delegate in the Middle East Adolfo Fombellida. “Each building has its own needs depending on the purpose it is being built for, and therefore it requires previous analysis in order to determine the right fittings. We specialise in providing high security, custom integrated solutions and we also give advice on other complementary products such as handles, knobs, cylinders, locks, door closers, and master-keying systems.”
“Although there is a difference in needs as regards protecting goods and people, we integrate both concepts in one area: Integral security, which is what customers demand. At Tesa, we’re going beyond protecting a building from intruders. Our research and development (R&D) department is developing a whole product range aimed at the protection of people, equipment for exit ways and evacuation in case of emergency,” Fombellida adds.  
Elaborating on Tesa’s unique selling point (USP) and how it is different from its competitors, he says: “Tesa Access Control is the most advanced system of its kind in the world. We offer custom solutions for each access and the possibility of combining the latest technologies in different doors, integrating every product in our range.
“Tesa’s system combines the functionalities of access control, user management and protection of people into one individual aspect.
“Everything is carried out from one management platform that combines electronic locks, wall readers, electronic cylinders and mechanical cylinders. Each access is given its own solution and maximum facilities: one locking plan for each user, identification of users, cancellation of lost or stolen keys, register of events, non-duplicable system,” says the company spokesman.
“And there are several reasons why customers still prefer our brand of systems. The company’s broad product range, technology and (R&D); 60 years of know-how, excellent customer service, proximity... are a few of them,” he concludes.