What Does the Clark-Anixter Merger Mean to the Locksmith?

What do you see as the advantages to locksmiths from the merger of Clark Security and Anixter?

With the acquisition by Anixter, Clark is in the best position yet to help locksmiths succeed in today’s business environment. Clark is already offering customers a wider array of security products and will continue to expand with both new and existing products. By leveraging Anixter’s geographical presence and logistics capabilities, Clark will also expand its footprint in North America, eventually offering more distribution and will-call locations that sell locking hardware and a full range of video and access control solutions.

Will current Clark customers still be able to carry on business as usual at their local Clark Security locations?

Absolutely! Clark is the same company it has always been, just with more to offer. The same inside sales and outside sales representatives are ready to serve their accounts. Additionally, customers can count on pricing and other arrangements that they currently have with Clark to remain intact.

Will there be any new or different types of products offered by Clark Security due to the Anixter merger?

Clark will now be offering more depth of inventory on existing brands, as well as an expanded inventory array of products and solutions, including network cabling and connectivity, low-voltage cabling, video surveillance products, power supplies and power protection.

Will the regional Clark Security trade shows be continued?

We will continue to host our Security Expos and Educational Conferences, now with even more products to showcase and more classes to offer. Additionally, we will be hosting our 2011 Management Conference in Baltimore, Maryland, May 19–20, 2011.

Do you envision a continuing role for the traditional locksmith or does the future belong to the electronic security specialist?

As the security industry rapidly migrates toward electronic security, the substantial growth opportunities are in these solutions. Clark will continue to expand and invest into categories that the marketplace demands so we can provide the products, solutions and education our customers need to service their clients. Clark is confident that there will always be a significant role for the traditional locksmith, and as always, we are committed to helping all of our customers be successful, traditional locksmiths and security integrators alike.

Will the General Lock product line still be available?

We will continue to offer the General Lock product line as part of our wide variety of products.

Will Clark Security still equally serve its single independent locksmiths as well as its locksmith customers with larger businesses?

Our customers’ business success is vital to our success as a company. We will continue to value each relationship that we have built within the security industry over the past 50 years. We have always believed that local branches and local salespeople are the key to truly helping locksmiths where they live. Even though Anixter is a global company, they also value what Clark Security has built, especially our loyal customer relationships regardless of the size of operation. Now that we have more resources from which to draw, all our customers should expect even better service, continued on-time delivery, more products and more local presence.

Can you explain what Anixter University^SM is and why locksmiths should be interested?

Electronic security technology has gone through some major technological changes over the past several years. As electronic security rapidly migrates to IP networks, it can be difficult to keep up with the changing products, standards and best practice information associated with the new hybrid and IP solutions. Anixter University offers several courses to assist locksmiths in doing so. Anixter University’s curriculum includes courses on electronic security subsystems, such as access control and video surveillance in general as well as IP-ready infrastructure that includes coursework on UTP and fiber optic cabling. These courses focus on the latest electronic security technologies, architectures and solutions, as well as best-practice design and implementation techniques. This year, Clark will be hosting several classes from the Anixter University curriculum at its locations throughout the country. More details about the classes will be provided as soon as they are available.

What will your role be with Clark Security Products for the coming year?

Even though I have stepped down as CEO and Chairman of Clark Security Products, I will continue to take an active role in the organization as a consultant for the combined companies to ensure a smooth transition for the company’s employees and customers.

Any closing comments or advice for locksmiths in these economic times?

Clark has always been there to help locksmiths grow their business. We all made it together through the toughest economy in the past 75 years. Have faith that there are many opportunities ahead of us, and Clark/Anixter will be there to help you reach new horizons.

Clark Security Products, a subsidiary of Anixter Inc., is a leading wholesale distributor of security products and services. With over 50 years in the security hardware industry, Clark Security providesdoor hardware, key systems, CCTV, access control and value-added services to security professionals nationwide. Clark partners with more than 200 industry-leading manufacturers of quality security products to stock over 25,000 items in major distribution centers across the country. Through its recent partnership with Anixter International, a leading global distributor of communication and security products, Clark provides its customers with custom solutions to meet their specific security needs.

Marshall Merrifield is former CEO and Chairman, Clark Security Products.