With a history dating back to 1871 Ingersoll Rand brings to bear a 100 year old heritage of technological innovation to help companies become more productive, efficient and innovative.

In the UK, the Security Technologies sector of Ingersoll Rand dates back even further to the 1700s. 

1750

William Newman & Sons was formed.  Based in Wolverhampton, the company manufactured locks, hinges, steel buckles, steel toys and primitive door springs. In the 1820s they relocated to Birmingham.

 

 

1907

William Newman & Sons launched the ‘Briton’ range of door closers, a development from their first oil door check launched in 1903. The Briton 'B' model, in particular, became an industry stalwart due to its performance and reliability. Although discontinued, its quality engineering set a benchmark - a legacy which its successors continue to uphold.   

 

 

1970

William Newman & Sons merged with William Tonks & Sons (established in Leeds in 1789) to become Newman Tonks.  Manufacturing specialised brass fittings for the home, Newman Tonks became one of the principal industries in Birmingham in the 19^th Century. 

 

1974

Laidlaw & Thompson architectural ironmongers were formed.  In 1998 they set up a security division in Gateshead, which later become known as Thomas Laidlaw Security.  (In 1993 Newman Tonks acquired Thomas Laidlaw and the security division became know as NT Locking).

 

 

1988

In July 1988 Newman Tonks acquired J Legge, a Willenhall company established in 1881 with a long history of manufacturing quality locks and door handles.  Now part of the locks and security division, Newman Tonks changed its name to NT Locks.

 

 

1993

In 1993 Newman Tonks acquired Thomas Laidlaw and the security division became know as NT Locking.

 

 

1997

The Newman Tonks organisation was taken over by Ingersoll Rand and, on 5^th May 1998, NT Legge, which was part of the Newman Tonks Group, became known as Ingersoll-Rand Architectural Hardware.  The acquisition enabled NT Locking to continue the long history of the Briton and Legge brands and bringing with them a number of other security and safety brands.

 

 

2000

On the 1^st November 2000 the company name was changed to IR Security & Safety Limited, now encompassing IR Locking Systems (electronic access control and cylinders), IR Dor-O-Matic (automatic doors and service) and IR Martin Roberts (performance steel doorsets), as well as mechanical hardware products under the Briton, Legge, Kryptonite, Normbau and Randi brands.

 

 

2006

As part of a new identity to better reflect its product portfolio and marketing strategies, IR Security & Safety became Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies. The acquisition of Interflex - a leading manufacturer of time & attendance and access solutions - soon followed to further enhance the 'total solutions' ethos.