So many stories, so little time
There’s no limit to the interesting stories that can be found about a company that has been around for nine decades and has employed millions of people over that time span. The stories about Securitas are plentiful – with each one as inspiring as the next, ranging from humble beginnings to global growth and all the innovations in between.
One notable figure is 87-year-old Björn Gysell, whose name appears on a list of Securitas’ patents. Responsible for more than 20 patents related to security technology during the 1970s, Björn’s time with the company includes vivid stories about unique assignments – such as blowing up bank vaults in the middle of Stockholm to developing and testing security solutions. His excitement and respect for Securitas is infectious.
Björn’s story is just the beginning. Each story leads to another, and there is no shortage of people eager to share their perspectives on what made (and still makes) Securitas so special. Every interview, rich with unique anecdotes, leaves a sense of pride and a big smile. The enthusiasm expressed over the years at Securitas is what brings history to life.
Dusty books, rich history
The National Library in Stockholm is a key source of information. This library keeps a copy of all domestic printed material, making it a goldmine of information. Here, the first edition of Securitas founder Erik Philip-Sörensen’s book Code of Conduct for Officers from 1958 was found.
Early issues of the employee magazine “Väktaren” (“The Officer”) from the mid-1940s were also discovered, featuring lists of noteworthy events at the time, such as:
- “September 18, 1944. Officer R. 2. The door to the factory was open. It was closed and locked.”
- “March 7, 1962. Officer Ka 28. Burnt matches and marks of cigarette butts on the floor of the paint shop indicated that smoking was taking place in the painters' materials room, which is strictly forbidden as it contains flammable substances.”
A special detail at the library is the presence of two Securitas officers at the entrance, helping visitors find their way. One officer has worked for Securitas for 42 years and still wears the belt he received with his first uniform on his first day of work. The belt, though it has lost its color, retains the patina of a great leather belt.
A legacy of innovation and client centricity
Today, discussions about artificial intelligence (AI) and cutting-edge technology in the security industry might seem novel and groundbreaking, but Securitas' history shows otherwise. The intersection of security and technology has been a recurring theme since the 1940s.
As early as 1948, Erik, together with the police and insurance companies, discussed innovative responses to rising crime rates, leading to the founding of the first technology division. These conversations and the approach to combining technology and human expertise to enhance security have been integral to the business strategy for decades.
This approach continued with the introduction of automated access control systems like Securi-Coll in the 1960s and the development of the world’s first connected ATM. These milestones, among many others, illustrate how Securitas has consistently integrated new technologies into its services, proving that blending technology with traditional guarding is an ongoing evolution, not a new phenomenon.
A true differentiator for Securitas is its legacy of innovation and pushing the envelope, positioning the company to take full advantage of advancements in AI, Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, and other technologies that augment security.
The discovery that technology was incorporated into services right after WWII, driven by the needs of the Swedish Postal Service, was surprising. This client-centered approach of the 1940s not only addressed immediate needs but also set the stage for international expansion in the 1980s, primarily driven by the commitment to adapting to and following clients' evolving needs.
The story of Securitas is one of tenacity
The entrepreneurial spirit is exemplified by Dick Seger, who tirelessly packed boxes in the morning and made sales calls in the afternoon to build the success of Securitas Alarm, the home alarm company.
Melker Schörling's determination demonstrated such persistence; despite resistance from within the organisation, he pushed for the integration of new technology, convinced it was the only way to stay ahead in the industry.
Helga Zimmerman's resourcefulness in the early days was akin to a modern-day startup employee, multitasking as cashier, bookkeeper, alarm operator, and service counter manager, all while managing accounting books on her lap due to the lack of desks.
When the overall business trend in the '80s was to extend portfolios beyond the core offering, leadership dared to focus only on security. This resulted in a lesson that still rings true today: Sometimes, it’s not only about what to do but what not to do.
In learning about these amazing stories of innovation and human ingenuity over the decades, one clear theme emerges: people have always been at the center – the cornerstone of every endeavor.
Pause for a moment and explore the journey
Understanding a company's history can foster an appreciation for its evolution and growth. While businesses are typically celebrated for their current achievements, the legacy and accumulated experience of a company are equally crucial in shaping its present innovations.
Exploring Securitas’ remarkable history is encouraged. Taking a few extra minutes between shifts or meetings to learn about the first use of the four-digit PIN, how a meeting in 1958 shaped today’s purpose, and how a CEO by mistake used a permanent marker and drew an indelible reminder of always moving onward and upward, provides valuable insights into the company’s legacy.
