At Securitas we have always put security and people are at the centre and purpose of everything we do, this is our brand’s legacy.
To celebrate our heritage, we are spending this month looking back through the archives at historical moments over our 90 years.
Established in Helsingborg, Sweden, in 1934 by Erik Philip-Sörensen, Securitas has evolved from a traditional night guard operation, into a global leader in security solutions. Philip-Sörensen recognised that well-trained people with a clear professional compass could positively influence an entire industry. By daring to expand, understanding clients, and maintaining a curiosity about what lay ahead, he laid the foundation of what has become the company we see today.
As early as the mid-1940s, Securitas began integrating technology in solutions for clients, growing rapidly after the Second World War. Securitas pioneered automatic access control and made history by launching the world's first online-connected ATM in 1968. By leveraging our guarding experience with technology, Securitas has helped clients to focus on what matters most to their business – ensuring security is taken care of. This focus and drive to continue to keep up with the demands of ever-changing technology across a wide range of industries has paved the way for acquisitions like that of STANLEY in 2022, now known as Securitas Technology.
If we look back to 1958, founder Erik Philip-Sörensen also had great foresight in establishing Securitas’ values of integrity, helpfulness, and vigilance which we still use today. Documented in a book we found in our historical archives known as the “Code of Conduct for Officers,” he wished to protect the profession and ensure that the business always acted with integrity. He emphasised the ongoing importance of developing standards, recognising early on, that a brand’s purpose and values transcend the test of time.
In the 1980s, former CEO Melker Schörling's leadership emphasised simplification, client focus, and international expansion, driving Securitas' growth across Europe, the U.S., and beyond through further strategic acquisitions. The divestment of non-core businesses allowed Securitas to refocus on specialised security services, maintaining its commitment to operational excellence and core values throughout its global expansion journey.
“Living our purpose, to help make the world a safer place, has had a profoundly positive impact not only on our clients but also on the world at large.
“Leaders who embody our timeless values have shaped our culture and maintained a commitment to excellence. With a focus on continuous improvement and innovation, we are in a better place than ever to address the evolving needs of our clients and the broader security landscape.”
Magnus Ahlqvist, Chief Executive Officer, Securitas
Learn more about Securitas’ remarkable history by visiting www.securitas.com/journey.
