1.1 Definition and presentation

The first drafts of locks appeared in ancient Egypt more than 3000 years ago. The Romans then developed metal locks, but the first "modern" locks appeared under the reign of Louis XVI, also called the king of locksmiths. He promoted this art, especially in Picardy and more particularly in Vimeu with locks similar to those we know today.

This study will focus on two distinct activities:

Manufacture of locks and hardware;
Metal carpentry work (armouring of external doors, installation of fire doors, etc.).

The global access control market is expanding, driven by the growth of new technologies and wireless security systems. The U.S. market, one of the largest markets for metal locks and hinges, is growing rapidly and is expected to continue to expand in the coming years. In Italy, the lock market generated a turnover of €1.47 billion in 2017, part of which is exported abroad. Recently, the production value of locks and hardware in Italy has shown a positive development. This data feeds into future growth projections. The industry is largely dependent on several factors and especially on the market for new buildings, doors and windows. In addition, the digital revolution is expected to have a significant impact on the market, due to changing needs on both the supply and demand sides.

1.2 The global and European market

The access solutions industry generates more than $*** billion annually worldwide [***]. However, the market for access solutions is very fragmented: standards are not harmonized and needs vary locally. For example, the market share of Assa Abloy, the largest player in the sector, is only **%. Several trends are affecting the market, such ...

1.3 The booming domestic market

In this section, we will use the ATECO code **.**, which refers to the manufacture of locks and more generally to the manufacture of locks, padlocks, keys, handles, hinges, straps and similar hardware for buildings, furniture, vehicles, etc.

Sales of locks and hinges manufacturing activities Italy, ****-****, in billion euros Source: ****

The ...

1.4 The Italian trade balance

This section is based on HS code **.**, which considers metal locks and padlocks, and the keys corresponding to these different locks.

Exports and imports of locks and padlocks and related keys decreased slightly between **** and ****. However, Italy's trade balance was in large surplus in **** and ****, with a coverage rate of around ...

2.1 The construction sector

The dynamics of the locksmith sector are linked to cyclical factors, which influence both the market trend in general and the construction sector in particular [***].

Value and evolution of construction investments Italy, ****-****, in billions of euros and percentages Source: ANCE The construction sector is dynamic: investment in construction (***).

The SaMoTer ...

2.2 The window and door market supported by tax incentives

The window and door market is largely linked to construction investment. Demand for windows and doors has been increasing since ****, although the growth rate has dropped from *.*% in **** to *.*% in **** [***]. Thus, according to the UNICMI (***) reached €*.* billion for €**.* billion of investments in construction. In the residential segment, the majority of demand ...

3.1 The different actors

Source: ****

Sometimes the roles of these different players converge: security systems can be installed by the manufacturer or the distributor. Advice and customisation of the offer are therefore playing an increasingly central role.

Lock manufacturers

Assoferma, the national association of lock, hardware and handle manufacturers, groups together companies specialising in locks ...

3.2 A concentrated market

Lock and hinge manufacturing companies EU, ****, number of companies per country Source: Eurostat Although Italy ranks third in the European Union in terms of turnover, there were only *** Italian lock and hinge manufacturers in ****, far fewer than in Germany. The Italian market is highly concentrated and has remained relatively stable in ...

4.1 A constantly evolving offer

The lock market includes a wide variety of more or less traditional products, with a range of end customers.

Different technologies

Mechanical locks are the most traditional and include keyed master cylinders, lock cylinders, lock cases, lever locks and accessories. They are distinguished from electromechanical locks, which rely on a security ...

4.2 The development of smart locks

The market for window and door security, and therefore more generally for home and building security, has been significantly affected by recent technological innovations: this has influenced directly the appearance of more modern locks or indirect with the appearance of substitute products. This technological craze is both a threat and an ...

4.3 Price developments

Changes in the producer price index for the lock and hinge manufacturing industry Italy, ****-****, base ***= *** Source: Istat

This graph shows the evolution over time of prices for locks and hinges, sold in the domestic and foreign markets, in the initial marketing phase. Prices in the initial marketing phase have increased ...

5.1 Laws governing the locksmith profession and products

Law */**** provides that skills can be attested and certified by compliance with the UNI reference standard. The UNI *****:**** standard establishes the requirements in terms of knowledge, skills and competences necessary to be qualified as a locksmith and safe technician. [***]

Currently, among the many draft standards under consideration, many of which will ...