The locksmith's market - France

The global locksmithing market, which includes lock and hardware manufacturers and metalworkers, is experiencing variable growth rates across regions. The access control segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.4% between 2023 and 2028, propelled by technological innovations and wireless security systems. In France, the sector grew by 5.88% in 2022, boosted by a strong price effect, with Germany remaining a major trading partner. The USA remains the leading producer of metal locks and hinges. The sector faces the challenges of a slowdown in real estate, a decline in new housing construction, a drop in real estate transactions and an increase in Chinese imports. conversely, connected locks and smart home technology are booming markets.

French exports of locks have reached 196 million euros in 2022, slightly down on 2021, while the French market for doors and windows has defied expectations.ais window and door market has defied economic downturns with resilient growth, but could slow down as 61% of managers anticipate a decline in 2023.

The French furniture market remains a renewal market, with 2% growth to 14.85 billion euros in 2022, albeit with an inflation-fuelled illusion. The automotive sector has seen a decline in car sales and production, which has had an impact on demand for locks and fittings. In terms of security, burglaries rose by 11% in 2022, whereas they had fallen during the Covid-19 crisis.

The concentration of the locksmithing market in the north and northeast of France is seeing a decline in establishments and employees, with a 16% drop in employment. The hardware wholesale trade has grown by 8.51% in 2022, but forecasts a decline of 1.5% in early 2023.

Industry leaders such as Assa Abloy and Gretsch-Unitas are foreign subsidiaries that dominate the French market. Technological advances are disrupting the market, with a move towards connected and electronic locks, posing both threats and opportunities for traditional locksmiths

Market trends in the French locksmith industry

The locksmithing market in France is growing slowly in a landscape marked by the advance of new technologies and changing consumer demands. This dynamic sector comprises two main activities: the manufacture of locks and hardware, and metalworking and locksmithing services, including the armoring of exterior doors and the installation of fire doors.

In recent times, the global access control market, of which the locksmith market is a part, has attracted considerable interest, and is set to grow significantly over the next few years. This growth is attributable to the rapid adoption of new technologies, concerns about rising crime rates, and a penchant for wireless security systems.

Despite this overall dynamic, the French locksmithing market presents contrasting aspects. The manufacturing segment saw average growth of between 3% and 4% per year between 2015 and 2022, while the metalworking and locksmithing sector saw roughly equivalent growth. However, 2023 looks set to be a difficult year. The sectors are facing pressing issues such as international crises influencing the real estate market, a significant drop in new housing construction and a decline in real estate transactions.

On a positive note, the industry has recently experienced a revival thanks to the advent of smart connected locks. These innovative products, often controlled by smartphones, support the booming home automation market, pointing to an expansion of this segment in the near future. The French foreign trade landscape for locks presents a complex picture, with exports stable but showing a slight decline from 2015 to 2022.

Imports increased on average over the same period, but show a slight decline of over 3% by 2022. The trade balance has deteriorated, approaching a deficit of 250 to 350 million euros by 2022. In addition, industrial activity in the locksmithing sector is particularly concentrated in the north and north-east of France, with these regions employing more than half of the sector's workforce.

From 2023 onwards, the locksmithing market will face difficulties due to the sluggishness of the new-build market, reflected in a significant drop in reservations and authorizations for new housing. On the other hand, markets linked to the locksmith industry, such as the window and door sector and the furniture market, are showing resilience and growth despite the economic obstacles. Consumer feelings of security also dictate demand in the locksmith market. Feelings of insecurity in the home and burglary rates influence the need for secure locks. Interestingly, the feeling of insecurity in the neighborhood is higher than inside the home.

Leaders in locksmith excellence

The locksmith market boasts a number of notable players who have consolidated their reputations both on French soil and internationally. These companies are characterized not only by their historical roots and technical expertise, but also by their ability to adapt to technological developments in the sector. Let's discover the larger-than-life profiles of these industry titans, who are shaping the locksmithing landscape with their innovative, secure solutions.

• Assa Abloy France SAS: A subsidiary of the Swedish locksmith giant, Assa Abloy is a colossus in the field of locking systems. The world's leading developer of door opening solutions, the company's vast repertoire includes mechanical and automatic access systems, as well as cutting-edge electromechanical products. Assa Abloy's presence on the world stage testifies to the persistent demand for security and convenience.
• Ferco by Gretsch-Unitas: The Gretsch-Unitas group, based in Germany, embodies know-how rich in tradition and innovation at the cutting edge of the industry. Its French subsidiary, Ferco, is located in the picturesque Moselle town of Reding. Primarily engaged in the manufacture of a range of hardware, door and window components, Ferco is synonymous with excellence in the industry, providing robust solutions to a demanding customer base.
• Minibea Access Solutions France: Operating under the wing of Japanese industrial giant MinebeaMitsumi, Minibea Access Solutions France represents the evolution of locksmithing into an era of electronic sophistication. Specializing in high-security access solutions, it brings a touch of technological wizardry to a field once dominated by mechanical devices, illustrating the impact of global innovation on local markets.
• TB Industrie: As the French representative of the internationally renowned Tordo Belgrano Group, better known by its market name Torbel, this family-run business has carved out a niche for itself by focusing on the needs of the home. With a strong presence in the French market thanks to its numerous production sites, TB Industrie is the benchmark for shutter hardware, hinges and locks, combining traditional security with modern sensibility.

Each of these players, through their respective contributions, has shaped a landscape of security solutions that blends heritage and innovation. Whether it's Assa Abloy's global reach, Ferco's European finesse, Minibea Access Solutions' technological approach or TB Industrie's dedication to home security, these market leaders collectively support the locksmith industry through trust and a relentless pursuit of innovation.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 12/10/2023

Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Estimated worldwide sales in the access control industry
• Sales of lock manufacturers, metalworkers and locksmiths
• Main countries supplying locksmith products
• Main countries for locksmith products
• Export value (Padlocks, locks and bolts: Customs code: 8301)
• Import value (Padlocks, locks and bolts: Customs code: 8301)
• Balance of trade (Padlocks, locks and bolts: Customs code: 8301)
• Marketing new homes (sales to individuals)
• Cumulative number of units over 12 months
• The window market
• French furniture market sales
• Number of cars sold in France
• French automakers' production
• Sense of insecurity in France by gender
• Trend in the number of burglaries in France
• Number of establishments (manufacture of locks and fittings: Naf code: 25.72Z)
• Change in number of employees (manufacture of locks and fittings): Naf code: 25.72Z
• Change in market size (Retail sale of hardware, paints and glass in small stores (less than 400 m2))
• French industry production price index for the French market: Locks and fittings
• Estimated size of the global smart lock market