The lock is not something many of us think about too much. Mostly, we're just happy locking and unlocking ours at the beginning and end of the day. However, without this seemingly unremarkable household item, our belongings and perhaps even our lives would be at stake. Keeping people and the things they love safe was where Medeco high security locks got its start.
With humble beginnings as a tool and die shop in Salem , Virginia , the Mechanical Development Company would later become one of the world's trusted lock manufacturers as Medeco. Back then, in 1968, the company developed a type of locking mechanism that operated through angled key cuts and elevated and rotating lock tumblers. Unique bottom pins on this new style of lock rotated when the angled cuts on the key met with them. The idea allowed for millions of key combinations and brought about a new age in security. Until then, most locking mechanisms operated on a principle developed by the ancient Egyptians.
Today, Medeco continues its tradition in unparalleled safety through residential door locks. Products such as the Medeco Residential Maxum deadbolt include features meant to discourage lock picking such as rotating pins and hardened steel inserts. The Maxum uses Medeco's traditional angled key design with patented keys that are illegal to duplicate without the proper authorization.
Lock bumping, a method of lock picking that utilizes a special key that in theory lets anyone in anywhere, has recently become a popular way of breaking into homes without signs of forced entry. To keep up with the crooks using lock bumping, Medeco has created special “bump proof” locks. The company's newer deadbolts feature a double-locking action that has proven resistant to the assaults of lock bumping.
Medeco's strength in the lock industry doesn't stop at residences. For buildings and commercials businesses in need of high security locks, the company offers a variety of locks to suit a range of needs including those related to vending and gaming industries. Medeco's Commercial Maxum is made of solid brass and is specifically designed with heavy-gauge tubular steel to guard against prying or hammering attacks such as with a crowbar. To protect against lock picking, the Commercial Maxum includes a series of false slots.
For vending machines and other devices where cash is kept just away from the public, Medeco created the NEXGEN Electronic Locking System. These locks fit specifically on soda machines or food dispensers where product is stored. Information including up to 2,000 time and date entries are stored within the lock to provide retailers with a detailed list of when the machine was accessed. NEXGEN's Collector Key for vending machines is also weather resistant and provides power to other Medeco electronic locks.
With advancements in technology and the need for greater security in business and in everyday life, it's no wonder Medeco is working hard to keep up with the times. Going beyond just deadbolts and door locks, the company is currently looking to the future as it develops the G8R Series – a collection of highly durable padlocks meant to withstand the worst environmental conditions and go anywhere Medeco's customers go.
