Security Solutions have been manufacturing physical security equipment since 2003 in their large fabrications facility in the heart of Bolton. Proud to be labelled as a Great British Manufacturer, Security Solutions are among the few security companies who manufacture turnstile products today in the UK. This is by no means a new practice. The North West has a long and rich history of turnstile manufacturing particular in the Greater Manchester area.
Historically the majority of turnstile equipment installed at football, cricket and rugby grounds, swimming pools, amusement parks and racecourses from 1890 to 1960 were manufactured in Salford by WT Ellison and Co. Ellison’s invention of the turnstile was imperative for owners of sporting grounds and attractions to maximise income from patrons. The cast iron ornate waist height turnstiles were later developed to include the first ever safety counting system, the tamper proof brass mechanism with ceramic counters allowed officials to tally the gate against monies and notify when capacity had been reached.
It was classic turnstile manufacturer Ellison’s who fabricated and installed 100 turnstiles at London’s Wembley Stadium (former Empire Stadium) in 1923, just over 92 years later Bolton based Security Solutions continued the tradition by manufacturing and installing 96 stadium turnstiles at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Stadium collaborating their standard stadium turnstile design with the world first SR2 security rated doors.
The design of modern day turnstiles has dramatically changed in the last 100 years, in today’s security conscious society the need for greater security has evolved the traditional turnstile from an ornamental model to an industrial and robust full height unit. This contemporary design has replaced the majority of the Ellison turnstiles throughout the last 20 years.
Turnstiles are now fabricated using steel and finished by galvanising or powder coating. Rotor design has advanced from decorative to practical using a trombone or straight edged formation. The new turnstile head mechanisms offer a 100% duty cycle reliability during continuous operation. Advancement in technology allows turnstiles to be linked up to stadia counting software, ticketing systems and staff attendance and monitoring access control.
Recognised for their contribution to North West Manufacturing, Security Solutions have been shortlisted as Manufacturing Business of 2016 finalist for the E3 Business Awards. Andrew Davies, Managing Director at Security Solutions said: “Being shortlisted as finalist for Manufacturer of the Year by E3 Business Awards has concluded a remarkable 12 months for Security Solutions. It was a strategic decision some years ago to become a bespoke design manufacturer this meant we could offer a fully rounded service that is totally under our control, to be recognised as one of the best North West manufacturing firms is an amazing achievement.”
Security Solutions continues to redesign and develop this classic piece of security equipment, the fundamentals of turnstile design will forever remain the same, protection and safety, a manufacturing tradition Security Solutions fully intends to continue.