Avon Armour-Leadbetter has been manufacturing security products since 1964. This family business produces a range of products, with an emphasis on 'one-offs' to match existing fixtures, an area that does not interest many larger manufacturers.
Glazed screens can have fixed or sliding panels. Doors and screens can range from manual attack standard (anti-bandit) to bullet resistant. Installations can extend from a small reception to complete cash handling areas, including all services, internal finishes, floors, ceilings and signs. Military installations have also been completed, with windows and doors to protect personnel from high-powered weapons.
Avon Armour's fixed partitions have concealed speech rails, although electronic voice amplification, together with loops for people with hearing difficulties, is often fitted to meet the 'Disability Discrimination Act 1995'.
Recent developments include manual or electric sliding screens to protect staff from hostility. Staff can control the situation by having the screens completely open, part closed, or completely closed. This is particularly relevant to local authorities, in housing or social security offices, where cash is not held but where violence against staff is a growing concern.
Doors can be servo-assisted or automatic, and can be controlled by registered keylock, swipe card, digital or hands-free. These systems can be fitted to existing doors and an in-house bureau provides highly secure photo identity cards. These cards can be used to open doors and record movements in and out of buildings.
During recent years, at the request of insurance companies, Avon Armour has produced secure display cases. Many have fibre-optic lighting and are now protecting some of the nation's treasures.