New Member Profile: GJD Manufacturing Ltd.

As the Security Industry Association (SIA) expands, new members overseas find attractive opportunities to get involved. Take GJD Manufacturing Ltd. for example. GJD opened a U.S. office in Los Angeles, and so it joined SIA although its headquarters is in the United Kingdom. SIA chatted with GJD’s Paul Tibbenham about the future of the company, which manufactures, designs and supplies professional external detector equipment, as well as infrared and white-light LED illuminators. For more information on GJD, visit http://www.gjd.co.uk.

1. How did your company get its start? How did it get involved in the security industry?

GJD Manufacturing Ltd. was established in 1983 and quickly became recognized as the market leader in security lighting systems. GJD is located in the Greater Manchester area of the United Kingdom, where all manufacturing takes place.

In 2004, Mark Tibbenham, Managing Director, acquired GJD as he envisaged massive growth potential for the company in CCTV and security systems for the commercial and domestic sectors. In 2012, Mark made the strategic decision to acquire Advanced LED Technology (ALT) to broaden the GJD product portfolio. ALT produced extremely high-quality white light and infrared LED illuminators to enhance CCTV footage.

GJD’s continued growth and success within the UK and European markets was highlighted in 2017 when the company was rewarded with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade. The next big step for GJD came at the start of 2018, opening on office in Los Angeles, California.

GJD was also one of the first companies to join the BSIA Security Equipment Manufacturers Section (SEMS). We are actively involved in the CCTV and Export sections. At the end of 2017, GJD received the BSIA Chairman’s award for contribution to exporting.

2. Who are the prominent executives at your company? If someone wanted to meet a key person at an industry networking event, who would that be?

Mark Tibbenham, Managing Director
Paul Tibbenham, VP Business Development USA
Ana Maria Sagra-Smith, Sales and Marketing Director
Steven Oxley, Company Secretary
Chris Moore, Technical Director
John Hale, Operations Director
Keith Fenwick, Lighting Director

3. What’s your company’s biggest challenge right now?

The biggest challenge GJD faces is keeping up to date with the latest technologies in an ever-growing and advancing industry. If we lose focus on the shift in the market, then we could become in danger of being left behind. Organizations such as SIA and the BSIA help us keep abreast of industry and technology advances through member education, training, exhibitions and networking opportunities.

4. What trends does your company foresee for the security industry in the next year?

Smart home automation, device interconnection and integration to the Internet of Things (IoT), with emphasis on cybersecurity and ensuring the safety and integrity of the various software platforms and communication protocols. Bodies like SIA have the respected position to be able to speak on behalf of our industry and champion the cause for more standards regarding IoT protocols, codes of practice and standards.

5. What does your organization receive from membership in SIA? How do you plan to be active in the association in the near future?

GJD is a member of the UK counterpart, BSIA, and has had a very strong and fruitful relationship with them over the years. Now having set up in the United States, GJD is excited to grow a similar relationship with SIA, and we hope to make new business connections with some of the key personnel in the security industry with SIA’s help. We would also like to participate in appropriate member sections in the hope that we can share our experiences, add value, learn and network with fellow security players.

6. Will your company participate in an upcoming event with SIA such as ISC West, New Product Showcase or Government Summit? If so, what aspect of the event appeals most to your company?

GJD will be exhibiting at ISC West and plans on attending the SIA forum events that will be held there.

The views and opinions expressed in guest posts and/or profiles are those of the authors or sources and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Security Industry Association (SIA).