SIA New Member Profile: Wittenbach

New Security Industry Association (SIA) member Wittenbach offers a robust suite of security offerings and integrated solutions tailored to a diverse array of verticals and industries. The company is headquartered in Sparks, Maryland, with regional centers in Hunt Valley, Maryland; Coatesville, Pennsylvania; and Charlotte, North Carolina, and operates across the United States.

SIA spoke with Jeff Gilbertson, general manager of electronic security at Wittenbach, about the company, the security industry and working with SIA.

Tell us the story of your company.

Jeff Gilbertson: In 1974, Roger and Jan Wittenbach embarked on a new chapter, moving their family from Michigan to Maryland. Roger, assuming a district manager position with Brandt Inc., laid the foundation for what was to become Wittenbach Business Systems (WBS).

WBS started by selling cash and coin equipment to regional banks and credit unions, and in 2022, it expanded product offerings in the physical and electronic security sectors, developing a strategy for fueling growth.

For five decades, WBS has been a trusted partner to the financial institution and commercial communities. The company’s comprehensive portfolio encompasses cash automation, physical security, electronic security and managed service solutions.

With a wealth of experience, proven products and a commitment to integrity-driven solutions and support, WBS possesses the expertise and knowledge to effectively address the most complex of business security and efficiency challenges.

What solutions/services does your business offer in the security industry? And what makes your offerings or your company unique?

JG: Wittenbach works with leading suppliers of electronic security equipment to sell and service burglar and fire alarm systems, video management systems and enterprise access control systems. We utilize a “best of breed” approach when consulting with our customers to provide tailor-made solutions rather than one-size-fits-all approaches favored by others.

Some of the unique security offerings we provide include conventional security offerings that go hand in hand with our electronic security offerings, such as bullet-resistant glass/glazing, advanced weapons detection and high-security entrance control portals, in addition to standard entrance systems such as physical/optical turnstiles and revolving doors.

What is something we might not know about your company – or something new you are doing in security?

JG:Wittenbach is one of the few security systems integrators that can offer both conventional and electronic security solutions. As our roots are deep in the financial institution vertical, our technicians and engineers are just as comfortable working on a multi-ton vault door as they are upgrading burglar and fire alarm systems to a modern combination unit with integration for access control, all managed by a cloud-hosted application for ease of use and oversight. While most customers would have to engage two distinct companies when looking for conventional and electronic security offerings, Wittenbach is able to do it all!

What is your company’s vision, and what are your goals for the security industry?

JG: Today, Wittenbach’s vision is to deliver cutting-edge security technology that protects our customers’ assets and do it better than anyone. Our goals for the security industry are to act as the conduit from understanding the end users needs to working with original equipment manufacturers and security providers to realize the solutions.

What do you think are the biggest opportunities in the security industry right now?

JG: The security industry is experiencing rapid evolution, driven by new technologies, changing customer expectations and emerging global challenges.

As businesses and governments increasingly face both physical and cyber threats, there is a growing demand for solutions that integrate cybersecurity with traditional physical security measures.

Security companies can differentiate themselves by offering comprehensive security packages that address a full spectrum of risks, from data breaches to physical intrusions.

What are the biggest challenges facing your company and/or others in the security industry?

JG: Rapidly evolving cybersecurity threats. The rise of cyberattacks, ransomware and data breaches means security companies must constantly update their defenses. Clients expect integrated cybersecurity solutions alongside physical security, adding complexity.

Additionally, keeping up with technological advances. Artificial intelligence machine learning, cloud security and the Internet of Things are reshaping the industry. Businesses must invest in new technologies while ensuring systems remain compatible and secure.

What do you enjoy most about being at your company – and in the security industry?

JG: Wittenbach is uniquely positioned to service a broad range of verticals across a variety of product offerings. We work to satisfy the needs of our customers to protect their assets, whether that be people, products or cash. For over 50 years, Wittenbach has been a trusted expert in providing solutions to keep our customers safe.

What does SIA offer that is most important to you/your company? And what do you most hope to get out of your membership with SIA?

JG: Being a member of SIA signals that our business is committed to industry standards, ethics and best practices. SIA actively lobbies on behalf of the security industry, ensuring that regulatory and legislative decisions support business growth. As a member, we gain access to industry leaders, potential clients and partners through events, conferences and working groups.

WBS hopes to obtain a stronger industry presence, access to the latest security technologies and regulatory updates along with the opportunity to participate in committees and working groups.

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.