10 Sep 2004

Bright Handle - safety with cool design

ASSA ABLOY has established a joint venture with Brighthandle AB. Brighthandle is a new and unique product; a door handle that communicates with colored light. The technique can for example be used to show if a room is occupied or free, or to mark out evacuation routes in case of fire.

Hardware product of the year in 2001
Inventor and designer of the product is Alexander Lervik, one of Sweden’s most promising young designers. The product was first shown in the Milan fare for interior design in 2001 where it received immense attention. The product received price as one of the most innovative products displayed and it was awarded "Hardware product of the year" in American Architectural Record, one of the world’s biggest architect’s magazines. Among 1,000 persons from 43 countries have contacted Brigthandle in order to get more information about the product.

Great potential
"ASSA ABLOY sees great potential in Brighthandle. One dimension is of course the design perspective where Brighthandle can add an interesting dimension to the Group company offerings," says Åke Sund, Executive Vice President Market and Business Development.

"Another aspect is the safety perspective where the Brighthandle concept can ad an important feature in design of exit hardware for hotels, offices and other public buildings."
"The cooperation with ASSA ABLOY is working smoothly and we have started with product development and distribution projects for the markets in Sweden, USA and the hospitality industry. This is a perfect combination of the little company's dynamics and the big company's resources and competence in development, production and distribution," says Fredrik Arnander, one of Brighthandles founders.