Securitas celebrates 20 years of business in Germany. What a treat to meet my old friends. They say you can´t make business on friends – but you sure can make friends in business. And Securitas friends are some of the best! Photo: Andreas Fries
In 1996, Swedish Securitas AB bought the German firm DSW Security, which is 
the origin of today’s Securitas Deutschland. I had the pleasure of being invited as guest of honor together with Reinhard W. Ottens, leader of DSW Security at that time. I once again met with Manfred Buhl, the head of Securitas Germany. For me he is Securitas, committed, knowledgeable and also very personal. It was great to see 350 customers together with the Securitas staff celebrating 20 years. Zukunft – Sicherheit. Two important words. I am sure Securitas will be a very important part of both!
A new mindset
Manfred Buhl has transformed the firm into a market leader in the German security industry. He has moved responsibility to those who work closely with customers and created a new mindset among employees, based on Securitas’ three core values: Ehrlichkeit, Aufmerksamkeit, Hilfsbereitschaft (Integrity, Vigilance and Helpfulness). Also, Buhl has built the company’s know-how, both in form of highly skilled employees and through its own engineering department that develops tomorrow’s security solutions.
An important factor for success in the security industry is to develop cost effective systems, another factor is to focus on integrated solutions that combine personnel, technology and service, known as Protective Services. Securitas Deutschland is strong enough to take the initiatives that are needed.
Values matter
The theme of the event “Zukunft: Sicherheit” was security and mobility in these times of increasing terrorism. One of the keynote speakers, Hubertus Andrä, Police Chief of Munich, told us about the attack that took the lives of ten innocent people in a shopping centre in Munich last summer. He made a big impression on me and made me think of how important it is to know your job and have the right values. If this is the case – then you can make a difference when it matters most!
I also had the opportunity to meet with Magnus Ahlqvist – new manager for the European division in Securitas. He mentioned that he was impressed by Securitas´ strong value base. It supports quick and correct decisions, and the ability to actually implement decisions made. Magnus considered the ownership and commitment within Securitas as unique in his experience. A very nice acquaintance. I wish him all the best with Securitas.
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