A Day to Celebrate!

In 1972, SDC founder Art Geringer created the blueprint for the modern era of electrified access control door hardware and controllers. We proudly continue his commitment to innovation, skill and quality today.

Our Founder: A Tribute to Art Geringer

Electronic Security and Door Hardware legend, Arthur V. Geringer passed on September 5th, 2016 at age 93. Art was a door hardware innovator and pioneered the design and practical application of electricity to door openings for security and fire & life safety. As the inventor of numerous electronic lock designs, Art is credited with ushering in the modern era of access control hardware with his development of the 90° throw electric lock. Now commonly used, this creation opened the potential of electric locking capabilities and began the great migration to electric locking systems. 

Arthur V. Geringer, was born in 1923 and grew up in his father’s architectural hardware business in Chicago. After serving in the US Army during World War II he returned to civilian life in 1945. He settled in California and was employed at a major Los Angeles contract hardware firm before moving to an automatic door firm. While there, Art received his certification as an Architectural Hardware Consultant in 1952, allowing him to combine his industry experience with his energy and passion for innovation over the next 60 years.

Learn more about Art's life and accomplishments as well as where some of the ideas for his unique product breakthroughs came from upon which he founded SDC.