Squire Locks USA is set to extend its reach within the North American critical infrastructure sector through a strategic partnership with Channel Championz.
At the helm of this expansion effort is Jerry Burhans, a veteran of the security industry, noted for his leadership positions at ISONAS, SimonsVoss, and ASSA ABLOY. Burhans brings over three decades of experience in U.S. security hardware and access control markets to his new role, where he will spearhead Squire's push into sectors such as transportation, utilities, and telecommunications.
Squire's Stronghold® Series
Squire's padlocks are among the few that meet the stringent EN12320 European testing standards
With a heritage of 245 years in lock manufacturing in the United Kingdom, Squire is recognized for its robust industrial padlocks, including the formidable S100CS, known as the strongest production padlock globally. Distinctively, Squire's padlocks are among the few that meet the stringent EN12320 European testing standards for real-world attack resistance—an assurance of durability some argue exceeds many U.S. benchmarks.
"Squire’s Stronghold® series provides a level of mechanical security rarely seen in this market," stated Burhans. He emphasized that these padlocks are not only strong but are crafted to withstand drilling, cutting, sawing, freezing, and corrosion, certified to EN12320 Grade 6, augmenting protection in critical infrastructure.
Squire's Inigma Smart Access Control System
Channel Championz is tasked with promoting the Stronghold line alongside Squire's inigma smart access control system in the U.S. market. The inigma system allows users to manage access to padlocks using Bluetooth and a secure smart key via a dedicated mobile app.
Designed for critical infrastructure, this system eliminates the need for handling multiple physical keys across various sites, offering centralized control and comprehensive audit trails. It supports compliance with NERC-CIP standards that demand stringent logging and traceability of access to protected utility assets.
Security Hardware Distributors
Distributors now seek partnerships beyond products, valuing consistent expertise, direct access to decision-makers
Burhans noted the unique position Squire holds in the security hardware distribution landscape: "Squire is bringing something security hardware distributors haven’t seen in a long time," pointing to the company's independence, technical sophistication, and commitment to U.S. partners.
He highlighted that distributors now seek partnerships beyond products, valuing consistent expertise, direct access to decision-makers, and long-term relationships.
Commitment to High-Performance Security Solutions
John Squire, Global CEO at Squire, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration with Channel Championz and Burhans' leadership. "We’re thrilled to be working with the Channel Championz team, leveraging Jerry’s expertise. Their understanding of strong distributor relationships aligns with Squire’s long-term commitment to building trust, service, and performance," he remarked.
This initiative underlines Squire Locks USA's dedication to delivering reliable, high-performance security solutions tailored to North American critical infrastructure, safeguarding systems relied upon by millions daily.
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Squire Locks USA has appointed Channel Championz, founded by security industry veteran Jerry Burhans, to lead its expansion into the North American critical infrastructure market.
Burhans, a seasoned industry executive with leadership roles at ISONAS, SimonsVoss, and ASSA ABLOY, brings over 30 years of experience in the U.S. security hardware and access control market. He will lead Squire’s North American expansion, with a focus on transportation, utilities, telecommunications, and other mission-critical infrastructure sectors.
Squire’s Stronghold® series
With 245 years of lock-making experience in the United Kingdom, Squire is recognized for its hard-wearing, industrial padlocks, including the world’s strongest production padlock, the S100CS. But beyond strength, Squire is also one of the few manufacturers whose padlocks undergo the rigorous EN12320 European testing standards for real-world attack resistance. These criteria are often more demanding and application-relevant than many U.S. benchmarks.
“Squire’s Stronghold® series brings a level of mechanical security this market hasn’t seen in years,” said Burhans. “These aren’t just strong padlocks, they’re engineered and tested to survive in the real world. We’re talking about products that can resist drilling, cutting, sawing, freezing and corrosion, certified to EN12320 Grade 6, which goes far beyond U.S. standards. In critical infrastructure, that level of protection matters.”
Squire’s inigma smart access control system
Channel Championz will focus on introducing the Stronghold line to the U.S. market, alongside Squire’s inigma smart access control system. inigma enables users to manage access to compatible padlocks via Bluetooth, using a secure smart key programmed through a dedicated mobile app.
Designed specifically for critical infrastructure applications, inigma eliminates the need for managing multiple physical keys across remote or dispersed sites. Just as importantly, the system offers centralized control and detailed audit trails, supporting compliance with NERC-CIP standards that require strict logging and traceability of access to protected utility assets.
Security hardware distributors
“Squire is bringing something security hardware distributors haven’t seen in a long time,” added Burhans. “An independent, family-owned manufacturer that’s technically sophisticated, strategically focused and truly committed to its U.S. partners.”
“Distributors today aren’t just looking for a product, they’re looking for a partner who answers the phone, provides knowledgeable support and builds long-term relationships. You’re not dealing with a revolving door of salespeople or a diluted corporate structure. You’re getting consistent expertise, direct access to decision-makers, and a brand that’s here to invest in the channel, not bypass it.”
High-performance security solutions
John Squire, Global CEO at Squire, added: “We’re thrilled to be working with the Channel Championz team and to leverage Jerry’s expertise in this sector. They understand the value of strong distributor relationships and staying close to the customer, which aligns perfectly with Squire’s approach of building a long-term presence rooted in trust, service and performance."
"Squire Locks USA is deeply committed to serving the North American market. This expansion underscores the company’s long-term dedication to providing North American critical infrastructure customers with trusted, high-performance security solutions to safeguard the systems that millions rely on every day.”
