Our story
Forty years ago, Vingcard started as VingCard Elsafe. Since the very beginning, we have been reimagining how people move through their world. Whether that world is a hotel, cruise ship, student accommodation or elderly care facility, our expertise continues to develop new, sustainable security solutions.
The Vingcard Story
As we transition and grow stronger under the ASSA ABLOY Group, we will build upon the reputation of our heritage brands VingCard and Elsafe to extend our global reach and innovation capability beyond hardware. This will enable us to differentiate ourselves, transcend the competition and be known as the leading hospitality security brand in the world.
We are fortunate to belong to a family of companies that gives us access to more than 1400 visionary engineers who work together to make sure that we continue to be innovative and quickly adapt to our customers’ changing needs. Access to a global network of sales and support teams enables us to be more responsive to our hospitality partners. We are leading the way in both serving emerging markets and developing solutions that our customers want, such as creating sustainable products.
The day when the key and keycard (as we know them) finally become digital is coming sooner than most people realize. When that happens what people will be left with is something intangible- an experience. Our clients will want a brand they know and trust to deliver that experience to them.
The very first keycard
Our story begins in 1974 when lock maker Tor Sørnes hears about a woman attacked by an intruder in her hotel room. The story inspires him to invent a better door opening system. The goal is to make hotel guests and travellers feel safe no matter where they are staying. Two years later, Sørnes introduces VingCard, the world’s first recordable keycard door lock. At the same time, Bjørn Lyng, constructs the world’s first electronic in-room safe, Elsafe. The two join forces in 1994 to in order to better serve their customers and grow the company.
VingCard Elsafe has spent four decades helping hospitality partners in over 166 countries to welcome travelers. As industry pioneers we’ve led the way – employing innovative technology to make people feel safe and sleep easier wherever they are. Our advancements in design and functionality have enabled our clients in the hospitality industry to welcome, reassure and protect their guests, and make their businesses run more smoothly.
So the end result of our work is more than a keycard that works or a door that opens.
Find a local contact
Find your local Vingcard office, and get in touch with our local representative.
