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.
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.
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.
VingCard Elsafe, whose origin was in Moss, Norway, is an international producer of hotel locking systems, electronic in-room safes and energy management systems. After inventing the first mechanical hole card operated lock in the '70s, VingCard was acquired in 1994 by ASSA ABLOY, and merged with the electronic safe producer Elsafe to form VingCard Elsafe in 2006.
In 1997, VingCard and Elsafe joined marketing and sales forces and then finally merged to form VingCard Elsafe in 2006. As a single entity, the company counts more than 166 sales offices worldwide. Among its current product focuses are RFID technology and energy management systems.
In 2015 VingCard Elsafe was subsumed by ASSA ABLOY.
In 2018, along with the formation of Global Solutions division, the business was rebranded ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions, over the last few years, the division have grown to seven business areas with a diversified solutions and different targeted customers.
From 2024, ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions is designating Vingcard as its primary brand within the Hospitality sector. With nearly 50 years of delivering enhanced security, Vingcard is committed to quality and customer satisfaction. The brand will continue innovating in technology, including electronic locks, safes, access management, and more, while maintaining a clear, focused identity that meets customer needs and expands its services.
We stand at the forefront of innovation. Vingcard, formerly known as ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions Hospitality, is breaking new ground to redefine the future of hospitality.
Our comprehensive solutions, including mobile access, access management, electronic locks, and more, are designed to ensure unparalleled safety and security. Welcome to our new chapter.
Find your local Vingcard office, and get in touch with our local representative.
