The MACO Group is acquiring a majority stake in ekey biometric systems GmbH. Through this investment, MACO is combining its long-standing expertise in window, door and sliding hardware solutions, as well as building automation, with ekey’s more than 20 years of know-how in the field of biometric and digital access solutions.
The aim of the partnership is to combine the technological strengths of both companies, further develop solutions for smart building access and tap into new international growth opportunities.
As part of the investment, Manuel Biechl, Chief Sales Officer of the MACO Group, and Michael Gallner-Holzmann, representing ekey’s owner family, will take over the management of ekey biometric systems GmbH.
Intelligently combining mechanics, electronics and biometrics
Biometric and digital access solutions are gaining in importance in both private residential construction and the commercial property sector. With its investment in ekey, MACO is expanding its technological portfolio to include solutions for digital and biometric building access and is further advancing the integration of mechanical building fittings with electronic components and building automation to create intelligent system solutions.
“The future of building access is digital, connected and convenient. With ekey, we are gaining a strong technology partner that ideally complements our expertise in intelligent building access. The combination of mechanical hardware technology, electronics, automation and biometrics opens up new possibilities for taking a holistic approach to building access and developing innovative solutions for our customers,” says Manuel Biechl, CSO of the MACO Group.
Over 20 years’ experience in biometric building access
ekey was founded in 2002 and has developed into an internationally established specialist in biometric and digital access solutions. Around 80 employees work at the headquarters in Linz, where production, research and development are also based. The products are exported to more than 70 countries.
Brand and established partnerships remain in place
With this investment, ekey becomes part of the MACO Group, which manufactures its building hardware and system solutions at six European sites and exports them to over 90 markets worldwide. The ekey brand and the existing product portfolio will be retained, as will the long-standing, proven business relationships with door, lock and hardware manufacturers, as well as companies specialising in electrical, building and smart home technology. At the same time, the partnership opens up new opportunities to further develop technologies and products and to create additional value for customers and partners.
“MACO and ekey have been working together successfully for many years. With this investment, we are taking this partnership to the next level and pooling our expertise even more closely. This will result in comprehensive system solutions for smart, connected building access,” says Mario Neuwirth, CEO of the MACO Group.
“Over more than 20 years, ekey has developed from a family-run business in Upper Austria into an internationally established specialist in biometric access solutions. With MACO’s involvement, we have found a strong partner to help us realise our future growth strategy. It is particularly important to us to preserve our technological expertise, innovative strength and long-standing relationships with customers and partners, whilst at the same time capitalising on the new opportunities for collaboration with MACO,” says Michael Gallner-Holzmann.
Shaping the next generation of building access together
For MACO, this investment represents a further step in the company’s long-term development. With its research and innovation centre in Salzburg and the integration of the German company HAUTAU GmbH, the family-owned business has systematically expanded its expertise in automation, digitalisation and smart building solutions. ekey complements these areas of expertise, particularly in the fields of biometrics, access management and smart homes.
For ekey, becoming part of the internationally active MACO Group also creates a stable foundation for further development and supports the company’s growth strategy.
