In times of uncertainty in the banking world many of us are turning our thoughts to the security of our valued possessions. Now there is a range of safes that can be part of a stylish living environment without compromising on security, Dominik von Ribbentrop, CEO of Stockinger, tells Jim Banks.
If asked to describe a safe most of us would probably fall back on the traditional image of a heavy, grey metal box concealed from prying eyes in a basement or a bank. As the foundations of the banking industry waver more people are looking to keep their valuables closer to hand and many are finding that their preconceptions about safes are being challenged like never before.
Innovative design and high quality craftsmanship mean that safes no longer need to be hidden away, but can instead be an integral part of even the most luxurious living environment and still provide the high levels of security that guarantees peace of mind.
‘I can see a very demanding niche market among collectors and wealthy individuals. The luxury end of the market is growing. There is always a market for high quality products and services because people want the best. They will look all over the world to find antiques and valuables, so they want to make sure they are secure,’ says Dominik von Ribbentrop, CEO of Stockinger GmbH.
Stockinger manufactures bespoke safes that are as secure as a bank vault and as stylish as the latest sports car.
‘Safes used to be grey, ugly and hidden. People often put them in the cellar, but now more people want safes to be part of their living environment. They don’t want it to look like a piece of furniture, they want it to blend in, but they also want quick access to their valuables,’ says von Ribbentrop.
Customisation is the key
Each Stockinger safe can be designed to meet the unique needs of each customer, not only in terms of functionality, but also design.
 ‘Like Porsche we know that style and design are as important as having the best technology. You can have a safe in any standard Pantone colour, so you can choose any colour that a car could have, and our artists can imitate many patterns including natural wood. In our Stockinger for Bentley range we actually use the same wood as the interior of the cars. We go a long way to ensure that every one of our products looks just right,’ says von Ribbentrop.
The limited edition Stockinger for Bentley range exemplifies the importance of style in the company’s design approach. Created in line with the Bentley aesthetic the safes are sleek, beautiful and use state-of-the-art technology. The aim is to combine performance with looks, hence the leather linings, brushed aluminium interiors and the seven-layer lacquer finishes, which are accompanied by design elements typical of Bentley cars.
Continuing its association with iconic cars, Stockinger has also developed a Bugatti safe, inspired by the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 and incorporating design elements and colour combinations that echo the style of the car.
The real power of Stockinger’s offering, however, is that there are no constraints on the appearance its safes. Versatility is a key part of the company’s value proposition.
Around half Stockinger’s client base are collectors of vintage watches, so it is understandable that their specific needs have been catered for. The interior can include, for instance, watch winding systems to ensure the mechanisms of valuable watches are kept in prime condition. In fact, no matter what the safe will hold the approach to design is the same - a complete end-to-end service that runs from identifying the performance requirements and customisation right through to production, delivery and installation.
‘People often do not know much about safes, so they want to consult on the design, not just production and delivery,’ notes von Ribbentrop.
Every Stockinger safe is made-to-measure, so each is a unique creation by its 3D design specialists. They can include solid brass drawers, interiors of wood with leather or silk linings, and custom-made trays for watches, jewellery or any other valuable item. In short, prized possessions are stored in a manner that befits their value. Their value is preserved, yet they are readily at hand so can be easily enjoyed.
As well as the colours in the Pantone range, Stockinger’s highly specialised paint and finish experts can recreate many realistic natural surfaces, from wood grains to marble and natural stone. In the past they have also made with malachite and lapis lazuli finishes.
Many companies can build a safe, but the quality of the craftsmanship defines a safe from Stockinger. Yet despite the importance of appearance to the final product, every design begins with a focus on security.
Safe and sound
Stockinger safes have a unique construction using special barrier materials, double boltwork and the company’s patented Stocktronic keypad system. As a result, they are among the rare products that meet the extremely high VDS IV security rating, based on EN 1143/1. Furthermore, each safe is individually numbered and is one-of-a-kind.
 Most safes use concrete between steel plate, which is heavy and encourages rust. At Stockinger, the security features begin with the multiwall construction process that blends a specially designed mix of ultra-hard polymers to create a material that is up to six times stronger than standard plating. As well as making the safe more durable the use of this material also means Stockinger safes weighs up to one-third less than safes of conventional design while offering the same or a higher level of security.
‘It is lighter than other materials and no one can drill or burn through it,’ adds von Ribbentrop.
The bolt mechanism engages all four sides with large pin locks, adding another layer of security. All Stockinger safes have an emergency bolt mechanism, which engages permanently if there is an attempt to force it.
The patented Stocktronic locking system is highly secure, but allows quick and easy access to the owner. The system works independently of the building’s electricity supply and is programmed through a concealed keypad. Opening and closing are electronically controlled and the safe is connected to external safety systems, which include silent alarms. As a result, in threatening situation, the owner can send an emergency signal just by opening the safe in the normal way.
‘Only the safes in the world’s largest banks are more secure. Often that means that our safes help lower our customers’ insurance premia,’ says von Ribbentrop. A further security feature that it greatly appreciated by many customers is the fact that no other firms are involved in the design, manufacture or fitting of a Stockinger sage.
‘Many companies that install safes will use other firms to handle different components and processes leading up to installation. We offer security in our service as well as our products by handling the entire process ourselves. Our customers are wealthy individuals, so they do not want strangers in their houses,’ explains von Ribbentrop.
Stockinger has made a great effort to understand the needs of the luxury market and has combined style with substance in a striking and original way. Regardless of where you wish to store your valuables, the company can ensure your prized possessions can be enjoyed without fear for their safety.
Further information
Stockinger
www.stockinger.com
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