Medeco

Overview

Medeco produces high-security mechanical and electronic locks and key systems designed to resist unauthorized entry and key duplication. It serves wholesale and retail security providers, OEMs, and institutional, commercial, industrial, and residential users. The brand operates from facilities in Roanoke County, Virginia, as part of ASSA ABLOY.

History

Medeco originated from the Mechanical Development Company, a tool and die shop founded in the mid-1950s by Paul A. Powell, Roy C. Spain, and Roy N. Oliver in Roanoke County, Virginia. The company was formally established in 1968 based on patented high-security lock designs resistant to common attacks at the time. ASSA ABLOY Group acquired Medeco in 1998. In 2007, researchers demonstrated a bump pick vulnerability, prompting Medeco to update its products and adjust security claims.

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Medeco products are manufactured in the USA at facilities in Roanoke County, Virginia. The company operates over 130,000 square feet of office and production space. Production is in-house under ASSA ABLOY.

Notable Products

• Medeco Biaxial - Cylinder design using rotating and lifting pins for pick and bump resistance.
• Medeco3 - High-security key system with angled key cuts to prevent impressioning.
• Maxum Deadbolt - ANSI Grade 1 deadbolt for residential and light commercial use.
• Clutch Lockout Padlock - Padlock that releases under force to prevent lockout injuries.
• M3 - Advanced mechanical lock with multiple sidebar elevations.

Reputation

Medeco is regarded by locksmiths and security professionals as a pioneer in high-security mechanical locks due to its patented designs from the 1960s. Vulnerabilities exposed in 2007, such as bump key attacks, led to criticisms and product updates, reducing some prior claims of immunity. It maintains a strong position in the industry for reliable, USA-made security solutions within the ASSA ABLOY portfolio.