Posted 21st August 2024

MLA London Meeting 2024 Recap

As proud affiliates of the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA), we always look forward to their monthly meetings. These gatherings are more than just presentations—they’re a chance to connect with locksmiths, share ideas, and show off what we’ve been working on. This month, it was our turn to take the spotlight, and we had a lot of exciting updates to share.

The last time we attended an MLA meeting was back in August 2023, so this return was something we’d been looking forward to. The big highlight this time around was Ellie, our fully loaded van that we’ve been itching to show off. It was the first time many of the members had seen Ellie in action, and she quickly became the star of the evening. People were really excited about the setup, and it was great to see so much interest in what we’ve packed into that van.

During the evening, we introduced our new product guides, designed to be compact enough to fit in a glovebox. We know how important it is for locksmiths to have quick and easy access to information, especially when they’re out on the job, so we made sure these guides are both practical and packed with all the product codes and variants for Ultion’s full range.

We also talked about the improvements we’ve made to the Ultion 2* handle backplate. Now, it can be fitted without needing to change the cylinder size, which has made things a lot easier for locksmiths when it comes to stocking and using this product. It’s always nice to hear when a tweak like this is appreciated.

Another exciting moment was when we introduced our new 1* Plus cylinder, which we launched at the MLA Expo last October. To make the evening even better, we ran a special deal on this cylinder just for the attendees. And then, we had some fun with the TS008 Letter Guard, putting it to the test right there on the door in Ellie.

We also took the time to discuss the new TS007 standards and shared how we’ve managed to overcome the challenges they present. We showed off the new Ultion Alps samples, and it was clear that our commitment to patent-protected products and innovative features really resonated with the crowd.

But it wasn’t all business. We offered a “Beer on Brisant” deal where members could grab a drink on us. A lot of people who were driving decided to donate their beer money to the MLA’s chosen charity instead, which ended up raising £65.00. It was a nice way to add a bit of goodwill to the evening.

These MLA meetings are such a valuable opportunity for us. They allow us to engage directly with skilled locksmiths, get their feedback, and make sure our products are meeting the real needs out in the field. Plus, they’re always a lot of fun. We get to learn from each other, share a few laughs, and build on the strong sense of community that makes these gatherings so special.

We’re already looking forward to the London region’s Christmas party. It’s going to be a great chance to reconnect and celebrate the season with everyone. Until then, we’re just really proud to be part of such a supportive and dynamic group.