Keeping safe under lock and key

By Anna Lockhart.  

Central States provides peace of mind for their self-storage customers with their latest latch product launch. 

In a recent episode of the MetalCast™ podcast, host Karen Edwards sat down with Andrew Wilson, chief engineering and innovation officer for Central States Manufacturing, to discuss the brand’s latest self-storage launch. Introducing the Sentry self-storage latch and combo latch – a thoughtfully designed solution providing durability, security and long-term flexibility for users. Andrew highlighted how this new hardware can revolutionize how owners view locking options and provide peace of mind.  

The Sentry latch comes on the heels of the brand’s success with their Sentry doors, as customers were eager for a solution to pair with the product. Andrew shared, “Last year we launched the Sentry roll-up door, which was received with positive feedback. Now, that continues with the latches, as customers were looking for high-quality, high-performing latches that would have good corrosion performance, strength and durability.” 

In comparison to other latch offerings on the market, Sentry latches are offered in stainless steel options, which is valuable in terms of corrosion resistance and longevity. With real world needs across the self-storage market, having reliable, long-lasting materials owners can rely on matters most. With these latches, Central States aims to meet those needs, and more.  

Andrew shared, “Our latches provide flexibility. For example, you can choose from the beginning to use a cylinder punch lock, or you can add them later on if needed. You can have a padlock and the ability to overlock, which might be important in cases where a tenant doesn’t pay, allowing the owner to prevent access until payments are made.” 

Ensuring products are created with every possible need in mind was key to the design process. “We’ve designed our whole product line considering the very foundation of the building to the door itself. We want to provide a high-quality product that, once installed, isn’t going to require lots of maintenance. And that ethos has carried through the whole process and over to the creation of the latch.” 

Listen to the conversation or Watch the video to learn more about Central States and the Sentry product line.