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This has been the company’s legacy for 90 years, and in celebrating its anniversary, Securitas is looking back on the stories and milestones that have shaped its journey to becoming an industry leader. In doing so, three pillars emerge: strong values, innovative technology, and always putting people first.
Established in Helsingborg, Sweden, in 1934 by Erik Philip-Sörensen, Securitas has evolved from a traditional night guard operation into a global leader in security solutions.
Already in the mid-1940s, Securitas began integrating technology in solutions for clients, growing rapidly after WWII. Securitas pioneered automatic access control and made history by launching the world's first online connected ATM in 1968. By elevating human presence and experience with technology, Securitas has helped clients to focus on their core business – a continuous development that laid the foundation for what today is Securitas Technology.
Dating back to 1958, founder Erik Philip-Sörensen had the foresight to establish Securitas’ values of integrity, helpfulness, and vigilance, documenting them in the book Code of Conduct for Officers to protect the profession and ensure its integrity. He emphasized the ongoing importance of developing standards, recognizing it as a work that is never finished.
In the 1980s, former CEO Melker Schörling's leadership emphasized simplification, client focus, and international expansion, driving Securitas' growth across Europe, the U.S., and beyond through strategic acquisitions. The divestment of non-core businesses allowed Securitas to refocus on specialized security services, maintaining its commitment to operational excellence and core values throughout its global expansion journey.
“Living our purpose, to help make the world a safer place, has a profoundly positive impact not only on our clients but also on the world at large,” says Securitas President and CEO Magnus Ahlqvist. “Leaders who embody our timeless values have shaped our culture and maintained a commitment to excellence. With our focus on continuous improvement and innovation, we are in a better place than ever to address the evolving needs of our clients and the broader security landscape.”
Even as early as the 1930s, Philip-Sörensen recognized that well-trained people with a clear professional compass could positively influence an entire industry. By daring to expand, understanding clients, and maintaining a curiosity about what lay ahead, he laid the foundation of what has become a world-leading security company.
Learn more about Securitas’ remarkable history by visiting www.securitas.com/journey
Available documents
PR_Securitas 90_ENG (56 kb)
