Southern Folger Detention Equipment Company

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HISTORY

Southern Folger Detention Equipment Company is synonymous with excellence and quality in product design, materials, and craftsmanship, as well as facility construction, service, repair, and retrofit. Forged on the foundation of the two-pioneer preeminent detention equipment manufacturers, Southern Steel founded in 1897, and Folger Adam established in 1905, Southern Folger equipment and workmanship can be found in thousands of facilities around the world.

Our equipment is specified by design professionals that demand only the best products and solutions for the unique correctional environment.

Southern Steel was founded in 1897 with a consistent philosophy of uncompromising quality and outstanding service.  With new innovations in product design and application, Southern Steel has patented technology that is used in justice facilities all over the world.  From remarkable beginnings as a metal fabricator and sliding door manufacturer over 100 years ago, Southern Steel products have a reputation and experience level "Forged in Steel."

The concept of quality has always been a central theme for Folger Adam products since William J. Adam founded Adam Steel and Wire Works in Joliet, Illinois.  Folger Adam entered the business in 1905, and established a company focusing on the production of high-security equipment.  Today, Folger Adam products have the technology to secure any size facility.   Architects and professional hardware consultants internationally specify Folger Adam locks, hardware and sliding door locking devices for detention applications.
 
Our Company - Southern Folger is committed to set the standard for quality solutions through the products and services we provide to the security industry. 
 
Our Philosophy – To be a diversified, global market leader while conducting business with integrity.
 
Our People – At Southern Folger, our people are the backbone of the company.  We are committed to continuous improvement, safety, and development of our employees.  

Brands that Offer Corrections Equipment
	Southern Steel product line offers a full suite of detention grade electromechanical locks, mechanical locks, sliding devices, pneumatic locking systems and detention accessories.
	Folger Adam product line offers a full suite of detention grade electromechanical locks, mechanical locks, sliding devices, pneumatic locking systems and detention accessories.
	Southern Folger brand offers high demand drop-in replacement retro locks as replacement of obsolete locks.
	The OBSERO® brand of Smart Locking products that combines the reliability of our existing products with the utilization of high-end technology to deliver the industry’s first Smart Detention Locking products.
	Southcross Custom Fabrication utilizes the extensive capabilities, technical staff, and equipment in place at the current 100,000 square foot facility. Southcross Custom Fabrication can fabricate or machine various parts and materials including mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.  We can fabricate parts based on your drawings or our engineering department can work with you to design a part that meets your requirements.

Core Capabilities for Our Security Products

Today, the name Southern Folger Detention Equipment Company stands for products that meet the needs of the demanding detention industry, while remaining consistent with our historic commitment to quality.
 
Estimating Services – Southern Folger’s staff of qualified estimators have specialized experience in the detention industry, which allows for development of accurate and detailed estimates specific to each project. Estimators typically work with Architects, Security Consultants, Owners, and other trades to ensure estimating accuracy.

Detention Engineering – Southern Folger maintains a full staff of experienced, well- trained Mechanical, Manufacturing, Electrical and Control Systems Engineers with a focus on providing well-designed products and systems. AutoCAD® Mechanical, specifically designed for manufacturing applications and SolidWorks®, a 3D mechanical software, are used for product design and development. The Engineering group is also incorporating Building Information Modeling or BIM, to create and manage design projects faster, more economically, and with less environmental impact. The Engineering team provides custom design solutions and production drawings for detention locks and locking devices.
 
Research and Development - The Research and Development team is tasked with continuous product and process improvement, new product development and product testing to industry standards, such as ASTM and UL.
 
Manufacturing – Southern Folger’s 120,000 sq. ft. manufacturing and warehousing areas are currently Lean Manufacturing practices with BSC (Balanced Score Card) measurements to improve product delivery lead times. Fabrication areas utilize state-of-the-art equipment, including two Bystronics lasers and computerized CNC Vertical Machining and Turning Centers.

Key areas include:

• Jail Shop – Fabrication, welding, painting, machining, and assembly operations for sliding door devices, safes, and component parts for detention locks.

• Lock Shop – Assembly, inspection and packaging of all locks and door position switches

• Warehouse/Shipping

Training

Interested in learning more about Folger Adam or Southern Steel detention equipment? We offer specialized, in-depth, training classes at our facility in San Antonio, Texas. These classes cover the full range of electronic controls and high security detention locks, hardware, sliding door locking devices.  Classes feature hands-on training, troubleshooting and maintenance tips from experienced instructors.
 
The complete 4-day course is developed for detention facility staff and maintenance personnel, as well as architects and engineers.  Detailed product manuals for locks, hardware, locking systems and security electronics basics are provided to the students, with full access to seasoned professional trainers. The classes are product specific, since each product line, Folger Adam, and Southern Steel, have their own unique characteristics. For a class schedule, pricing, and registration form, find a complete information packet on our website, or click here.
 
 

Security Equipment Design Build Services

Including Southern Folger Detention Equipment Company on the design team combines the strength of a single source for design, and manufacturing expertise of the highly specialized detention equipment package. This is critical to providing the ideal combination of quality products and experienced workmanship to provide a secure, safe environment for the correctional staff and inmates. 
 
Product Selection – Being part of the design team from the ground floor provides an opportunity to select the best detention product mix for each application within the facility.  Security level, usage, inmate movement, keying requirements – all these factors affect the product mix.  The right product for the right application will ensure long life and customer satisfaction.
 
Value Engineering – We know the intricacies of correctional facility needs and will use the design-build approach to provide “value engineering” items to reduce construction costs, long-term operating, and system maintenance costs.
 
Experienced Personnel – with over 200 employees, we provide experience in:
 
Design – Southern Folger’s cross-functional design staff have expertise in the highly specialized requirements of the detention industry, which allows development of an accurate and detailed design, customized to the specific project needs.
 
Engineering – The engineering staff focuses on providing well-designed detention systems that are easily installed and maintained to save the owner time and money.  Continuous product development and testing to stringent standards, such as ASTM F33, ensure equipment proven to provide decades of service.
 
Lean Manufacturing – By introducing Lean Manufacturing into our Jail and Lock Shops, we provide greater flexibility in production scheduling. As projects move from design to construction, the production flow will be adaptable to schedule requirements. Southern Folger has “developed a strong culture of continuous improvement. We want to expand our improvement efforts beyond lean manufacturing to include energy conservation and pollution prevention.”    In 2009, we were the first manufacturer to complete the Lean, Clean and Energy Program, facilitated by TMAC (the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center) and sponsored by local electric utility CPS Energy.