Martin Systems has established itself as the leader for innovation and reliability in life safety and security technology. Today marks the celebration of an incredible 50-year journey. Founded in 1974 as the Martin Hardware Security Division by David Martin, the company has evolved, adapted, and thrived over the decades, positioning themselves as an industry professional.

Founding Years

The roots of Martin Systems trace back 50 years when the Martin Hardware Security Division embarked on a mission to safeguard the interests and possessions for clients. The journey began with a unique challenge faced by then Charmin Tissue (Proctor and Gamble). In the dead of night, railway boxcars carrying valuable cargo, specifically toilet paper, were plagued by rampant theft. This posed a significant threat to Charmin Tissue’s bottom line.

Creative Solution

When this challenge was brought to David Martin, he took on the responsibility of safeguarding his client’s assets. Displaying some ingenuity, he conceived a simple, but effective security system. This system, comprised of light beams, strategically placed reflectors, and responsive bell alarms, proved to be wonderfully effective. The ingenious design not only stopped would-be thieves but also effectively alerted security personnel, resulting in no more late-night thefts.

This early success set the tone for Martin Systems’ commitment to innovation and problem-solving. This pioneering spirit laid the foundation for a company that would go on to redefine the standards of security, fire safety, and life protection over the next five decades.

Transition and Growth

In 1996, the reins of the company passed into the hands of David Martin’s son, Michael Martin. Under his leadership, the company experienced remarkable growth, amassing a customer base of well over 8000 customers. The year 2001 marked a significant transformation as the company changed its name to Martin Security Systems, Inc. reflecting its commitment to providing comprehensive security solutions.  The business was no longer under the umbrella of Martin Hardware, but now it was positioned to operate as a standalone enterprise. This trajectory continued with the relocation to a larger headquarters in 2012. Recently, the company announced plans for another move, doubling their facility size once more to accommodate ongoing growth.

Strategic Expansions

Martin Security Systems expanded its horizons making a strategic entry into the Milwaukee market by acquiring a Fire Safety business in 2016. The Madison market welcomed Martin Security Systems in 2019 with the acquisition of another Fire & Life Safety business. These expansions solidified Martins’ position as a key player in the industry.

Milestones and Recognition

Throughout its journey, Martin Systems achieved milestones that underscored its commitment to excellence. In 2015, the company proudly installed its 10,000th security camera. The recognition as the fastest-growing fire alarm contractor by Honeywell in 2019 further validated the company’s dedication to innovation and quality. Most recently they were recognized as Digital Monitoring Products (DMP) small market business of the year. Throughout the years the company has received multiple awards for growth and innovation.

A New Era

The year 2022 marked a pivotal moment in the company’s history as it underwent a rebranding, changing its name to Martin Systems. Cory Peters was also named President, ushering in a new era of leadership. The rebranding signifies Martin Systems’ continuous evolution to align with its expanded portfolio of services and its vision for the future.

Guided by Core Values

Martin Systems is unwavering in its commitment to being 100% customer focused. The company’s performance is driven by a dedication to providing solutions at the highest level. Martin’s team includes the smartest engineers in the industry. Employees truly live the safety and security lifestyle. They work hard and take pride in ensuring the protection of people, places, and valuable assets.

Innovation and Future Focus

Martin Systems remains dedicated to being at the forefront of technology. Consistently delivering cutting-edge solutions that not only mitigate risks but also solve complex problems for clients. Today’s systems embody the pinnacle of technological advancement, leveraging smart technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI). These state-of-the-art systems can preemptively notify security and life safety professionals even before potential issues arise. The incorporation of AI introduces a proactive dimension to client protection, allowing for swift and intelligent responses to emerging threats. We are also committed to staying ahead of constantly changing construction and building safety codes that will drive the fire and life safety industry’s future. Through a guided discovery processes, Martin Systems engineers, compliance-based products and services solve problems and enhance customer preparedness providing customers the peace of mind they deserve.

As we celebrate 50 years of excellence, Martin Systems continues to shape the future of life safety technology. The journey from its humble beginnings to a dynamic privately owned enterprise with over 8,000 customers and 100 plus employees across Wisconsin is a testament to its unwavering commitment to innovation, client protection, and the pursuit of a safer world. Here’s to 50 years of securing lives and creating a legacy of trust in the industry!