HEXACOFFRE, a reference in the installation of safes in the French market, has visited our installations in Arrasate-Mondragon.
Nicolas Risterucci is the founder of HEXACOFFRE , a French company, specialists in the installation, maintenance and repair of safes, based in Marsella, and with whom AGA has had since 2022 a collaboration agreement.
Taking advantage of a visit from Nicolas to AGA’s installations we wanted to get to know in depth this company which is at the forefront, not only in its country, but also in all of francophone influence.
What would you say is your main strength, the characteristic which best defines your business model?
HEXACOFFRE is a company,which was created in 2008 and which has gone through many stages. Our objective at present is to give value to our projects and identify our clients’ needs and adapt our offer to fulfil these needs.
You have recently created a new division called HEXAPOL designed to supply diverse material to police forces, armed forces etc.
Until now the French police worked with the safety solutions for bank or retail, but had no option of products catering for their specific needs, adapted for real police safety requirements. With the help of AGA and another supplier, we have adapted our production to create specific products aimed at this market, with high standard locks and better resistance to store firearms with greater security.
Partnership AGA-Hexacoffre
In 2022 an alliance between AGA and HEXACOFFRE was signed for the supply of high security locks. How is the deal, one year on ? How do you evaluate the situation from HEXACOFFRE’s point of view ?
The valoration is very positive; I’m very happy to work with AGA as both companies fully coincide in our work philosophy. We work with quality,time,patience and effort, and the relationship couldn’t be better. We have a long standing relationship with the French representative for AGA Gabriel Uria, and for me personal attention is fundamental; I can’t work people I don’t get on with. We work with the best installers and metal producers in France and alwayswork to the highest standards. The objective is not to do lots of business, but in the business we undertake we prioritise the satisfaction and the fact that we can create value for all the parties involved; that way we can promote employment and retain the talent. It’s the direction, the work approach that we have chosen.
What does it mean for Hexacoffre that AGA is a manufacturer?
It means having a partner which provides peace of mind, it is very satisfying to work with AGA. We are continuously evolving and improving and the relationship is not solely based on economics benefits, nor is there competition to see which one is stronger. I’m of Corsican decent on my father’s side and you are Basque and we have the same values:respect,family,dignity. The same is true about our relationship with the police through HEXAPOL, it’s people with values who work to protect others . I appreciate above all, working with people who share the same values.
Three divisions
How do you consider from HEXACOFFRE the evolution of the sector in times of uncertainty and where digitalisation and technology are becoming more and more important ?
These are complicated times because you can’t let your guard down. I’m the fourth generation working in security,because my mother’s grandfather, who was Catalan, came from France in 1927 and started this business. Because of that I never forget the path trodden. If you look back from the present perspective, it looks as if business was easier back then, now you have to work hard to move forward and constantly be vigilant and look for new projects, but not only for success and power.Over the last few years we have changed a lot, now we are a group with three divisions: HEXACOFFRE is the landmark company. At present we are creating a prototype for a company for security and cash transport and we are going to use AGA’s locks. Recently we created HEXAPOL, aimed at the police and the third division, the smallest, with an artisan edge, is HEXAKIT. Before coming to the Basque Country, we were in the French Pyrenees fitting out a French electrical company with an electronic solution from this division which incorporates web and tracking. Clients now, are not satisfied with mechanical solutions, they also want electronics and traceability. These projects have great potential as we are the only French company able to offer a global solution of this nature, aside from large companies such as Assa Abloy. We have software to track remotely the traceability of the keys.
We know you collaborate on a project to support Ukraine. We’d like to know more about it
Of course, it’s called Gilet Ukraine and its slogan is “ Recycle the war in peace”. It began when it came to our attention that the French police discarded their bulletproof vests after five years of use and we thought they could be reused by the civilian population in Ukraine. We have already collected 3,000 bulletproof vests for the population of Ukraine,which is equivalent to 2 million euros and 2 tonnes of kevlar. In order to do this we have been to numerous town halls in France to gain support and so they can donate their vests to us. It’s humanitarian work and , at the same time, we earn respect. The President of the French Republic Emanuel Macron, has even recognised the initiative and was also invited to a Congress in support of Ukraine by Zelenski’s wife, Olena Zelenska and the president of the European Union Ursula Von der Leyen. It’s unknown territory for me, but I’m delighted with what we have achieved.
Watch the video (spanish): Nicolas Risterucci, Hexacoffre.
