NAAMM Launches Detention Equipment Manufacturers Association

Kirk Cote raises the hollow metal bar

Published in Correctional News

1 July 2008


Kiawah Island, S.C. - The National Association of Architectural Metal Manufacturers launched its new Detention Equipment Manufacturers Association division at the Illinois-based national trade association's spring conference. As NAAMM's newest operating division DEMA will represent manufacturers of detention products, equipment, systems and components from security electronics and hardware to facility and detention components. "We look forward to assissting the detention market with new ideas and progressive solutions," says DEMA Chairperson Kirk Cote, of Sierra Detention Systems.

The new association will focus on educating owners, architects and building professionals about evolving technical standards, specifications and testing in the field of detention equipment products."DEMA's main focus is the development of standards, specifications and educational programs, which will assist design professionals and contractors in acquiring and using reliable detention products and services for correctional facilities," Cote says. DEMA will also recommend detention equipment contractors to ensure correct and timely product installation. 

The association will provide a forum for the exchange of management and technical information among its members, who will work together to promote quality detention products and services, and collaborate to provide comprehensive support and information to detention design professionals, contractors and owners. As an association of manufacturers, DEMA will develop, maintain, publish and distribute technical information on products for facility construction, including specifications, guides and manuals for design professionals. DEMA will promote technical resources, its member firms and their products and services. "We are developing criteria for all DEMA product classifications - including detention hollow metal doors and frames, windows, metal walls and cells, woven wire barriers, ceilings, hardware and devices, glass and security electronics - to confirm that these products can handle the physical abuse that occurs in a detention environment," Cote says.

Membership in DEMA is open to detention equipment contractors and suppliers of ancillary services and upstream products associated with detention equipment products. DEMA will be among the exhibitors at the American Correctional Association's 2008 138th Congress of Corrections in New Orleans. "We are ready to promote recognition of DEMA within the correctional and architectural communities and to generate additional membership,"" Cote says. NAAMM announced DEMA's formation at the ACA's 2008 winter conference in Grapevine, Texas, as reported in the January/February issue of Correctional News.

Established in 1938, NAAMM provides architects, contractors and design professionals with access to industry standards, specification manuals and customized products for a variety of construction applications.