Kryptonite

In the early 1970s, Michael Zane was a full-bearded free spirit with an old VW bus and a big idea for a unique lock. He drove thousands of miles across the country, presenting his innovative u-lock to bicycle dealers, spreading his passion for bicycle security and forging lifelong relationships. Through innovative product design, clever marketing, good customer service and simple security fanaticism, Kryptonite soon enjoyed a large fan base. This began to grow even stronger after the legendary reports of Kryptonite's adventures in New York City became public. Even days later, bicycles secured with Kryptonite locks were still safe and sound despite numerous theft attempts.

In 2001, the company, which was founded in a VW bus, was acquired by industrial giant Ingersoll Rand (NYSE: IR) and became one of its top brands in the corporate security technology sector. The company proved to thieves and competitors alike that it was more focused and competitive than ever. In the fall of 2004, it became apparent that the industry-typical round lock cylinder, which had been used by most brands until then, could be opened with a household item under certain circumstances.

Kryptonite reacted quickly, launched a product replacement campaign as a precautionary measure and replaced 400,000 locks in 21 countries free of charge. To accomplish this, the company replaced the equivalent of nine years' worth of locks in just ten months. Kryptonite is the only company in the world to have carried out such a comprehensive replacement campaign, taking its already "legendary customer service" to a new level. The people at Kryptonite are passionate about providing high security. It is their innovative product developments, intimate knowledge of markets and trends and unconditional customer focus that will continue to make competitors aspire to Kryptonite's high standards and give customers the freedom to park wherever they want.