GE Infrastructure, Wilton, Conn., announced its acquisition of Edwards Systems Technology (EST), a fire detection systems business, pending regulatory approval. The $1.395 billion, all-cash transaction will give GE Infrastructure a significant presence in the fire detection and life safety segments of the security industry.

The Security Industry Association (SIA) appointed Justin Boswell, president of Stanley Security Solutions Inc., a division of The Stanley Works, New Britain, Conn., to the association’s 2005 board of directors. Boswell will play a role in guiding the overall direction of the association and developing policy and best practices.

Group 4 Technology, Torrance, Calif., a security company operating in more than 100 countries, appointed Kim Loy to vice president of marketing. Loy will oversee the company’s global marketing initiatives.

Access Technologies International (ATI) expanded its operations to a new warehouse facility in Milwaukee. It also has appointed Gail Freitag as customer care manager responsible for overseeing, training, vendor relations and customer service. Naida Arvelo has been named international sales executive in charge of Latin American sales. Greg Patyk will head the inside sales force as sales manager, focusing on the national and regional U.S. markets.

GE Infrastructure, Security, Austin, Texas, joined the Open Security Exchange (OSE) in a commitment to develop and promote standards-based solutions that facilitate the convergence of physical and logical security. The hopeful outcome will be effective security management with accurate detection of threats and attacks, consistent definition and enforcement of policies, and enhanced organizational collaboration.

Russound, Newmarket, N.H., has appointed Michael Stein as research director. The company manufactures multi-room, audio/ visual products for the residential systems market.

Indala Corp., San Jose, Calif., has promoted Simon Barnes to vice president of product management. He will create and implement product strategies to exceed customer demands and corporate objectives.

PSBTECH, Nutley, N.J., has promoted Bill Brenner to vice president on the company’s senior management team. Brenner will develop new client markets for the security systems company.

Andover Controls and TAC have combined to form Tour Andover Controls. The companies were merged by Schneider Electric, which purchased TAC in June 2003 and acquired Andover Controls in August 2004. Tour Andover Controls projected its revenue at nearly $700 million in 2004 and employs more than 2,700 people worldwide, with offices, partners and affiliates in 70 countries. Arne Frank has accepted the role of chief executive officer of the new company.

The Protection Bureau, Exton, Pa., promoted Wes Constabel to director of engineering. His responsibilities include new-product evaluation and review of incoming projects for product integration accuracy.

Panasonic Security Systems, Secaucus, N.J., has appointed Rusty Vernon senior sales representative for government sales. He will be located in Washington, D.C. His responsibilities include establishing and maintaining a direct channel of communication between the company and the Department of Defense and civilian agencies.

S2 Security Corp., Wellesley, Mass., has named Todd Smith as vice president of worldwide sales. Smith will be responsible for recruitment of North American and international systems integrators, dealers and OEMs to sell and support the company’s IP-based security management system.

The North American Security Symposium and Exposition (NASS EX), a symposium and exposition for managers, owners and central station operators in the security and alarm industry, will take place May 12-15 at Le Centre Sheraton hotel, Montreal. It is open to members and non-members. For more information, call (703)242-4670 ext. 17.

Inovonics Wireless Corp., Louisville, Colo., achieved National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA) CEU accreditation for the course, “Going the Distance with 900 MHz Wireless Technology.”