The ASSA ABLOY boat was there displayed to the public for the first time on the Thames under Tower Bridge. The construction of the boat is unique and based on several innovative technical solutions that produce both a lighter build and less resistance in the water.

 

ASSA ABLOY is taking part in the race to support the company's integration programme to create a common identity for its 100 different subsidiary companies worldwide.

 

-Our participation in the Volvo Ocean Race gives us an excellent tool in spreading our visions and messages, both externally and internally. The participation also creates a sense of togetherness within the organisation. We are working towards a common goal in both the race and in achieving results for the company," says Anna Bernsten, Vice President Corporate Communications at ASSA ABLOY.

 

Around one hundred of ASSA ABLOY's key people took part in the ceremony, including the boat's crew, its skipper Roy Heiner and the constructor, the British yachtsman and boat builder, Jason Carrington.

 

Elisabeth Rehn (born 1935) was assistant secretary-general of the UN until 1999 and was in that capacity responsible for the UN operations in Bosnia. She was earlier Member of the European Parliament (1995-1996) for Svenska Folkpartiet, presidential candidate in Finland 1994 and 2000 as well as Minister of Defence 1990-1994. She is currently UNIFEM Independent Expert within the peacekeeping operations.

 

The ASSA ABLOY Group is the world's leading manufacturer and supplier of locks and associated products,

dedicated to satisfying end-user needs for security, safety and convenience. Current sales for the Group are in excess of SEK 20 billion (approximately USD 2 billion) and the number of employees is more than 20,000. ASSA ABLOY will participate in the Volvo Ocean Race to support the integration process of 100 companies world wide and to develop the ASSA ABLOY corporate identity.

For additional information, please visit: www.assaabloy.com and www.assaabloyracingteam.com

 

About Volvo Ocean Race

Volvo Ocean Race, formerly the Whitbread Round the World Race, is world's toughest and longest sailing race. Over nine months, the competitors cross four oceans and pass five continents. This sailing race round the world has been run seven times before, every four years since 1973. The start is in Southampton, England on September 23rd 2001. There are nine legs, a total of 32 250 nautical miles, with the finish line in Kiel, Germany, in June 2002. For additional information, please visit: www.volvooceanrace.org

 

Pictures

Pictures are available from photographer Thierry Martinez, telephone: +33 60 70 93 892 or

on the team website www.assaabloyracingteam.com in Press Room - Pictures

 

For further information, please contact

Anna Bernsten, Vice President Corporate Communications ASSA ABLOY, telephone: +46 70 559 85 41