INTERVIEW MECHANICAL LINE SOLUTIONS

Mechanical Line Solutions (MLS) has been working in the security and anti-theft industry for over 30 years. The company boasts a range of devices, which when fitted to any vehicle can mechanically prevent theft track and immobilise vehicles from the online platform. The original and true “anti-theft” device is the MLS W020, this system is fitted to the hydraulic loop of any vehicle. When the irreproducible key is removed by the operator, the hydraulic circuit is isolated and thus the vehicle cannot be moved.

MLS also supplies satellite systems and various tracking products that can be easily concealed within the vehicle. In the event of equipment theft, these can be used to track the location of the vehicle in real time and immobilise the engine if required.

Easy Engineerig: What are the main areas of activity of the company?

MLS: MLS works mainly with the construction and farming industries protecting vehicles ranging from 360 excavators and front loading shovels to tractors and various other farming equipment. Due to the high value of these vehicles and often unsecure sites and surroundings in which they operate, equipment owners prefer to protect their vehicles with the robust and time tested MLS anti-theft devices.

E.E: What’s the news for 2021 about new products?

MLS: This year, MLS is bringing two new products to the market, the first is a pioneering device called ‘Gyrotractor’ which works in partnership with original satellite systems. This device detects when the cab of a machine tilts to an angle past a set point, signalling that the machine has overturned and the operator may be injured. An alarm is immediately sent to pre-set phone numbers in order to alert others to the situation and call for help. This system was designed particularly for farm machinery where operators often work alone and in the dark.

The second product MLS is bringing to the market this year is called the iCallCarStop. This system is aimed at combatting the use of mobile phones by operators while driving. The system requires the user to manually connect their phone otherwise there will be a persistent beep. The vehicle ignition can also be linked to the iCallCarStop in order to immobilise the vehicle when the operator removes their phone from the connection to use it.

E.E: What are the ranges of products?

MLS: The ranges are:

  • MLS W020 – Mechanical Anti-theft Device;
  • SatPlus – Wired Satellite Tracking and Immobilisation System;
  • TrackMe – Battery Operated GPS Tracking Device;
  • iTrackMe – Credit Card Sized, Battery Operated GSM Tracking Device;
  • Gyrotractor – Machine Overturn Warning System;
  • iCallCarStop – Mobile Phone/Distraction Prevention System.

E.E: At what stage is the market where you are currently active?

MLS: The Construction and Farming anti-theft markets are in the ‘Growth Stage’. Both construction and farming are key economic drivers and so heavy equipment is continually required. Where there is new and high value equipment, there is also theft. MLS is well-placed to provide time-tested and well-proven solutions to combat even the most experienced thief.

E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?

MLS: Currently, the Italian government has released a tax break on the purchase of new vehicles fitted with a certified tracking system. This is both to encourage investment in new equipment and combat the problem of equipment theft. As a result of this, the demand for MLS certified anti-theft systems are currently very high and show no signs of plateauing.

E.E: What are the most innovative products marketed?

MLS: The most innovative product marketed by MLS is the iCallCarStop. This device is a patented, first of its kind system designed to combat the problematic, distracting and dangerous use of mobile phones when driving and operating equipment.

E.E: What estimations do you have for 2021?

MLS: MLS expects 2021 to build upon the hyper-growth in 2020 of the demand for certified anti-theft systems. The company looks forward to continuing to build upon the success of previous years by marketing two new innovative systems designed particularly for the needs of machine operators and owners.