For four decades, CDVI has been designing and manufacturing advanced access control and locking solutions across Europe. From humble beginnings to becoming a global company, the Group has stayed true to its core values: innovation, quality, and a strong commitment to people and the environment. As CDVI celebrates its 40th anniversary, it’s time to look back at a bold entrepreneurial journey and a vision that continues to shape the future of access control technology.
A Family-Owned Entrepreneurial Story
It all started in 1985, in a small workshop on the outskirts of Paris. David Benhammou, a 21-year-old electrical engineer, designed an access control system with a keypad to improve security in residential buildings. This invention, later known as Digicode®, quickly became a standard across France. The word has since entered everyday language, and in 2025, La Poste—the French postal service—honoured it with a national stamp celebrating great French inventions, alongside cinema and the calculator. A symbol of how deeply this innovation is embedded in public life.
Innovation That Serves the Customer
From voice recognition to biometric access, CDVI has always been at the forefront of innovation. In the 1990s, the Group partnered with the Pasteur Institute to develop the world’s first voice recognition system. Since then, innovation has been integrated into every level of the company—from fingerprint biometric readers developed with UK-based IEVO, to secure RF technologies, wireless automation, and cloud-based access management platforms.
Today, CDVI invests nearly 20% of its annual revenue in Research & Development. With four design offices and five manufacturing sites across Europe, the Group rapidly responds to market shifts and technological advancements. All products are designed with installers in mind: reliable, durable, and easy to install, with warranties of up to 10 years. CDVI also actively participates in industry think tanks focused on smart buildings and home automation, collaborating with major European players.
Sustainability with Impact: #CDVIgoesgreen
Long before sustainability became a trend, CDVI made it a strategic priority. Through the #CDVIgoesgreen initiative, the Group has redefined its approach to product development, packaging, logistics, and manufacturing:
- Low-carbon aluminium, produced entirely with renewable energy, reduces 450 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually
- Eco-designed packaging, eliminating 5,000 m² of cardboard and plastic foam each year
- Digital documentation accessed via QR codes, reducing paper waste
- LED lighting, recycling systems, and short supply chains implemented across all production sites
But CDVI’s impact goes beyond environmental responsibility. The Group supports the charity Rêves d’Enfants, which offers discovery flights to children who are ill or disadvantaged. Thanks to CDVI’s support, more than 5,000 children have experienced the joy of flying. The company is also committed to technical education, partnering with schools to help train the next generation of installers and industry professionals.
A European Company with Global Reach
Though its roots are French, CDVI is proudly European. The Group operates 11 subsidiaries across Europe and North America, including Belgium, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Italy, the UK, Poland, Switzerland, Morocco, and Canada.
The flagship manufacturing site, located in northern France, spans 3.5 hectares and brings together electronics, plastics, metalworking, assembly, and logistics. CDVI products are distributed in over 100 countries, with local teams ensuring fast, efficient service and technical support.
Today, CDVI generates an annual turnover of €70 million, employs over 300 people, and continues to grow through strategic acquisitions and partnerships. Independence, agility, and a commitment to excellence make CDVI a unique player in the global security ecosystem.
Looking Ahead
CDVI celebrates 40 years with the same passion that started it all: a desire to simplify and secure everyday access through intelligent, sustainable technologies. With strong European roots, a visionary roadmap, and a people-centric approach, the Group continues to shape the future of access control.
The journey goes on—and the best is yet to come.