Supplies Security Products to Nonprofit Organization That Builds Homes for Wounded Veterans               

LAKE FOREST, CA (January 15, 2014) – Kwikset, the leader in residential security, announces a new relationship with Building Homes for Heroes®, a nonprofit organization that builds homes from the ground up or modifies existing homes to meet the needs of veterans returning from war with severe wounds and disabilities.            

              Kwikset’s 2nd Generation SmartCode deadbolt lock features a new design with best-in-class residential lock aesthetics.  This design offers a new exterior style and class-leading reduced interior size for enhanced aesthetics inside and outside the home.  With a completely redesigned quiet-drive locking system, the Kwikset 2nd Generation SmartCode deadbolt blends technology and performance in a smartly designed package that complements the aesthetics of any home.             

             Through this new association, Kwikset has committed to supplying a full complement of locks and door hardware to outfit the mortgage-free homes that the organization produces.

             Kwikset kicked off its participation by supplying SmartCode™ Deadbolt and Lever locks, as well as assorted door hardware, to a home in St. Petersburg, FL, for Army Sergeant. Charles Claybaker of the 75th Ranger Regiment. Sergeant Claybaker was severely wounded in Afghanistan.

            Following the success of this project, Kwikset is outfitting a home in Naples, FL for Army Sergeant Brent Hernandez, who was also injured in an aircraft crash in Afghanistan.             

            Building Homes for Heroes gifted 17 mortgage-free homes to veterans and their families throughout the country in 2013. With support from an ever-growing number of individuals and corporations, the organization intends to carry out the construction of 25-30 homes in 2014 and each year thereafter for veterans who were wounded while serving in the armed forces during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Kwikset expects to be involved in all of these homes.

            While contributing to the spirit of our communities and country, these mortgage-free homes help to remove the family's financial burden, help to restore the individual's freedom, and enable the veteran to lead a more independent and productive civilian life.

            Keith Brandon, director of residential access solutions for Kwikset, says that the decision to become involved in this venture was an easy one.

            "These brave men and women fight every day for our freedom in difficult circumstances," he explained. "In the process, they make significant personal and physical sacrifices. These homes go a long way towards helping them put their lives back together. Contributing our products to make this happen is the least we can do to support that effort.

            "Ultimately, this is another example of how Kwikset is proud to contribute to the quality of life in the communities in which we live and work."

            Chad Gottlieb, Director of Construction Development for Building Homes for Heroes, said, "Our organization counts on growing support from contractors, corporations, volunteers, and supporters to achieve our goals. Having a market-leading company like Kwikset join our mission not only helps ensure that we get quality security products for the homes, it also sends a terrific message to other companies who are thinking of getting involved."

About Kwikset          

             Kwikset (www.kwikset.com), the leader in residential security, manufactures and markets a complete line of door locks and door hardware, including door knobs, door levers, deadbolts, handlesets, pocket door hardware and electronic keyless entry locks for residential and light commercial applications. Kwikset’s SmartCode™ locks with Home Connect™ technology are the industry’s leading wireless, access control lock solution for the digital home.  

About HHI             

              Kwikset is part of Hardware and Home Improvement (HHI), a major manufacturer and supplier of residential locksets, residential builders’ hardware and faucets with a portfolio of renowned brands, including Kwikset®, Weiser®, Baldwin®, National Hardware®, Stanley®, FANAL®, Pfister™ and EZSET®.  HHI is a leader in its key markets with #1 positions in U.S. residential locksets (Kwikset), Canada residential locksets (Weiser), U.S. luxury locksets (Baldwin), and U.S. builders’ hardware (Stanley-National Hardware), #2 in Mexico residential hardware (Fanal), and #3 in U.S. retail plumbing (Pfister).  Headquartered in Orange County, California, HHI has a global sales force and operates manufacturing and distribution facilities in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Asia.  HHI is a division of Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SPB).    

About Spectrum Brands             

             Spectrum Brands is a global, diversified consumer products company and a leading supplier of consumer batteries, residential locksets, residential builders’ hardware and faucets, shaving and grooming products, personal care products, small household appliances, specialty pet supplies, lawn and garden and home pest control products, and personal insect repellents.  Spectrum Brands employs over 12,500 employees worldwide and sells to the top 25 global retailers with products in more than one million stores.