Tri Star Group

What Tri Star Group does

Tri Star Group is a privately held Chinese-headquartered industrial manufacturer specializing in high-security physical and digital security hardware, self-service terminals, and specialized components. Founded around 2001 and headquartered in Shanghai with a primary manufacturing base in Nantong, the company operates approximately 3,000 employees across more than 3,000,000 square feet of facilities in China, Germany, the United States, the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, Ireland and the United Kingdom, through wholly-owned subsidiaries including Deutsche Mechatronics GmbH, Format GmbH, Format USA, Matrix Technologies, Matrix Mechatronix, TSI Smart Products and METRIC Group.

The company's product portfolio spans three divisions. The Security division — its core franchise — manufactures gun safes, ATM safes, high-security safes, biometric safes (with facial and fingerprint recognition supporting up to 200 fingerprints), and intelligent cash handling systems for banks, petrol stations, hotels and hospitals. The Self-Service / Time division supplies self-checkout kiosks (deployed with ITL or GLORY cash recycling modules), self-ordering kiosks for quick-service restaurants, ID border control systems with Common Criteria certification, ANPR parking systems, parking meters, gaming and lottery terminals, ATM machines, and access control systems. The Innovation division produces auto parts including the Enviolo CVP continuously variable planetary transmission, for which Tri Star is the world's sole manufacturer serving eBike, bike and cargo-bike markets.

Tri Star generates revenue primarily through B2B hardware sales to enterprise and government customers across banking, retail, food service, government/border control, hospitality, healthcare, gaming and automotive aftermarket verticals. Pricing is not publicly disclosed and is quote-based. The company's competitive position rests on regulatory certifications (UL, CEN up to CEN6, VdS, ECB.S, Common Criteria), an IP base of 100+ patents, vertically integrated manufacturing capacity (300,000 safes and 12,000 gaming machines annually), and recognized key-account relationships with Diebold Nixdorf (Supplier of the Year) and Glory (Best Supplier). Forbes and Entrepreneur Magazine have listed the company among the '200 Best Companies under US$1 Billion' and '50 Best Creative Companies,' respectively.

Name

Tri Star Group

Legal name

TRI STAR GROUP

Website

https://tristarinc.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Tri Star Group is a privately held Chinese-headquartered manufacturer of high-security safes, self-service kiosks, ID border control systems, gaming terminals and Enviolo CVP transmissions, serving banks, retailers, governments and OEMs across Asia, Europe and North America via global subsidiaries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Physical Security Hardware and Self-Service Terminals

NAICS

Computer Terminal and Other Computer Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing (334118), Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing (33411)

SIC

Electronic Components, Nec (3679), Games, Toys & Children's Vehicles (No Dolls & Bicycles) (3944), Motorcycles, Bicycles & Parts (3751), Services-Detective, Guard & Armored Car Services (7381)

akta.pro primary industry

Firearm Storage & Safety Retail (Safes, Cases, Locks) (CRAMAKAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Kiosks & Self-Service Terminals (TITO, Loyalty, Cashless, Sportsbook Kiosks) (MPAEANAG), Gaming Chips, Plaques & Currency Handling (Chips, RFID, Drop Boxes, Cash Carts) (MPAEANAB)

Keywords

• High security safes
• ATM safe manufacturing
• Self checkout kiosks
• Biometric security products
• UL CEN certified safes

Headquarters

HQ city

Nantong

HQ country

China

HQ region

Asia

Offices14 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Security Products: Design and manufacture of physical security products including ATM safes, gun safes, high-security safes, biometric safes, and cash handling systems for banking and corporate clients. Revenue from one-time hardware sales with potential for after-market services.
2. Self-Service Systems: Self-service terminals including self-checkout kiosks, self-ordering kiosks, and ID border control systems. Revenue from equipment sales and customization for retail, hospitality, and government sectors.
3. Gaming and Lottery Machines: Mechanical terminal products and integrated gaming and lottery machines. Revenue from manufacturing and supplying gaming terminals to operators globally.
4. Auto Parts Manufacturing: High-quality auto parts manufacturing for export, recognized as one of China's leading auto parts exporters. One-stop service with customization and tailored-made products.
5. Innovation Products - Enviolo CVP: World's only manufacturer of the revolutionary Enviolo CVP for eBikes, Bikes and Cargo-Bikes.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Tri Star Group designs and manufactures physical security hardware (UL- and CEN-certified gun safes, ATM safes, biometric safes, high-security safes, cash handling systems) and self-service terminal hardware (self-checkout kiosks, self-ordering kiosks, ID border control systems, gaming and lottery machines, ANPR parking systems, parking meters), as well as auto parts including the Enviolo CVP transmission for eBikes. Products are sold B2B to banks, retailers, restaurants, governments, gaming operators, and auto parts buyers across Europe, North America, and Asia.

Product overview

Tri Star Group is a comprehensive physical and data security solutions provider offering a diverse portfolio of hardware products. The company operates three main product divisions: Security (Gun Safes, ATM Safes, High Security Safes, Biometric Safes, Cash Handling Systems), Time/Self-Service (Self-Checkout Terminals, Self-Ordering Kiosks, ID Border Control Systems, Gaming & Lottery Machines, ANPR Parking Systems, Parking Meters, ATM Machines), and Innovation/Auto Parts (Auto Parts including the Enviolo CVP for eBikes). The Security division represents the company's core business with over 20 years of expertise as the largest UL/CEN safe manufacturer globally, while the Self-Service division provides retail and hospitality automation solutions. The company also offers specialized systems including Data Storage Systems, Ticket/Voucher Settlement Systems, Access Control Systems, and Special Medium Protection Systems for industrial applications.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• ATM Safes High-security UL- and CEN-certified safes for ATMs and the banking industry, including UL 24 Hours Level 1, UL Business Hour, EN CENL, EN CEN I, EN CEN III, EN CEN IV, and Gas/TNT Explosion-Proof variants. Designed for banks and financial institutions.
• Gun Safes High-security gun safes with multiple lock versions, patented Interior Escape Latch, UL-listed Kaba/S&G locks, fire rating, water resistance, LED interior lighting, removable door panel organizer, and separate "Safe in a Safe" locking compartment for ammunition. For firearms owners and security-conscious consumers.
• High Security Safes UL-certified fireproof and burglary-resistant safes with TL-15 protection, 60-minute fire resistance at 1700F, 5-inch thick doors, and patented re-lock system combined with Pausol heat-activated door seal technology. For banks, enterprises, and high-net-worth consumers.
• Biometric Safes Safes with facial and fingerprint biometric recognition supporting up to 200 stored fingerprints, with UPS integration for power outages and customizable shapes and sizes. For consumers and small businesses needing biometric access control.
• Cash Handling System Intelligent deposit safe for cash management with touch screen, integrated printer, and software management systems. Designed for petrol stations, banks, hotels, and hospitals needing secure cash intake and tracking.
• Self-Checkout Terminal Compact self-service checkout terminal with modular payment systems, ITL/GLORY cash recycling modules for coin/note recycling, filing cabinet storage, automatic age-verification camera, and customizable payment terminals (magnetic cards, NFC, signature pads). For supermarkets, food/drug/grocery stores, and retail stores.
• Self-Ordering Kiosk Self-service ordering kiosk solution with touch screen, printer, and barcode scanner, designed to maximize order quantities (on average 15-30% uplift), enhance order accuracy, and improve customer experience. For quick-service stores, fast-casual restaurant chains, retail stores, and grocery stores.
• ID Border Control System Automated border control and security kiosk with Desktop ID/Passport Reader, privacy-film integrated control panel, supporting stand-alone operation or integration into existing security systems. Common Criteria certified by Germany Federal Office for Information Security and TÜV Germany. For immigration agencies, border control, banking, and hospitality.
• Gaming & Lottery Machines Mechanical terminal products and integrated gaming and lottery machines for gaming operators, lottery providers, and entertainment venues. Production capacity of approximately 12,000 units per year.
• Auto Parts (including Enviolo CVP) High-quality auto parts manufacturing with one-stop customization service, including the Enviolo CVP, the world's only manufacturer of this continuously variable planetary transmission for eBikes, Bikes and Cargo-Bikes. Manufactured under ISO9001, QS9000, TS16949 quality standards.
• ANPR Parking Systems Automatic Number Plate Recognition parking systems for automated vehicle identification and parking management. For parking operators and municipalities.
• Parking Meters Smart parking meter solutions for urban parking management.
• ATM Machines Automated Teller Machines for banking institutions.
• Data Storage Systems Advanced products for protecting chip, data servers, and solid-state storage, designed for super-large data center heat dissipation and storage equipment.
• Ticket/Voucher Settlement Systems Self-service ticket purchase and settlement equipment for entertainment consumption venues.
• Access Control Systems High-efficiency, secure, and intelligent pedestrian passage access control equipment designed for highway service areas.
• Special Medium Protection System Highly airtight sealed box system filled with industrial gases such as sulfur hexafluoride for electrical control applications, protecting transformers for over 20 years without gas leakage.

Quantifiable outcome

• Self-ordering kiosks increase order quantities by 15-30% on average
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core, key account and strategic.

• ITL (Integrated Technology Design Limited)coreTechnology or IntegrationITL supplies cash recycling modules for Tri Star's self-checkout terminals, enabling coin and note recycling functionality in retail environments
• GLORYcoreTechnology or IntegrationGLORY supplies cash handling modules for self-checkout terminals, providing coin and note recycling capabilities. Tri Star was recognized as Best Supplier by Glory
• Kaba (Kaba Holding AG)coreTechnology or IntegrationKaba supplies UL listed electronic locks for Tri Star gun safes, providing high security locking mechanism solutions
• S&G (Sargent & Greenleaf)coreTechnology or IntegrationS&G supplies mechanical locks for gun safes, complementing electronic locks for high security protection
• Diebold Nixdorfkey accountOthersMajor customer and technology partner in security and retail technology. Awarded Tri Star as 'Supplier of the Year'
• European Certification Board of Security Fire & Life Safety (ECB.S)strategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerTri Star is a member of ECB.S and ESSA Executive Committee member. First Asian company with CEN certification through this partnership
• ESSA (European Security Products Association)strategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerESSA Executive Committee member - first Asian company and only to hold this position. Participates in European security product certification standard revisions

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Triton Systems: US ATM and self-service hardware manufacturer serving retail and banking customers. Comparable to Tri Star's ATM machines, cash handling systems, and self-service kiosk business in the financial and retail channels.
• NCR Corporation: Major supplier of ATMs, self-checkout kiosks, and retail technology. Overlaps with Tri Star's self-checkout, ATM safe, and cash-handling product lines serving banks and retailers worldwide.
• Fujitsu Frontech: Asia-based manufacturer of self-checkout, POS, currency handling, and biometric identification hardware. Comparable to Tri Star's self-service and ID border control product lines serving retail and government.
• Diebold Nixdorf: Global leader in ATMs, self-checkout, and banking hardware/software. Directly comparable to Tri Star's ATM safes, self-checkout terminals, and cash-handling systems serving the same bank and retail enterprise customers.
• Enviolo: Dutch inventor of the continuously variable planetary (CVP) transmission for bicycles and eBikes. Tri Star is Enviolo's sole manufacturer; the two companies are tightly coupled in the eBike drivetrain category.
• Glory Ltd: Japanese manufacturer of cash handling, recycling, and self-service equipment. Directly comparable to Tri Star's cash handling systems, and also supplies cash modules integrated into Tri Star's self-checkout kiosks.
• American Security Products (AMSEC): US manufacturer of UL-listed gun safes, high-security safes, and burglary-resistant safes. Directly comparable to Tri Star's high-security safe portfolio serving residential and commercial customers.
• Liberty Safe: One of the largest US gun safe manufacturers. Directly comparable to Tri Star's gun safe business in product category, distribution channel (specialty retail), and end customer (gun owners and dealers).
• Sargent and Greenleaf (S&G): US manufacturer of high-security mechanical and electronic locks for safes, vaults, and government/security applications. Comparable to Tri Star's high-security safe business and supplies Tri Star gun safe lock modules.

Broad incumbents

• dormakaba (Kaba): Swiss-listed global leader in secure access and lock solutions, and Tri Star's supplier of UL-listed electronic locks for gun safes. Comparable as a broader secure-access hardware incumbent spanning safes, locks, and entrance systems.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance22 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments1 record

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Tri Star Group