Willo Products Taps New CEO, Blending Legacy with Future Growth

DECATUR, AL – January 08, 2026 – Willo Products Company LLC, a cornerstone of the detention security industry for over eight decades, has initiated a significant and carefully planned leadership transition. Effective January 1st, Russell Roberts has been promoted to Chief Executive Officer, taking the reins from Dave Wood, who has moved into the new role of Executive Chairman after more than 40 years with the company. The move signals a strategic shift designed to merge a rich legacy of industry expertise with a forward-looking vision for growth and innovation in the high-stakes world of correctional facility safety.

A Blueprint for Seamless Succession

In a move that underscores the company's commitment to long-term stability, the leadership change at Willo Products was announced as a planned succession. This approach is particularly crucial in a niche market like detention hardware, where deep institutional knowledge and trusted relationships are paramount. Roberts, who previously served as the company's President and Chief Operating Officer since 2023, will now oversee the entirety of Willo's strategic direction and daily operations.

The transition allows the company to retain the invaluable experience of Dave Wood while empowering a new leader to drive future strategy. In the official announcement, Wood expressed his full confidence in his successor. “Over the past few years in his role as Willo Products’ President and COO, Russell has consistently demonstrated the leadership, strategic vision, and operational acumen needed to guide and grow the company,” said Wood. “Russell understands our customers, people, and mission. I am confident that under his leadership, Willo Products will continue to innovate, expand its capabilities, and deliver meaningful solutions that create a safer and more secure Corrections environment for staff and residents alike.”

Roberts, in turn, acknowledged the deep foundation laid by his predecessor. “I am honored to step into the role of CEO and grateful for Dave’s trust and mentorship,” Roberts stated. “Dave’s more than 40 years of service to Willo Products and the Corrections industry have shaped this company in profound ways. He has been a consistent, respected presence in the industry, and his servant leadership has set the standard for integrity, innovation, and long-term partnership.” This mutual respect highlights a smooth handover designed to reassure customers and partners of uninterrupted service and a continued commitment to excellence.

The Legacy of an Industry Stalwart

Dave Wood's transition to Executive Chairman marks the end of an era, but his influence on Willo Products and the broader corrections industry remains indelible. His 40-year tenure saw the company evolve from a regional metal fabricator, founded in 1945, into a globally recognized leader in engineered security solutions. Under his guidance, Willo's locking devices and detention equipment have been installed in over 1,500 facilities across the United States and beyond.

A key hallmark of Wood's leadership was a relentless focus on customer-centric innovation. He was instrumental in the development of the Willo Wedge, the industry's only patented locking system, which was designed to solve persistent security vulnerabilities that correctional officials faced with traditional locks. This focus on solving real-world problems cemented the company's reputation for quality and reliability. As the company celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2025, Wood's leadership was credited with steering it through decades of change, culminating in a period of significant growth driven by the success of its flagship products.

A New Vision for Correctional Safety

With a background steeped in growth strategy and technology, Russell Roberts is poised to build upon this strong foundation. Before joining Willo Products in 2023, Roberts spent 14 years at Aventiv Technologies, a major player in corrections technology, where he served as Chief Growth Officer and Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. His experience in driving growth and leading diverse business units within a technology-focused environment provides a clear indication of the direction he may steer the company.

His leadership comes at a pivotal time for the correctional facility market, which is increasingly turning to technology to enhance security, improve operational efficiency, and ensure staff safety. The global correctional system market, valued at over $216 million in 2024, is projected to grow as facilities invest in advanced solutions. Roberts' expertise in sales, marketing, and strategic growth aligns perfectly with the industry's trajectory, suggesting a future for Willo Products that may involve deeper technological integration and an expanded portfolio of smart security solutions.

Innovation in a High-Stakes Market

Willo Products has already laid significant groundwork for this next phase of innovation. The company has recently enjoyed remarkable success with its expanded Willo Wedge product family, reporting an astonishing 400% year-over-year growth in sales of the system as of late 2025. This success is fueled by a continuous cycle of research and development.

In August 2024, the company launched the "Next Generation Willo Wedge," featuring a patent-pending interlocking cover and a floating lock cylinder plate designed to thwart tampering and prevent contraband concealment. This new version also reduces installation time by over 30 minutes per lock, a critical efficiency gain for large-scale facility retrofits. Following this, in July 2025, Willo introduced the "Wedge Slim," engineered specifically for new jail and prison construction projects. It integrates a maximum-security lock and a door-position switch directly into a unit designed for standard hollow-metal frames, streamlining new builds. These product launches, along with other innovations like the LatchGuard™, demonstrate a proactive approach to addressing the evolving security challenges faced by modern correctional facilities.

Navigating a Competitive Landscape

As CEO, Roberts will navigate a competitive but opportunity-rich landscape. Willo Products competes with established industry giants like Southern Folger Detention Equipment Company, which has a history dating back to 1897, and RR Brink, a leading provider of prison locks and door controls. The market also includes newer, specialized players like Willoughby Locking Systems, which has quickly made a name for itself with certified hardware since its founding in 2023.

The competitive dynamic is characterized by a push-and-pull between traditional, robust mechanical security and the integration of sophisticated electronic systems. Willo's strategy of innovating on its core mechanical strengths while incorporating features that support modern electronic control systems places it in a strong position. Roberts' challenge will be to leverage the company's trusted brand and proven product line to capture further market share while continuing to innovate at a pace that keeps Willo ahead of both established rivals and emerging threats in facility security. His leadership will be critical in ensuring that Willo Products not only maintains its legacy but also defines the future of safety and security in the corrections environment.