ABUS is celebrating 100 years as a family-run business, with its beginnings dating back to 1924 when August Bremicker and his sons established a padlock production business in the small German village of Volmarstein, never imagining that their company and brand would one day resonate globally.
“For a century now, ABUS has stood as a family-owned brand, embodying value-oriented and forward-thinking entrepreneurship,” says ABUS Managing Partner Ernst-August Bremicker. “From humble beginnings in 1924 in the small village of Volmarstein an der Ruhr, August Bremicker and his sons forged the first padlocks in the cellar of his house with a mission to protect people's lives and property. ABUS was founded 100 years ago and is now in its fourth and fifth generation.”
Originally named "August Bremicker und Söhne," August Bremicker's sons took on pivotal roles in the company's establishment, notably Werner, who became ABUS's first full-time employee. His sons Gustav, August Junior and Siegfried initially contributed to the company after regular work hours. Emma, August Bremicker's second wife, actively supported her husband and sons during the company's founding, playing a crucial role in the successful development of the business.
August Bremicker and his sons made a revolutionary breakthrough by launching their pioneering padlock, the "Iron Rock." The family commenced padlock development and production in their basement alongside numerous other locksmiths in the Volmarstein locality. However, August Bremicker and his sons' success was unprecedented, and the company rapidly expanded to hire 300 employees by the 1930s. In 1929, the production facility on Hegestraße in Volmarstein was acquired, which continues to operate to this day.
Over almost a century, the business has flourished into a worldwide corporate group. ABUS has earned global recognition for its high-quality products, as it has set a benchmark over the course of its history. Whether you need a padlock to safeguard your garden shed or require a locking system for a high-profile location like the Ritz-Carlton in Berlin or the diamond tower in Dubai, ABUS has innovative security solutions. ABUS caters to a broad product range, offering suitable bike helmets for a family outing or sponsoring international cycling teams like Movistar.
“Today, we are developing security solutions for businesses, homes, and people on the go,” notes Christian Bremicker, Managing Partner, ABUS. “As a German family-owned and operated international company, we are committed to making the world safer. Our company's pillars are products for home security, commercial security, and mobile security. We work closely with law enforcement, insurance companies, and international testing institutes to constantly improve our product line.”
In celebrating 100 years, ABUS points out that its products embody the spirit of innovation, which is reflected in their multifaceted approach towards networking, convenience, intelligence, and security, noting, “By prioritizing these key components, ABUS products have set new standards in functionality and reliability, inspiring a sense of confidence and trust among discerning customers.”
In the present day, ABUS positions itself as a forward-thinking and high-performance company, catering to the needs of its global clientele through an extensive and innovative product range. Remaining a family business for generations, ABUS is characterized by a people-centric, approachable, and local ethos.
“ABUS is synonymous with safety, dependability, and durability,” says Bremicker. “ABUS primarily focuses on delivering security and safety solutions that guarantee peace of mind for your residence, business, or leisure activities. The story of ABUS proves that with hard work, determination, and a commitment to values, anyone can build something remarkable that genuinely makes a difference.”
He continues, “All of our actions are based on the Christian-oriented company slogan of the founding family: ‘God's blessing gained, all is obtained.’ We aim to give people a good feeling of security with this attitude yesterday, today, and in the future. Our commitment is to ensure your safety and security.”
ABUS 100-Year Timeline
1920s
Company is established in 1924. Originally named "August Bremicker und Söhne," August Bremicker's sons took on pivotal roles in the company's establishment. The startup's initial capital was sourced from selling a piece of land, yielding approximately 15,000 marks. This amount proved sufficient to construct a modest building spanning 50 to 60 square meters, acquire a few machines, and procure the necessary materials.
In 1926, only four employees were earning their livelihood at ABUS, but by 1928, the workforce had expanded to approximately 30 individuals. The company consistently developed and introduced new padlock models, with the inaugural proprietary lock being the "Iron Rock."
Emma Bremicker played a pivotal role in the company's ascent, managing all commercial aspects and even personally handling the sample case, traveling to the Ruhr region to secure customer orders.
1930s
The company had now organized its operations into distinct departments based on the designated rooms: press room, toolmaking shop, barreling shop, grinding shop, paint shop, shackle annealing shop, locksmith's shop, packing room, shipping store, and office. By 1932, owing to consistent production growth, ABUS required an extension building. Subsequent expansions occurred in 1935, 1937, and 1938. Within 14 years of its 1924 founding on a 50 to 60-square-meter space, the company boasted a working area exceeding 6,000 square meters and employed approximately 300 individuals.
The establishment of the first agencies in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Holland, Belgium, Spain, and Italy further amplified foreign activities. Overseas market management fell under the purview of export manager Heinz Schmidt, who played a pivotal role in the company's early international successes. In the late 1930s, ABUS participated in its inaugural trade fair, held in Leipzig. The founder of the company, August Bremicker Senior, passed away in 1938.
1940s
The onset of the Second World War in 1939 halted the company's rapid growth, leading to the gradual collapse of many export markets. ABUS persevered in padlock manufacturing until the middle of 1944. In 1947, the company embarked on a new beginning with just a few employees. By 1949, ABUS marked its 25th anniversary, albeit on a modest scale.
The currency reform in 1948 sparked a notable upturn for ABUS. In the same year, the company showcased its products at the industrial trade fair in Hanover.
1950s
During the 1950s, ABUS witnessed the development of new foreign markets and the systematic rebuilding of the German market. This decade marked crucial steps in shaping the company's future, involving exploring additional product areas, establishing new production sites, and potential collaborations. While ABUS had primarily focused on iron padlocks and bike locks, the product range expanded to include hasps and brass padlocks. In 1957, a branch plant was established in Rehe, Westerwald. ABUS also intensified initial contacts for long-term production cooperation in Italy and Hong Kong.
1960s
In the 1960s, ABUS began producing door cylinders in collaboration with the Italian company CISA. The C83 door cylinder, first introduced in 1961, has since become a timeless classic. The mid-1960s saw an expansion in the production of security systems for households, including introducing the SR95 locking bolt, security door chains, additional door locks, and security hasps.
This era was also marked by strategic and logistical decisions. The collaboration with Hong Kong was initiated in 1969, leading to manufacturing brass padlocks and bike locks at multiple locations. Simultaneously, in the same year, ABUS relocated its administration and logistics departments to a new building at its current leading site in the Am Nielande industrial estate.
1970s
In 1971, ABUS introduced the first high shackle lock, or U lock. Initially designed for mopeds, it later gained worldwide recognition. Celebrating its anniversary in 1974, ABUS unveiled "electronic" products for the first time at the prestigious Cologne Hardware Fair. Among them was the AS30 additional door lock with an alarm, and shortly afterward, other products featuring electronic alarm functions were introduced. The product range also expanded to include various mechanical security solutions for homes and apartments, such as security door bars, window security locks (e.g., No. 3010), door viewers, door fittings and escutcheon plates, external window blind and cellar grate locks, door security locks with alarm function, lockable window handles, four-bolt locks, cylinder box locks, and boat locks.
ABUS's entry into the IMT joint venture to produce door cylinders and padlocks marked a significant step forward. In 1979, Friedrich-Wilhelm Bremicker assumed management of the company, succeeding his father, Werner Bremicker.
1980s
The 1980s proved to be a pivotal period for the company's development and expansion. However, the decade began with the challenging loss of Werner Bremicker, the second-generation managing director, in 1981. During this time, ABUS introduced the Security Guide, offering essential security tips in a concise format to help individuals safeguard themselves and their property.
In 1982, a global success story commenced for ABUS that continues to this day. The GRANIT – “Made in Germany” padlock series was launched, gaining widespread acclaim worldwide due to its groundbreaking standards in security and quality. Another milestone for ABUS occurred in 1984 with the introduction of the first security door. This innovative door brought security technology to life and found installations in security shops and police advice centers across Germany.
1990s
A new era unfolded, influenced also by the reunification of Germany. The introduction of the Mobile Security division marked a strategic reorientation, expanding the product range to include bike bags and helmets. Innovations in home security were also evident, with the replacement of the trusted security door by the security house in 1994. This move allowed ABUS to provide retailers and authorities with a practical tool to elucidate security vulnerabilities. In 1997, collaboration with the police deepened with the offering of training courses for criminal investigation authorities in Rehe.
In 1996, the German institution VdS, in collaboration with the police and ABUS, established a test standard for mechanical security products. This new quality seal set a standardized foundation for consultations. Management of the company transitioned to Christian Bremicker and Ernst August Bremicker in 1997, succeeding Friedrich-Wilhelm Bremicker. ABUS launched its inaugural website a year later, and the company celebrated its 75th anniversary in 1999.
2000s
During the 2000s, ABUS experienced significant expansion. Fire protection products, including smoke alarms, were introduced into the product range for the first time. The integration of two companies, Security Center Augsburg (2001) and Schließanlagen GmbH Pfaffenhain (2003), played a pivotal role in expanding the product offerings. This expansion included the incorporation of alarm systems, video surveillance systems, and complex key systems into the extensive portfolio. Moreover, additional branches were established worldwide over the next decade.
In 2005, ABUS set a new standard in two-wheeler protection with the production of the first Bordo folding lock. The introduction of the first shop-in-shop system in 2006 allowed for a globally standardized brand presence that continues to this day. The Leisure and Creative Center was inaugurated in 2008. In 2009, Friedrich-Wilhelm Bremicker, Managing Director of the third generation, passed away.
2010s
The 2010s were characterized by continuous innovation in product solutions. ABUS launched the TITALIUM padlock series, which was 30 percent lighter than traditional brass locks. The introduction of occupational safety products – lock-out/tag-out products for maintenance safety and identification – occurred shortly after.
In 2017, ABUS successfully entered the cycling arena with the GameChanger racing bike helmet, which quickly lived up to its name. The development of SmartX Bluetooth technology, initially enabling the unlocking of bike locks via smartphone, set new standards. The product range was further expanded with the integration of SECCOR high-security GmbH into the ABUS Group, introducing the access control product category. ABUS has also received the "Brand of the Century" award on several occasions.
Additionally, ABUS Security World opened at the headquarters in 2015, featuring a bistro, showroom, and in-house museum, and has since become a focal point for numerous events.
2020s
ABUS has aimed to integrate new technologies into its proven products throughout the 2020s. The company introduced its own digital security platform, ABUS cMap, featuring the smart lock. Notable additions include the high-end Bravus MX Magnet locking system and the ABUS Touch, a classic padlock with a fingerprint function. ABUS has also directed attention to advancements in helmet production, incorporating the Italian bike helmet manufacturer Maxi Studio into the ABUS Group in 2021. The marketing of high-quality riding helmets commenced in 2022.
In response to the growing number of employees, ABUS inaugurated the ABUS Office World in 2022—a spacious office building featuring a large exhibition area for Mobile Security and an in-house archive providing an overview of the company's past 100 years.
