ABUS is founded
In 1924, August Bremicker and some of his sons ventured into self-employment in Volmarstein, a village in North Rhine-Westphalia: They began producing padlocks in their cellar forge. They called the first product "Iron Rock".
First bike lock
The first ABUS bike lock was launched in 1931 with the name "No. 1000". For many citizens at the time, the bicycle was an important means of transport. ABUS developed a hand-made chain lock to secure the two-wheelers.
Birth of the Diskus® lock
The first Diskus lock was launched to coincide with the 25th anniversary of ABUS. Thanks to it ring shape, and use of stainless steel, the iconic design is still “Made in Germany” and continues to offer reliable protection.
First advert
The publication of the first advert for ABUS padlocks. The advert was not aimed directly at end customers, but was addressed to sellers of hardware. In the shops, the brand was primarily represented by product stands.
Founding of ABUS Rehe
Under the management of Willi Bremicker, ABUS opened a new production facility in the Westerwald region of Rhineland-Palatinate. To this day, high-quality ABUS products are manufactured and tested there to the highest quality standards.
Introduction of door security range
With the introduction of door locks, door cylinders and strike plates, ABUS Added home security products to its range. This was the start of decades of co-operation with the police in the area of burglary protection.
Founding of ABUS Hong Kong Ltd.
In the first decade of the company's existence, ABUS already recognised the importance of international markets for sustainable growth. Contacts were made and partnerships formed. A success story began in Hong Kong in the 1970s.
The start of the test laboratories at ABUS Rehe
In order to fulfil the requirements of international testing institutes, ABUS opened a test laboratory at the Rehe site in the 1980s. From then on, all products were tested to international standards using reproducible methods.
Introduction of the first bike helmet
Helmets were added to the bike range. The Ultra-Safe, Fun and Mega-Power models were the forerunners of the helmets produced today. During this time, the foundation was laid for long and successful co-operations and sponsorships.
ABUS Security Center
At the start of the new millennium, SCA Security-Center from Affing, Bavaria, became a wholly-owned subsidiary of ABUS KG and was renamed ABUS Security Center. With this purchase ABUS expanded its range to include electronic security solutions.
Key systems from Pfaffenhain
In 2003, Schließanlagen GmbH Pfaffenhain was integrated into the ABUS group of companies. At this time, the workforce already comprised 89 employees. From 2008, the production site ran under the new name "ABUS Pfaffenhain GmbH".
Made in Italy
In 2016, ABUS developed a new range of road bike helmets. To bring this project to life, ABUS looked to Italy, which many consider the birthplace of cycling. Sophisticated engineering and the highest safety standards meet the “dolce vita” and a true passion for cycling.
Challenges of our time
Increasing digitalisation, scarcer resources and shorter product life cycles: ABUS is facing up to the challenges of our time. In response, the Group has developed a three-part sustainability concept and smart security solutions.
1924
THE FOUNDING YEAR 1924
At the age of 63, August Bremicker and some of his sons set up their own business: ABUS was founded in 1924 – back then under the name August Bremicker und Söhne. Here you can see one of the first catalogue versions from 1924 with the first product, "The Iron Rock", on the cover.
To the next milestone
1931
FREEDOM WELL-SECURED
During the Great Depression in the 1930s, the bicycle experienced a revival: only a privileged few could afford the previously popular cars. This made bicycles all the more important. ABUS recognised the growing importance of the two-wheeler market early on and began manufacturing bike locks.
To the next milestone
1949
THE FIRST OF MANY
The circular shape made the Diskus lock stand out from the crowd. However, this design was no coincidence, but a well thought-out piece of engineering.
To the next milestone
1954
AN ABUS TRADE FAIR BOOTH IN THE 1950S
Another way to reach salespeople effectively was and remains trade fair booths. Interested parties can immerse themselves in the product range, find out about new products and get advice from experts.
To the next milestone
1957
THE FIRST PRODUCTION HALL
In just a few years, a modern production site grew up in the middle of the rural Westerwald. Many of the new employees came from the neighbouring villages and towns to work at ABUS.
To the next milestone
1966
CHAIN OR BOLT?
A selection of old ABUS additional door locks. Some products rely on an adjustable chain that allows the door to be opened a crack, others on a solid steel shackle or a combination of both.
To the next milestone
1979
INTERNATIONAL MINDSET
ABUS focused on international contacts early on and has always cultivated long-term partnerships, thus laying the foundation for the global orientation of the company group.
To the next milestone
1981
INTRODUCTION OF THE GRANIT™ SERIES
For the introduction of the famous GRANIT series, it was necessary to carry out standardised tests at the production site. This was the only way to ensure that the GRANIT fulfils the high requirements of the insurance companies.
To the next milestone
1994
AN EYE-CATCHER
"Young, dynamic, sporty" – at least in the 90s. This was the slogan of the first Mega-Power youth helmet, which combined colourful styling with the usual ABUS quality and safety.
To the next milestone
2001
FROM VIDEO SURVEILLANCE RECORDERS TO WIRELESS ALARM SYSTEMS
ABUS Security Center in Affing, Bavaria, has focused on the security needs of small and medium-sized companies and private users since 1999. The fusion of mechanical and electronic systems with alarm, video and access control technology takes centre stage here.
To the next milestone
2003
THE ORIGINS
Tools and small machines were manufactured in the former stocking factory in the Ore Mountains beginning in 1946. Then known as "Hans Wetzel KG", it was already producing its first furniture and door cylinders at the beginning of the 1950s. The first profile cylinders, padlocks and key systems were soon added.
To the next milestone
2016
NEXT LEVEL - ABUS HELMET PRODUCTION SITE NEAR VENICE
ABUS has been successfully selling bike helmets for amateur athletes and everyday use since 1994. An important milestone around 20 years later was the company's entry into the world of premium bike helmets: from then on, ABUS co-operated with the Italian helmet manufacturer Maxi Studio S.R.L.
To the next milestone
2024
EVERY STEP COUNTS
What do sustainability and future-proof business mean for ABUS? We will take you step by step on our journey into the future: from the construction of a water cistern, shown here, to a three-part sustainability concept and smart security solutions.
