History and today

The unique ABLOY lock and key was invented in 1907 by Emil Henriksson, an office machinery mechanic in Helsinki, Finland. While repairing a cash register, he realised that the rotating cylindrical disks of the machine were eminently suitable for use as a lock mechanism. The first locks went on sale two years later and lock production at Ab Låsfabriken – Lukkotehdas Oy began in 1918. The name ABLOY is formed from the letters of this company’s name.

Company history

1907
Emil Henriksson invents the detainer disc cylinder.
1918
Ab Låsfabriken Lukkotehdas Oy (="Ab Lukko Oy") established. Industrial manufacture of ABLOY locks begins.
1920’s
ABLOY trademark registered around the world
1924
The first ABLOY importers agreement to Denmark
1928
Avainkeskus Oy, the first locksmiths shop to become ABLOY Authorized later on, was established in Helsinki
Late 1950’s
Creation of an ABLOY service network covering whole Finland started
1960
ABLOY locksmith schooling started
1968
Joensuu Factory established, production relocated from Helsinki to Joensuu
1977
Wärtsilä acquires Björkboda factory.
1982
Wärtsilä acquires Anchor Eskilstuna Ab in Sweden.
1988
Wärtsila acquires Primo Oy.
1990
Abloy Oy commences operation.
1994
Abloy Oy becomes part of the ASSA ABLOY Group.
1997
Abloy Oy builds a new door-closer factory.
2007
ABLOY turns 100 years!