Security expert Abloy is celebrating 110 years since the Finnish invention that sparked a revolution in the lock industry – founder Emil Henriksson’s disc cylinder operated lock.
With its unrivalled levels of product development, for over a century, Abloy has been at the forefront of the ever-changing global security market. Offering highly advanced and unique solutions, the Abloy name has become synonymous with quality and innovation.
Innovative beginnings
This spirit of innovation began in Helsinki, in 1907 where precision mechanic Henrikkson recognised that the principle of the rotating detainer discs inside a cash register could be applied to locks. His initial idea for a secure and durable lock was patented in 1919, at which time, the now globally recognised Abloy trademark was also registered.
Thanks to its revolutionary disc design, the lock was virtually unpickable. This led to Abloy becoming the market leader in 1930’s Finland and gaining momentum on a global scale, becoming the locking choice for some of the world’s most important buildings.
Integration with technological advancement
The 1960’s and 1970’s saw the integration of electromechanical technology into Henrickkson’s revolutionary mechanical lock and Abloy maintained its position as market leader during the rapid technological advancement of the following decades.
In 1994, Abloy merged with ASSA to form the ASSA ABLOY group. In the last decade, Abloy has developed game-changing access control systems such as PROTEC2 CLIQ and CLIQ Connect, maximising security yet reducing the number of keys required.
Growing product range
Abloy’s range of products encompasses mechanical and electric locks, as well as access control systems for applications including utilities, telecoms and banking. Its innovative locking solutions can be found securing some of the world’s most iconic landmarks from museums and sporting venues to hospitals, airports and government buildings.
Abloy continues to invest heavily in research and development to ensure that its product range consistently meets the changing needs of consumers, striving to offer not only what customers need, but what they will need in the future. Abloy remains proud of its roots and history, with each product maintaining Henriksson’s Finnish values of reliability, resilience and durability.
