1924

The first ABUS padlock, the Iron Rock © ABUS

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".

An old production hall from the outside © ABUS

1931

An old lock chain with a key lying in its centre © ABUS

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.

A man sitting and working at a machine © ABUS

1949

Birth of the Diskus® lock

The first Diskus lock was launched to coincide with the 25th anniversary of ABUS. Thanks to its ring-shaped design and stainless steel, the iconic design has offered reliable protection ‘’Made in Germany‘’ ever since in the version with key.

A display window containing various ABUS padlocks and promotional items © ABUS

1954

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.

The first building at the Rehe site © ABUS

1957

Founding of ABUS Rehe

Under the management of Willi Bremicker, ABUS set up a second site in the Westerwald region of Rhineland-Palatinate. To this day, high-quality ABUS products are manufactured and tested there to the highest quality standards.

A woman locking an additional door lock © ABUS

1966

A black and red poster showing an ABUS door cylinder with keys, with the inscription "Proven a million times over" © ABUS

Introduction of door security range

With the introduction of additional 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.

Some international manufacturers in front of an Asian shop © ABUS

1979

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.

An ABUS employee working at a monitor in the ABUS test laboratory © ABUS

1981

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 now on, all products were tested to international standards using reproducible methods.

A man and two children with ABUS bike helmets © ABUS

1994

A white ABUS Ultra Safe helmet with the colourful inscription "Ultra Safe ABUS" © ABUS

Introduction of the first bike helmet

Helmets were added to the bike range for the first time. Ultra-Safe, Mega-Power and Fun were the forerunners of many of today's bike helmets. The foundation was also laid for long and successful co-operations and sponsorships.

The ABUS Security Center building in Affing © ABUS

2001

An electronic surveillance system with a camera and large screen © ABUS

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. ABUS thus expanded its range to include electronic security solutions.

An ABUS employee developing an ABUS helmet © ABUS

2016

A bird's eye view of an ABUS PowerDome helmet in the colours of the Italian flag © ABUS

Made in Italy

Italy is considered the birthplace of cycling. In 2006, ABUS decided to develop and optimise its road bike helmet range. Sophisticated engineering and the highest safety standards meet ,,dolce vita" and top-class sport.

Part of the ABUS exhibition at the Wetter site © ABUS

2024

The illustration of the ABUS sustainability concept with the three overarching themes of environment, economy and social affairs with the inscription "For future generations" © ABUS

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.