ASSA ABLOY – 30 years of creating access
2024 marked the 30th anniversary of ASSA ABLOY. Watch the video to revisit key moments from our inspiring journey and see how far we’ve come together.
How has ASSA ABLOY become the global leader in access solutions?
Here you can read about our remarkable journey made possible by our rich heritage, the enduring entrepreneurial spirit of our people and our unwavering commitment to creating a safer and more open world.
ASSA ABLOY was formed in 1994 but our history dates back even further. Our two founders, Abloy and ASSA, each brought a unique perspective which paved the way for the Group to become an innovator in door security, entrance automation and digital access. Let us take you on that journey through the stories below.
ASSA – innovation at the core for family business
In 1881, August Stenman started making locks. He borrowed money to build his dream, but he and his sons eventually built a world-famous brand around their award-winning products. They were progressive, too: inventing new ways to automate, improving workplace conditions, and hiring women. Stenman’s wife even came up with the name, based on his initials: ASSA.
Abloy – from a single lock to a Nordic leader
Forty years later, engineer Emil Henriksson invented the disc tumbler lock, which was as close to burglar-proof as you could get. It’s still called one of Finland’s greatest inventions – impressive for a country that gave us wind turbines, heart rate monitors, Linux, and Angry Birds. His company started life as Ab Låsfabriken - Lukkotehdas Oy – which eventually became Abloy.
Global changes paved path for merger
After ASSA and Abloy were established, the demand for robust security and creative access solutions only grew stronger. In 1994, the businesses merged to pool their expertise and meet the ever-expanding market. The newly-formed ASSA ABLOY was now poised to innovate and grow.
Creating the future of access solutions
So how did our company grow from a regional company with 4,700 employees to become the global leader in access solutions, employing almost 61,000 people around the world? Discover how the most recent phase of our business has seen us touch millions of lives and made the world safer, more open and easier to navigate.
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