1881
The company August Stenman AB was founded by August Stenman when he bought the Thunell hinge factory in Eskilstuna.
An exciting chapter in the history of Swedish industry is the manufacture of locks. The Swedish part of ASSA ABLOY's history begins with the company Aug. Stenman AB which was founded in 1881 and later became ASSA AB. Let us take you through the history of locks and the origin of ASSA ABLOY with a short overview containing many pictures from different eras.
The company August Stenman AB was founded by August Stenman when he bought the Thunell hinge factory in Eskilstuna.
In 1890, the first automatic machine for the manufacture of hinges was installed. In 1895, Sixten Nilsson was hired as the youngest man in the office.
In 1903, a separate cold rolling mill was put into use. In 1910, August Stenman also took over his own production of wood screws. For the company's own needs in the manufacture of hinges and fittings.
August Stenman died on August 23, 1920. His daughter, Baroness Elisa Åkerhielm, transformed the company into a limited company and Sixten Nilsson - who was hired in 1895 - was appointed MD.
At Sixten Nilsson's proposal, the entire shareholding was acquired by a consortium led by bank director Jacob Wallenberg. At the same time, the entire share capital in AB Priorverken, Sweden's then second largest manufacturer of hinges, was acquired.
In 1930, GKN (Guest Keen and Nettlefods Ltd), England acquires August Stenman AB. In 1932, the first safety committee is formed.
Uddeholm AB's screw production was acquired in 1935. Exports gained momentum and in 1938 about 80% of August Stenman AB's production was exported to customers all over the world.
Manufacture of locks started when K.S. Thulins Lås & Metallfabrik in Eskilstuna was purchased. In the same year, production of staples in specially manufactured machines was also started.
The first locking system built on 5-pin cylinders was delivered. From this year:
Sixten Nilsson resigned as CEO and was replaced by his son Sture Nilsson. AB Svenska Låsfabriken, which manufactured padlocks, is acquired. The same year Aug. Stenman AB is the first company in the world to manufacture 7-pin cylinders and included in Aug. Stenman AB's motto: "Locks must be precision machined in large series with tight tolerances with requirements for 100% security".
In 1949, the production of screws was transferred from Hagfors to the factory in Eskilstuna. The following year, the subsidiary Stenmanlagret AB was formed in Stockholm with purpose to offer service on locking systems and warehousing of the company's products.
In 1951, August Stenman AB was the first company in Sweden to introduce a 5-day week. In the same year, license production of Assa keys was started and introduced.
Rudolf Koreska sold Denmark's largest lock factory A / S Ruko to August Stenman AB in 1952. In 1955, Tekaverken AB was acquired, which manufactured building fittings.
In 1959, August Stenman AB introduced control-registered system numbers on its keys. The same year, the company's engineering school was started. In 1961, the very first car locks were delivered to Volvo, which were available on the PV model, among other things.
In 1962, the first car locks in systems were delivered to Saab cars. In the same year, Stenman Holland B V was acquired, which manufactured hinges and fittings. The following year, locks became the largest product group, larger than forging and screws, respectively, and AB Ermex with the subsidiary Östmark's lock factory from LM Ericsson was taken over.
Aug. Stenman AB changes name to Assa-Stenman AB. The Ermex business moved from Solna to Lycksele. Assa-Stenman AB is gaining a lot of attention for its nationwide screw campaign.
In 1970, the product group locks become larger than all other product groups combined. A few years later, in 1974, Assa-Stenman launches the first approved double lock, cylinder and tumbler lock in one.
Assa-Stenman AB moves the office to the same building as the factory on Kungsgatan, the current premises in 1977. The following year, the screw production is sold to Hillerstorp. In 1980, the electric lock was introduced, as well as a completely new lock cylinder.
An eventful year marked the 100th anniversary. The Assa-Twin concept and the electronic hotel lock 6767 are launched. Assa-Stenman now sells 80% of sales in Sweden. The subsidiary Assa High Security (Assa Inc), USA was formed.
The approved apartment lock Assa 2000, "The Swedes' new doorman" is launched. The lock was launched as "The only front door lock you need" and made a big impact on the market.
Hevea & Carnegie, which also owns Securitas, acquires Assa-Stenman. The same year the company changes its name to Assa AB, formed by the initials in August Stenman's name.
The subsidiary Assa Ltd, England is formed in 1987. Securitas AB acquires the Assa Group and Assa Industrilås is formed, later Assa Industri AB. In 1988, Assa AB became the third company in Sweden to be ISO 9001 certified. This year, the subsidiary Assa Oy is formed in Finland.
Assa Locktronic and Assa Twin Combi System are introduced to the market. in 1991 and 1993, the Assa Locktronic and Assa Twin Combi System hit the market. In 1993, Assa Portuguesa Ltd. is also acquired.
The ASSA ABLOY Group is formed through the merger of Securitas and Metras Oy's lock operations Assa and Abloy. Fas, Ruko, Assa Ltd and Assa Inc another group affiliation. Assa Balt (Eesti) is acquired.
Design becomes a serious part of Assa's hallmark when the Epoch series is presented. A completely new series of prints that reflect different eras from Swedish building history. New European standards for evacuation fittings will also be Swedish standards. Assa launches its panic rule Assa 1125 and the emergency evacuation accessory Assa 179.
Assa AB is environmentally certified according to ISO 14001. Assa introduces Miralloy, a nickel-proof surface treatment for door fittings. Meets the strict European requirements for nickel-tested products. ASSA ABLOY Scandinavia, now ASSA ABLOY EMEA, acquires AKI Låsgrossisten. ASSA acquires Timelox AB.
ASSA ABLOY participates in the Volvo Ocean Race, awareness of the group is skyrocketing among millions of people around the world.
ASSA AB acquires TT-system, manufacturer of cabinets for key handling and medicine handling. The following year, the company changed its name to Assa Key Solutions. ASSA AB, Solid AB and Timelox AB merge their marketing departments to be able to offer customers customized solutions under the motto "Everything from hinges to access control systems".
In 2007 a new logo is combined with ASSA ABLOY, ASSA 3000 first electronic lock for the home, Fix and Assa Industri Dp locking system is launched and ASSA OEM is formed by FAS.
In 2008 both Aperio and Code Handle is launched. TimeLox and Copiax is acquired.
2010
2011
2013
In 2014 WP padlock is launched, Traka is acquired.
In 2015 Titon and Neptune locking systems launched, ASSA sponsors STCC.
In 2018, ASSA AB changed its name to adapt our organization to continue building a clearer Scandinavian structure with a leading brand - all to give our customers and partners an even higher value.
With these locks in the property, keys from different locking systems can be used in one and the same lock.
Smart locks Yale Doorman L3 and Linus are launched and like Yale Doorman Classic - formerly V2N. And ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions turns 140 years old!
ASSA ABLOY PULSE digital key has no batteries but generates electricity through use.
ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions is building new premises in Eskilstuna and a modern and bright building is being taken into use.