ABUS KG - Experts & Thought Leaders

ABUS has welcomed a group of UK locksmiths to its Pfaffenhain manufacturing facility in Germany, giving customers the opportunity to see first-hand how its locking systems are manufactured. The group of new and existing customers spent several days in Germany, with the visit combining a tour of the Pfaffenhain factory with time to meet the ABUS team, learn more about the manufacturing process and explore the wider range of security solutions produced. Wider range of security solutions The Pfaffenhain site has a long history of locking system manufacture, dating back to 1946. The facility specialises in the development and manufacture of mechanical locking systems, including customized and master key systems, and forms an important part of ABUS's manufacturing operation. Shane Hales, Founder and Managing Director of HalesLockesLtd, described the trip as “A wonderful experience, very informative and such an impressive place to come, German engineering at its finest.” Different level of understanding Simon Connor, Channel Manager, Locksmiths at ABUS, added: “It was great to spend time with the group and give them the opportunity to see what goes on behind the scenes. The factory visit always brings a different level of understanding because you can see the manufacturing processes, the people involved and the attention to detail that goes into producing the locking systems. It was also a good chance to spend time together away from the day-to-day and get to know both new and long-standing customers better.” For the visiting locksmiths, the factory tour provided an opportunity to see the processes behind the products they encounter in their own businesses, from manufacturing and assembly through to testing and preparation for dispatch. The group was introduced to ABUS electronic security products, providing an insight into the company's wider portfolio. Electronic security products The feedback from the visiting locksmiths reflected the value of seeing the manufacturing operation first-hand. Rob Goodwill of CTML Ltd described the trip as the best UK to Germany trip he had been on, praising the factory tour and the way it was presented without being overloaded with information. Jordan Harrold highlighted the opportunity to see “the going on behind the scenes” and understand how the locks are manufactured before they reach the UK market. For Chris Griffiths at Holdfast, the visit provided a useful comparison with his previous experience of Pfaffenhain, having last visited around 15 years ago. He commented on how much the factory had grown and described the tour and introduction to ABUS electronic security products as informative. Adam Evans, Managing Director of ABUS UK and Ireland, concluded: “Visits like this are an invaluable opportunity for us to bring our customers closer to the manufacturing side of the business. There is a real benefit in being able to walk through the factory, see the processes taking place and speak directly to the people involved. We were very pleased with the feedback from the group and, equally importantly, it was great to see everyone enjoying the visit and spending time together.”

ABUS and 1st Call Lock and Key Shop (LKS) are celebrating over a decade’s partnership, reflecting a professional relationship built on continuity, technical development and shared standards within the security and construction sector. Established in 2004, LKS has expanded its presence in the industry over the past 20 years. Since beginning its direct partnership with ABUS in 2014, the business has placed a strong emphasis on product knowledge, structured training and the consistent application of technical expertise across its team. Key product ranges As part of the latest phase, LKS team members participated in dedicated pinning training, alongside in-depth instruction on the ABUS 83 series, helping to strengthen both hands-on capability and familiarity with key product ranges. The training program includes participation from across LKS, with attendees representing technical, managerial, administrative, and trainee roles, including the first female benching apprentice. This cross-team involvement supports knowledge sharing and helps ensure consistent standards throughout the business. Fire door installations Says Joshua Kambo, Managing Director of Lock and Key Shop: “Our partnership with ABUS UK is built on shared values of technical excellence, product integrity and consistent service delivery. As a business specializing in security products, ironmongery and fire door installations, it is critical we work with manufacturers we can trust. Abus provides world-leading products backed by deep technical knowledge, which allows us to confidently specify and deliver fully compliant solutions across all our projects. This relationship not only supports our continued growth within the industry but also strengthens the diversity and capability of our team.” The involvement of trainee bench-locksmith Serena highlights the increasing participation of women in the trade and reflects broader efforts by both organizations to support a more inclusive and accessible industry. By creating opportunities for new talent to learn alongside experienced professionals, the partnership helps build a more diverse and sustainable skills pipeline, while also encouraging the sharing of knowledge across different experience levels. Changing customer requirements Serena Killeen, LKS Bench Locksmithing Trainee added: “I enjoy developing my skills in the master keying department at LKS, as a trainee in this industry and learning more about the industry each day, whilst representing the contribution we can make. Working with partners like ABUS allows me to gain hands-on experience and continues to build my confidence. It helps to feel supported and treated equally, and I would encourage more women to consider a practical and rewarding career path.” This approach brings together a range of perspectives and expertise across the partnership. In an industry shaped by evolving technologies and changing customer requirements, ongoing training plays a key role in maintaining technical standards and ensuring teams remain aligned in both knowledge and practice. High technical standards Colston Hendy, Technical Sales Manager at ABUS concluded: “Our long-term partnership with Lock and Key Shop is built on a shared understanding and a consistent approach to collaboration.” “This allows us to maintain high technical standards while supporting the continued development of their team. It is also encouraging to see new talent, including Serena, progressing within our industry, as diversity and inclusion are essential to innovation and long-term progress.”

ABUS UK has strengthened its team with a series of strategic appointments, highlighting its commitment to sustainable growth and continued investment in people, structure and capability to deliver exceptional customer service. Julian Williams joins ABUS in a national role, working closely with key accounts to develop long-term partnerships. Bringing a wealth of experience across merchants and the wider hardware sector, Julian will spend time understanding customers’ priorities and helping align ABUS solutions to their changing needs. Wider hardware sector At a regional level, Jamie Roberts takes responsibility for sales activity across Wales and the South West. With a strong hands-on approach, Jamie will provide customers and distribution partners with dedicated, consistent support, while staying closely connected to the wider ABUS UK team. His role strengthens regional relationships and helps ensure a joined-up experience across the territory. Ross Carter will support the operational processes and coordination that underpin service delivery and ABUS’ service proposition. His focus on efficiency and structure helps ensure reliable performance as demand grows, while maintaining a clear focus on meeting customer requirements. Customer-facing teams Isabel Jump is the new Marketing Coordinator focussed on activating key product lines, onboarding new customers, and driving POS and in-store promotions across Merchants, DIY, Retail, Locksmith, and Architectural Ironmongers. She will also manage a broad range of marketing responsibilities to support the growth of the customer network. Adam Evans, Managing Director of ABUS UK, said: “As our business develops, it’s important we continue to invest in the right areas. These key appointments strengthen both our customer-facing teams and our operational capability, giving us the capacity to support customers consistently while maintaining the standards people expect from ABUS.” Long-term performance The appointments reflect ABUS UKs measured, long-term approach to growth, ensuring the foundations remain strong as the company continues to expand across multiple market sectors. Adam added: “Each appointment strengthens a different area of the organization, combining relationship management, regional leadership and operational capability to create a balanced structure that supports both day-to-day delivery and long-term performance. It’s about building the right structure for sustainable growth and making sure we have the experience in place to continue to deliver.”