Locks and Security News: your weekly locks and security industry newsletter
16th September 2026 Issue no. 819

Your industry news - first

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UK locksmiths go behind the scenes at ABUS Pfaffenhain

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.

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 customised 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.”

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.

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.”

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