ABUS, an acronym for August Bremicker und Söhne KG, is a German company specialising in security equipment (mainly padlocks, anti-theft devices and locks). Since its foundation in 1924 in Volmarstein in the Ruhr by August Bremicker, the company has specialised in padlocks: its first model, the IRON ROCK, was designed in the attic of the family home. Bremicker then used solid brass, which was lighter but just as strong as steel, revolutionising the padlock industry. In 1949, it was the famous DISKUS padlock that became the benchmark for padlocks to this day, such was its revolutionary design. But the most successful padlocks were the Granit padlocks. In 1971, it developed the first anti-theft bicycle locks. ABUS has remained a family business, with the fourth generation at the helm. It has diversified into bicycle locks, container locks, marine engine locks, HOMETEC electronic door locks, etc.