Our Heritage
Established in 1970 by Guerrino Franchi, the business bears his name and has built a reputation for providing a friendly, expert and efficient service for professional tradesmen and DIY enthusiasts. Franchi staff are highly trained to provide quality advice and assistance across a wide variety of products and services.
Locksmiths & Security Experts
Architectural Ironmongery Specifications Division
Meet Our Core Team
Marco Franchi
Mark Robinson
Neil Holmes
Jim Bellingham
Peter O’Donnell
Jack Mason
Paul Wyatt
Peter Hutchins
Antonio Franchi
Jo Maloney
Our History
Franchi was formed
G Franchi (Locksmith) Company was established by Guerrino Franchi in small premises under the arches at St Pancras Station known as 71 Pancras Road. The retail business supplied builders hardware, cut keys and did knife sharpening, whilst the mobile locksmith service provided for the security needs of the local area.
Franchi adds second shop
As the business started to grow, additional premises were acquired at 144 Kentish Town Rd. Franchi still has a shop on this site today.
Third shop opens
Having renamed to Franchi Locks & Tools in 1974, Franchi opened a new shop at 278 Holloway Road. These premises were later expanded into the surrounding buildings, becoming the company headquarters from where the group is still managed.
Franchi Specification is created
Marco Franchi (Guerrino’s son) sets up Franchi International, a new business based in Chelsea, to service the needs of the expanding Architecture & Design industry in London.
Franco Guselli becomes MD
After 26 years of trading, Franchi Locks & Tools became a Limited Company and Franco Guselli, having joined the company at Kentish Town back in 1973, was appointed Director of the business. Franco has been at the helm ever since, helping steer the business to where we are today.
Franchi PLC acquires Specification business
Franchi Locks & Tools acquired Marco’s business Franchi International, bringing the specification of architectural ironmongery into the business. In light of the new diverse nature of the business, the company was renamed Franchi PLC.
Expansion in Specification business
In January 2017, the specification division moved from it’s base in Chelsea, to much larger purpose built premises in Orpington, Kent. A move brought on by the phenomenal growth from this part of the business.
