“At LSC we all wish the Ross Family all the best with this wonderful achievement and hope there are many more years of this proud Australian owned manufacturing company” Mark Johnson
In an industry where much of the world’s lock and security hardware is now manufactured offshore, reaching 75 years of Australian manufacturing is a remarkable achievement.
This year, KJ Ross Security Locks celebrates its 75th anniversary, marking three-quarters of a century of innovation, craftsmanship and commitment to Australian-made security solutions. Established in 1951 by Keith Ross, KJ Ross has earned a reputation as one of Australia’s most respected manufacturers of locks, safe locks and specialised security products.
LSC is proud to have been part of that journey from the very beginning. As one of KJ Ross’ first customers in 1951, our relationship spans the entire history of the business and reflects a shared commitment to supporting the Australian locksmithing industry.
What began with Keith Ross painstakingly handcrafting combination locks, taking up to two weeks to produce a single lock using shell castings, balsa wood moulds and manually machined components, has evolved into a modern manufacturing operation embracing laser cutting, 3D printing and advanced production technologies. Throughout this transformation, KJ Ross has remained true to the values that have defined the business for generations: quality, innovation and a deep connection to the trade.
Today, the company continues under the leadership of second-generation family members Geoff, Bev and Graeme Ross, who remain dedicated to manufacturing security products in Australia and supporting locksmiths across the country.
KJ Ross’s trademark products reflect decades of innovation, quality, and trusted security solutions. From the pioneering 101-Series Safe Lock in 1984, the company laid the foundation for its recognised lock designs. The 600-Series Safe Lock, introduced in 1992, brought international attention with its advanced resistance to forced entry and drilling.The 700-Series Safe Lock further strengthened the brand’s reputation, combining high security with prestigious VdS certification for European markets. LSC recognise the importance of long-standing partnerships and the role they play in shaping our industry. Our relationship with KJ Ross is one built on mutual respect, shared values and a common belief in supporting Australian manufacturing.
Congratulations to the entire Ross family and team on reaching this significant milestone. We thank you for your partnership, your contribution to the locksmithing industry, and for 75 years of Australian innovation. We look forward to continuing the journey together for many years to come.
101-Series Safe Lock First introduced in early 1984, this lock was seen as the innovative base from which ROSS branded products of today are now seen. This 6-lever safe lock package was supplied with a weld-on coverstrap and a steel shouldered keyhole insert. Designed for fixing onto all steel security containers and to resist forced entry through its strong steel construction and positive fixing. This was the first ROSS locking solution considered to have a market outside the domestic community. It was also the forerunner to the 102-Series safe lock we know today.
600-Series Safe Lock The arrival of the 600-Series safe lock in 1992 will be remembered as the event that caught the attention of the international community. Its arrival provided an opportunity to present an advanced safe lock design that endeavoured to eliminate the conventional lock weakness and obstruct the traditional opening and drilling intrusion techniques. Vertical lift levers, housed and anchored securely between the steel lock case and cap, restricts a forced entry. As a rebranded product, the roll-out throughout the world was a great success; closely followed by the traditional Australasian market support that was always present.
700-Series Safe Lock The mid-1990’s saw the roll-out of digital locking solutions take hold throughout the world. However, not all agreed with the idea this digital trend provided all the answers. The lack of access to (High Security) keylock options with the same digital footprint led to the introduction of the 700-Series safe lock. Based on the successful roll-out of the 600-Series design; this supercharged high-security 700-Series safe lock was rolled-out in late 1997. Most importantly, this lock was granted the prestigious (VdS) certification in recognition of factory manufacturing standards and in support of the European market requirements. Today, the 700-Series safe lock remains first choice when quality and high-security are mentioned in the same sentence.
“Keith Ross and Stuart Johnson were in their twenties when they first started doing business and it is wonderful that the tradition continues with myself Geoff, Bev, and Graeme Ross”
Mark Johnson