Milwaukee Security Locksmithing and Key Duplication History
Origins and Waukesha Locksmith Expansion
Aro Lock & Door Company is one of the oldest Wisconsin locksmith companies in the greater Milwaukee area. The shop was started in 1952 in its present location at 5801 W. North Avenue in Milwaukee by Richard Korinek and Joe Pagac.
In 1985, Fred Kaifesh became a partner in the business, followed by Ed Kaifesh in 1999.
In 1999, we opened our second location by establishing our Waukesha locksmith storefront at 400 Travis Lane #25 to better serve our customers.
Growth into Exclusive Milwaukee Locksmith Services
The company was started as a locksmith & small engine repair. As the company grew, the locksmith side of the business started to take off, so in the early '60s locksmithing became the solo line of business.
For the first 25 years of business, almost all the work we did was rekey, repair and install conventional locks for homes, schools, churches, colleges and businesses.
Milwaukee Security System Development
In the early '70s as higher security became more of a concern, we started to receive more calls for installing electronic security, such as intercom systems, electric buzzers for apartment and offices, push button/digital entry and card access and both hardwired & battery powered stand-alone systems.
As door access control systems became a fast growing segment of Milwaukee security systems, a lot of manufacturers got into the business of making systems for this part of the industry. In the beginning, we used different systems to see what would work the best, as a lot of companies had gone out of business or were changing their products yearly to get them to work properly.
It took years of trial and error to find good products that worked well and would be around for the long haul with ongoing support and upgrades.
In the '90s, we started using Keri Systems for access control systems, Aiphone for intercom systems, Securitron for hard wired push button systems and Alarm Lock for battery powered push button and access control locks. Our long history with each of these brands affords us expert knowledge of how they work and insight into which products will work best for our customers.
Wisconsin Electronic Locks and High Security Keys With Restrictions on Key Duplication
Around the same time electronic security was starting, high security keys came on the market. High security keys are keys that can only be made by authorized dealers of that company’s key. With proper authorization, a duplicate key may be made. This allows you to give keys to employees, friends or family with the knowledge that no copies of the keys will be made without your permission.
When you get the key back you will know that there hasn’t been an extra key made for your house or business without your consent.
There are different levels of restrictions for the duplication of the keys and different geographical areas a locksmith has exclusive rights to, ensuring your keys cannot be copied without proper authorization.
Aro Lock & Door has regional and national keyways for ASSA and Primus locks that let us give our customers the degree of security they require. The added benefit of the Primus lock is that if you already have Schlage locks, you can use the Primus keys to work in the standard Schlage locks.
Expansion into Steel Doors and Power Door Openers in Wisconsin
In the early 2000s, we began to replace rusted out and damaged Milwaukee steel doors and frames for commercial and industrial buildings. Steel door installation and replacement have become the fastest growing parts of our business, along with installing continuous hinges, pivots, weather-stripping, thresholds, power door openers and automatic door closers.
Our handicap door openers fulfill all ADA compliance requirements.
Home Intercom Systems, Security Cameras and Milwaukee Key Cutting Services
Today, Aro Lock & Door installs CCTV/Video camera systems, monitors and digital recorders, video intercom systems and security systems for retail stores.
We continue to service all types of locks for rekeying, master keying and lock and key repair or replacement.
If you lose your keys for your desk, file cabinet, motorcycle, 4-wheeler, RV, tool box, mailbox etc. we make replacement keys for them. We also make chip/transponder key sets for cars, trucks and vans.
