About Us

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

From locksmith and key cutting service to architectural ironmongery, security products, hand and power tools, screws, fixings and general building products, we stock a comprehensive selection of over 25,000 items to suit any application.

Architectural Ironmongery Specifications Division

Our Specification division provides a tailored architectural ironmongery technical and scheduling service for timber and glass door fittings including bespoke manufactured products.

Discuss Your Project with Our Experts01689 387 900

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Meet Our Core Team

Marco Franchi

CEO & Owner

Mark Robinson

Chairman

Neil Holmes

Director | Sales & Specifications

Jim Bellingham

Director | Finance

Peter O’Donnell

Director | Glass Department

Jack Mason

Director | Operations

Paul Wyatt

Director | Security Department

Peter Hutchins

Director | Projects

Antonio Franchi

Senior Retail Manager

Jo Maloney

Commercial Director

Our History

1970

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.

1972

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.

1976

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.

1996

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.

2000

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.

2010

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.

2017

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.