1955 – Frank & Barb Agius move to Alpena, Michigan from Detroit. Frank opens his own cabinetry business with Barb helping out with bookkeeping duties

1959 – As the need for custom cabinetry begins to wind down, Frank becomes interested in lock work at the suggestion of one of his salesmen. He takes Leonard Singer’s correspondence course and begins his career as a locksmith.

1967 – Unhappy with the machinery available to him, Frank designs a key origination machine for his own use. The original machine would become known as the Framon #1 Code Machine. Frank begins work to patent the new invention.

1970-71 – Word of Frank’s invention spreads and catches the ear of Sam Solomon, owner of Hugo Solomon & Sons, a locksmith supply company in Detroit. Sam and Frank agree to form a company and market the machine. Putting their names together, “Framon Manufacturing Company” is born. Several of Frank’s business associates invest in the company. The first production machine is sold to W E Phillips in New York. Framon is operated out of the family’s home in Alpena along with “Frank’s Key & Lock Shop”.

1975 – With the introduction of Medeco keys that utilize rotating pins, Frank modifies the machine to be able to make angled cuts. The Framon “#2 Dual Code Machine” is produced concurrently with the #1 fixed-spindle version. The #2 will quickly begin to outsell the #1 machine and become the company’s flagship machine for over 45 years.

1982 – After a decade of promoting his new code machine, Frank turns his attention to tubular keys. The TKM-100 machine is designed and patented.

1983 – Frank recognizes the need for a new facility and purchses property at 909 W Washington Avenue in Alpena which would be the company headquarters for almost 40 years.

1985 – Frank joins forces with Bill Reed of the Locksmith Ledger and begins touring the country providing free education to locksmiths. The “Frank and Bill Show” makes stops throughout the United States, Canada and Europe over the next 20 years. Other experts in the field will join up with the pair, including Hank Spicer, Steve Young, Gerry Finch, Jerry McNickle, Mark Miller, Michael Miller, Gale Johnson and Joe Bucha. The educational program will eventually be known as “Ledgerworld” and make more than 300 stops, educating almost 10,000 locksmiths at no cost.

1986 – Recognizing the need for an accurate flat steel duplicator, the DBM-1 flat steel key duplicator is invented. Framon now has three code machine offerings and a duplicator.

1987 – A full machine shop is added to the 909 Washington property so almost all production is done in-house. A Fadal CNC machining center is purchased as well as other basic machinery. Frank buys back all of the stock of the company, which is now family owned and operated.

1988 – Assa High Security Locks contracts with Framon to produce a dedicated machine to cut their Twin 6000 keys. The modified Framon #2 machine would be known as the PS-6000T. At this time Framon also introduces a new patented machine, the DC-300. The machine will code cut and duplicate edge cut keys utilizing space keys and depth cams. Several companies in the UK order the machine for their end users.

1990 – With the introduction of high security automotive keys, Frank works jointly with his engineer Darrel Sims to produce a small milling machine to be known as the Sidewinder duplicating machine.

1992 – Framon’s first semi-automatic duplicator for cylinder keys is introduced, known as the Express.

1990’s – Throughout the 90’s Framon introduces several locksmith tools and continue to be a leading locksmith supplier. Trade shows and education continue to be strongholds for the company.