The FRA2 , widely known as the most accurate and durable code machine available, is celebrating 50 years. Designed in 1967 by the founder of Framon Manufacturing, Frank Agius.
How Hard Work, An Idea & Persistence Pays Off…
Frank Agius began practicing locksmithing in 1959 in addition to his cabinet-making business. As he became more involved with lock work, he realized that he needed a better machine to originate keys than what was currently available. He designed a code machine for his own use, made up of spare parts he found around the house. Accurate to one-half thousandth of an inch (.0005″), the machine could cut depths ranging from .115″ to .400″ and accommodate practically any cylinder key.
A distributor in Detroit, Sam Solomon of Hugo Solomon and Sons, heard of Frank’s invention and talked him into traveling to a few trade shows to see if there would be a market for the machine. There was definitely interest, and with the help of Sam and a few other investor-friends, Framon Manufacturing Company was formed. The FRA2 was first designed in 1967 and the first Framon Code Machine was shipped in 1972.
The #2 became well-known throughout the industry as a highly accurate and durable code machine. Frank even showed this off at many trade shows by dropping the machine from the table, picking it up and cutting a perfect key with the machine. The #2 Code Machine remains one of Framon’s best selling machines today. Framon is now offering a special package and pricing with the FRA2 to celebrate the machine's 50 years as a staple in the locksmith industry.
