Jacksons, the family company that has been keeping us secure for 132 years, is handing over the key, leaving Tasmanians in the capable hands of another locally owned business.
Local business Access Hardware will take over the Jacksons tradition, after the current owners Ron and Jennie Lee decided to retire after dedicating 38 years to the business.
Jacksons is a family owned business founded in 1883 by English born locksmith, Francis Jackson, and currently employs 35 staff in its three stores, in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie.
The Jacksons brand has grown over the years to become established and trusted throughout Tasmania and is one of the state’s most recognisable household names.
Jacksons owner Ron Lee said he and his wife Jennie are finding their final goodbye bittersweet.
“I joined Jacksons in 1977, but it has been passed through three generations on Jennie’s side, the Scott family, so understandably it is going to be sad to farewell the business we’ve had such a long association with,” Mr Lee said.
From Jennie’s grandfather, Eric Scott, his four sons – Eric, Herbert, Bruce and Neil – kept Jacksons going strong. These days, Eric and Neil are survived by war veterans Bruce (92) and Herbert (94), known as ‘Burt’.
“We are looking forward to retirement,” said Ron. “Kicking it off with an extended trip to England we’ve been planning, we are also looking forward to having more time to spend with family who are now mostly living in Queensland.”
Jacksons Launceston now operates from Wellington St, but over its long history has operated in Charles St the original site, Paterson St, back to Charles St and, Cameron St.
General Manager of Access Hardware Andrew Crosby said Jacksons are leaving their family treasure in safe hands.
“Although Access Hardware and Jacksons have been competitors over the years, the sale is one hundred per cent friendly,” Mr Crosby said.
“I have always admired the hard work Ron and Jennie have put in to building the business and the trusted Jacksons name over the years.
“I would be proud if I could achieve what the Lee’s have during their time with Jacksons, I would go in to retirement with my head held high.
“Taking on the Jacksons name helps us offer the full package of services to our customers at the same time keeping business in the state and allowing us to employ Tasmanians.
“All staff will keep their jobs during this sale, 35 at Jacksons and 34 at Access Hardware, this makes us a great Tasmanian team.
“Thanks to the combined hard work of both the Access Hardware and Jacksons teams, we are aiming to become number one in safe and secure access to building spaces.”
Access Hardware comprises of three departments, hardware, locksmith and door manufacturing. With stores in both Launceston and Hobart, Access Hardware already works with the community for their security needs.
Jacksons is maintaining its current lock manufacturing business, under Michael and Wendy Scott and their son John.
Georgi Wicks, Font PR
