NEARLY FIFTY YEARS OF SERVICE IN NORTHERN ILLINOIS
In the past 45 years, Waukegan Safe & Lock, Ltd. has grown to become the largest locksmith in Northern Illinois, serving all areas between Milwaukee and Chicago.
Charlie Oechsle opened his business in 1956 as The Waukegan Safe Company. Charlie offered the area the best in safe sales and service along with professional bank vault and safe-deposit box service. In 1969, a complete locksmith service was incorporate into the business. The addition of locksmithing opened new avenues of business that still are maintained today.
In 1979, Bill Oechsle, Sr. purchased Waukegan Safe & Lock from his father. The shop then located at 1214 Grand Avenue was moved to the current expanded facility at 1621 Grand Avenue.
With both inside and outside sales and service, Waukegan Safe & Lock, Ltd. offers complete residential, commercial and industrial locksmith services. From residential door knobs and deadbolts to commercial steel door and frames Waukegan Safe & Lock can service your existing hardware or supply the hardware that is needed.
In 1982, a second location was opened in Fox Lake and the third generation entered into the business. Bill Oechsle, Jr. and Tom Kruse came to Waukegan Safe & Lock to manage each of the separate locations. Bill Oechsle, Jr. manages the Waukegan store. Tom Kruse manages the store in Fox Lake. Together, they have been able to expand their safe and hardware market to cover Northern Illinois.
Since its beginning, Waukegan Safe & Lock, Ltd. has and continues to grow. Currently it employs 8 full time locksmiths and 4 full time safe technicians; some of which have been with the company for over 20 years; all of which are registered by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation under the Private Alarm, Private detective, and Private Security Act.
