About Us
Robert A. Lang
1930-2020
Robert (Bob) Lang began locksmithing in 1944 at the age of 14. He apprenticed under Joel Lipsits at Joel’s mechanical shop in Edmonton, AB. After Joel’s passing, Robert bought the shop from Joel’s widow and worked as a shop owner until selling to Chubb locksmiths in the 1950’s. After working for Chubb for a time he pursued additional interests including preforming magic and ski instruction. Robert also hosted the TV variety show “On Stage” on the CBC.
Robert was committed to the advancement of the locksmithing trade in Alberta, and along with others was instrumental in forming what is now known as the Professional Locksmiths Association of Alberta. Robert worked tirelessly to share knowledge with other locksmiths believing it was the best way to advance the trade and help all customers. Robert continued to work until his passing at the age of 90.
Our Story
After being his own boss for many years then selling to Chubb locksmiths in the 1950’s, Robert Lang felt it was time to start anew. He opened Lang Locksmiths LTD in 1970 with the first location being in Grande Prairie, AB.* In 1972 he opened the Edmonton location on 82nd avenue then relocated to our current building in 1975.
Through the decades of “booms & busts” we adapted as needed and found additional ways to serve our customers. With a shared passion for the intricacies of safes and vaults, we built custom designed safes in the ’80s & ’90s and started a locksmith wholesale division as well.
Robert, with his brother Stuart Lang, began training other locksmiths to be proficient safe technicians in 1983. Along with Robert’s shop foreman, Roger Penner, they instructed hundreds of locksmiths in western Canada as well as the north western United States.
Long time employees Karin Penner (since 1974) and her brother Roger Penner (since 1978) purchased Lang Locksmiths in 2021. We continue to operate with the same dedication to the trade and our customers that has been instilled in us by our friend and mentor, Robert Lang.
* Robert Lang sold Lang Locksmiths, Grande Prairie in 1983. Lang Locksmiths Edmonton and Grande Prairie are not affiliated.
Affiliations:
Members of :
PLAA-
The Professional Locksmiths Association of Alberta
ALOA-
The Locksmiths Association of America
SAVTA-
Safe & Vault Association of America
Our Core Values:
High standards for ethics and workmanship is the foundation Lang Locksmiths was built upon. With attention to detail and a passion for the industry we strive to be the best for our customers, every day.