In 1879, Francis was contracted by the Japanese Government to teach artisans in Tokyo the art of lockmaking and the manufacture of brass fittings. After completing his contract in December 1882, he sailed to Australia and decided to settle in Launceston. His wife and four children joined him in 1883, arriving after a ten-week voyage on the sailing ship Glen Goil.

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Launceston, with a population of 12,000 in 1883, was in the grip of a depression, with wages averaging about 50 cents a day for those fortunate enough to find work. Francis rented a shop at 74 Charles Street and began his own business. However, for the first six months, he struggled to earn even the $1 weekly rent.

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Business improved when the local railway began ordering point locks (large padlocks) from him at 68 cents each. His reputation grew further when he successfully opened the “unpickable” lock of a safe at Beaconsfield Bank, following a robbery where the keys had been discarded. This achievement earned him prestige and additional work from other banks, solidifying his reputation as a skilled locksmith and lockmaker.

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Beyond lock manufacturing and repairs, Francis Jackson was a versatile tradesman. He repaired household and office items, installed electric bells, and worked on sewing machines and guns. His expertise in these areas made him highly sought after.

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During the 1880s, Francis prepared two display cases of hand-made cabinet, safe, and padlocks, earning medals for their quality at exhibitions in Melbourne, Launceston, and Wembley (England). These historic cases remain on display today. At the time, lock parts were primarily made from cast brass, requiring locksmiths to file each piece into precise shape by hand.

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In 1910, Francis brought his son, Davis Sydney (“Syd”), into the business. Syd later became the Managing Director and, in 1919, a member of the Australian Federal Parliament at its foundation. He also devoted considerable time to supporting local charitable and business organisations.

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While Syd was often occupied with his parliamentary duties, James Eric Scott (“Eric”) managed the business. Following Syd’s death in 1941, Eric inherited the company. Upon his death in 1956, he passed ownership to his four sons—Eric, Herbert, Bruce, and Neil—who were all involved in running Jacksons. At that time, the business was located at 106 Cameron Street, Launceston, where space was becoming increasingly limited.

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In 1966, a dedicated lock manufacturing factory was established at 171 Ravenswood Road, Launceston. By 1991, Jacksons Lock & Brass Works Pty Ltd was restructured, with the lock factory becoming Jacksons Lock Manufacturing Pty Ltd.