Yale: The first brand that comes to mind when you think of a lock

Linus Yale Jr. (1821-1868)

The first lock systems were used by the Egyptians in the 2000s BC. These first locks made of wood were further developed by the Romans with metal locks. Numbered and combination locks were first discovered by the Chinese. In the Middle Ages, there was a great diversity of key systems in Europe. By the 19th century, Yale locks played an active role in discrediting all systems except key-opening systems.

In 1850, Linus Yale Sr.'s son, Yale Jr., joined the manufacturing processes and further developed the cylinder safe lock. Thus, these products started a new era in bank locks in the 1860s and pioneered the transition from key locks to dial or combination locks. These locks received so much attention that they soon became the basic standard for all combination lock systems in the USA. After the patents for the safe room and safe locking systems in 1856, they were able to obtain the first padlock patent a year later.

After his father's death, Yale Jr., who took full responsibility for the company, attached great importance to developing his products and obtaining new patents. In 1868, he founded Yale & Towne with his colleague Henry Towne and expanded its production facilities as well as its product range. A professional team working with chain cranes and platform trucks started to work in the facilities, instead of the key craftsmen who now work entirely by hand. In addition to lock systems, chain blocks and test machines were also produced at the factory.

The rapid development of mass production with the modernization of the factory reinforced the sales success of the products. The company's growth continued with the acquisition of industry-leading companies such as H&T Vaughan. The special padlock series they developed went on sale in 1879 and brought the company to great commercial success. These products used metal rods inside the movable cylinder and in the outer bearings in line. While the rods were pushed into the keyway by small springs, the metal rods moved the rods on the cylinder up and down when the key was inserted into the lock. When a wrong key was inserted in the lock, the rods in the cylinder prevented the cylinder from turning.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the company continued to grow and the number of employees exceeded 12,000. The acquisition of various companies operating in Europe through acquisitions made it easier for the company to sell its products in the European market. The acquisition of industrial platform truck manufacturer Hunt in 1920 enabled the company to redesign its entire production line. In 1931, the platform truck manufacturing center was moved to Philadelphia and a sales office was established in Bridesburg. The acquisition of Walker Vehicle in 1933 enabled it to consolidate its power in the sector.

The strengthening of the Yale brand in the world market took place after the Second World War. Strengthening its leading position in lock systems with its innovative and pioneering designs, the company succeeded in developing locks that can be easily used in doors, boxes and safes of desired thickness. The security problem of the locks was solved with 6 blocking pins placed next to the password pins. In case the lock is forced, additional pins intervene and block the lock. Special steel support elements were placed in the lock to prevent the cylinder, that is, the core, of the lock from breaking.

In the 1950s, the company rapidly expanded its product range in petrol and diesel powered trucks as well as locking systems. However, as the company became unmanageable as a result of excessive growth, it was sold in 1963. Acquired by Eaton Manufacturing, the company continued its journey as Eaton Yale & Towne. In the 1970s, its headquarters moved from Philadelphia to Flemington and its development continued in the assembly industry.

The door hydraulics offered by the company to the market were easily used in all kinds of door and access systems in both homes and workplaces. Among the door hydraulics, fixed-powered door hydraulics and assembly-adjusted door hydraulics managed to come to the fore. In the knob lock systems, the solutions he developed in three categories: entrance type, bathroom and toilet type and room type, paved the way for the spread of new concepts around the world since the 1990s.

In 2000, the company changed hands once again and was acquired by the Assa Abloy Group.