Yale and Towne Manufacturing Company, commonly referred to as Yale and Towne, was a prominent American manufacturer of locks and other hardware products. The company was founded in 1844 by Linus Yale and Henry R. Towne in Stamford, Connecticut. Initially, the company focused on producing high-quality locks, including bank locks, safe locks, and other security devices. Over time, Yale and Towne expanded its product line to include a wide range of hardware products, such as hinges, door handles, and other architectural hardware.
History of Yale and Towne
The history of Yale and Towne is closely tied to the development of the lock industry in the United States. Linus Yale, one of the company’s founders, was a skilled inventor and engineer who held numerous patents for lock designs. His most notable invention was the pin tumbler lock, which revolutionized the lock industry with its improved security and reliability. The pin tumbler lock design became a standard for the industry and remains widely used today. Under the leadership of Linus Yale and Henry Towne, the company experienced rapid growth and expansion, with its products being used in a variety of applications, including banks, safes, and residential buildings.
Product Line and Innovations
Yale and Towne’s product line was diverse and included a range of innovative products. Some of the company’s notable products include mortise locks, cylinder locks, and padlocks. The company was also known for its high-quality hinges and door handles, which were designed to provide durability and reliability. In addition to its hardware products, Yale and Towne was also a leading manufacturer of safe locks and bank vault equipment. The company’s products were used in many prominent institutions, including banks, government buildings, and other high-security facilities.
| Product Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Locks | Pin tumbler locks, mortise locks, cylinder locks, and padlocks |
| Hinges | High-quality hinges for doors and other applications |
| Door Handles | Durable and reliable door handles for various applications |
| Safe Locks | High-security safe locks for banks and other institutions |
| Bank Vault Equipment | Specialized equipment for bank vaults and other high-security facilities |
Mergers and Acquisitions
In 1929, Yale and Towne merged with the Monarch Lock Company to form the Yale & Towne Monarch Company. This merger expanded the company’s product line and increased its market share. In 1958, the company was acquired by the Rockefeller family and became a subsidiary of the Rockefeller-owned company, Emhart Corporation. Under Emhart’s ownership, Yale and Towne continued to operate as a separate entity, producing a range of hardware products.
Modern Era
In 1990, Emhart Corporation was acquired by the Black & Decker Corporation, which later merged with Stanley Works to form Stanley Black & Decker. Today, Yale and Towne operates as a subsidiary of Stanley Black & Decker, producing a range of hardware products, including locks, hinges, and door handles. The company’s products are used in various applications, including residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
What type of locks did Yale and Towne manufacture?
+Yale and Towne manufactured a range of locks, including pin tumbler locks, mortise locks, cylinder locks, and padlocks.
Who acquired Yale and Towne in 1958?
+Yale and Towne was acquired by the Rockefeller family in 1958 and became a subsidiary of Emhart Corporation.
What is the current ownership structure of Yale and Towne?
+Yale and Towne operates as a subsidiary of Stanley Black & Decker, which was formed through the merger of Black & Decker Corporation and Stanley Works.
In conclusion, Yale and Towne Manufacturing Company played a significant role in the development of the lock and hardware industry in the United States. The company’s commitment to innovation, quality, and security helped establish it as a leader in the industry. Today, Yale and Towne continues to operate as a subsidiary of Stanley Black & Decker, producing a range of hardware products that are used in various applications.
