History Milestones

1. 

   1921

   Master Lock was founded by Harry Soref.

2. 

   1924

   The world’s first laminated padlock is invented.

3. 

   1924

   Production begins on padlocks.

4. 

   1925

   Harry Houdini needs Master Lock’s help.

5. 

   1928

   Master Lock put to work during prohibition.

History Milestones

1. 

   1931

   Soref receives a gold medal from the American Association of Master Locksmiths.

2. 

   1931

   Focus on innovation begins.

3. 

   1933

   Master Lock appears at Chicago's World's Fair.

4. 

   1935

   Master Lock introduces its first combination lock, the 1500D.

5. 

   1939

   Master Lock moves to current facilities.

History Milestones

1. 

   1940

   Master Lock dedicates production to support World War II.

History Milestones

1. 

   1953–1955

   Tradition of innovation continues.

2. 

   1954

   Master Lock on display.

3. 

   1956

   Master Lock helps Secret Service.

4. 

   1957

   Master Lock founder Harry Soref dies.

5. 

   1957

   Master Lock makes front page news.

6. 

   1958

   Master Padlocks go to prison.

7. 

   1954–1959

   Master Lock Advertisement to appear in many popular Magazines.

History Milestones

1. 

   1961–1968

   Another decade of innovation in lock design.

2. 

   1963

   Master Lock branches into Radio Advertising.

3. 

   1967

   Master Lock appears on TV.

4. 

   1960–69

   Master Lock's Community Involvement.

History Milestones

1. 

   1970

   American Brands buys Master Lock.

2. 

   1971

   Master Lock introduced its first gun lock, number 90.

3. 

   1971

   Master Lock Sponsors “Let's Make a Deal”.

4. 

   1972

   Master Lock Golf Sponsorship.

5. 

   1973

   Innovation continues in padlocks and focuses on adjacent categories.

6. 

   1973

   Celebrity Tennis.

7. 

   1974

   Shot Lock Super Bowl commercial airs.

8. 

   1970–79

   Master Lock Contributed to United Way.

History Milestones

1. 

   1980

   Master Lock Sponsors an Indy Car.

2. 

   1980

   Master Lock increases brand prominence.

3. 

   1981

   Neighborhood Redevelopment Project.

4. 

   1982

   Master Lock introduces its first combination padlock, 175.

5. 

   1983

   Master Lock wins the CLIO award.

6. 

   1983

   Master Lock passes the test of the TV show “Fight Back” with David Horowitz.

7. 

   1984

   Innovation continues to reach expanding markets.

8. 

   1988

   Master Lock part of U.S.S. Wisconsin Battle Ship.

9. 

   1988

   Michael Jordan named Master Lock ∕ NBA defensive player of the year.

10. 

    1989

    Ray Nitschke receives Master Lock.

11. 

    1980's

    Master Lock contributes to the United Way.

History Milestones

1. 

   1990

   Master Lock goes green.

2. 

   1990's

   Master Lock retouched its supply chain to reach global competitiveness.

3. 

   1990–1999

   Adjacent Market expansion continues.

4. 

   1991

   Master Lock expands on going green.

5. 

   1994

   Shot Lock still relevant.

6. 

   1996

   Sales office in Canada Opens.

7. 

   1997

   Shot Lock Commercial stays true.

8. 

   1998

   Master Lock introduced an Automotive Series and Vehicle Security Product Line.

9. 

   1999

   Louisville Distribution Center Opens.

History Milestones

1. 

   2000–2006

   Master Lock Innovation continues.

2. 

   2002–2007

   Master Lock introduced a storage security line featuring product numbers 5400D, 5401D, 5404D, 5406D, 5408D, and Cash Boxes and key cabinets.

3. 

   2004

   Master Lock introduced its first TSA approved travel lock number 4680. A new TSA approved sku was introduced every year until 2010.

4. 

   2004

   Master Lock's Corporate Headquarters Moves.

5. 

   2007–2010

   Innovation continues in padlock design.

6. 

   2007

   Master Lock introduces its professional, high security line of padlocks, Magnum.

7. 

   2007–2010

   Master Lock introduced a full line of Door Hardware.

8. 

   2009

   Master Lock introduces World's first combination lock that opens in left∕right∕up∕down movements, number 1500iD.

9. 

   2009

   Master Lock introduces World's first set-your-own combination lock using letter and numbers, number 1590D.

History Milestones

1. 

   2012

   President Obama Visits Master Lock to Discuss American Manufacturing.

2. 

   2012

   President Obama Highlights Master Lock in State of the Union Address.

3. 

   2000's

   Master Lock Sponsors the penalty box for the Milwaukee Admirals Hockey Team.

4. 

   2000's

   Master Lock sponsors the Milwaukee Wave, the longest running professional soccer franchise in the United States.