Master Lock history

1924 The world’s first laminated padlock is invented.

1931 Focus on innovation begins.

A Master Lock exhibit at the 1933 Chicago World's Fair taught the public about the construction of laminated steel locks.

1935 Master Lock introduces its first combination lock, the 1500D.

Sales grew along with Soref's and Master Lock's reputation and the company moved to a larger production facility and new offices in 1939.

The company's reputation outlived Soref, who died in 1957.

Sam Stahl, one of the original investors, led the company until his death in 1964, when the Soref family took over management of the company.

1971 Master Lock introduced its first gun lock, number 90.

1973 Innovation continues in padlocks and focuses on adjacent categories.

In 1978 the company introduced a new line of laminated pin tumbler rekeyable padlocks, in which the cylinder could be replaced or repinned.

To accommodate its growing production needs, in 1979 the company began the first phase of an expansion project, a 92,000-square-foot warehouse and production facility addition.

1980 Master Lock increases brand prominence.

Cable locks for outboard motors provided a new area of growth and in 1981 the company introduced brass padlocks for marine uses.

1982 Master Lock introduces its first combination padlock, 175.

1983 Master Lock wins the CLIO award.

1984 Innovation continues to reach expanding markets.

In 1986 Master Lock increased its advertising budget by 50 percent, spending $2.5 million.

These changes freed production space for new products, such as "Tough Stripes," a high-tech style bike lock introduced in 1987.

1988 Michael Jordan named Master Lock ∕ NBA defensive player of the year.

1991 Master Lock expands on going green.

In 1994 Master Lock produced a new Superbowl commercial titled "Security." The beginning of the 30-second spot showed, at a feverish pace, Master Lock products in use at Hoover Dam, at Caesar's Palace, on a Wells Fargo armored security truck, and at Ely Maximum Security Prison.

A new product in 1996 involved a joint venture with Kensington Technology Group to produce and market a galvanized steel cable and locking device to use with Laptop computer equipment, the Master Lock Universal Notebook Security Cable.

In 1997 Master Lock renegotiated with its labor union to allow the transfer of 700 assembly jobs from Milwaukee to Mexico.

New products introduced in 1998 included the EX locks; a nylon shroud protected the locks, making them resistant to cutting and prying.

In August 2000 Master Lock debuted the first titanium padlocks and combination padlocks, the DAT Titanium Tough Padlock.

2001: Master Lock restores image as premium lock maker with patented titanium locks.

Master Lock increased its marketing budget for 2002 to $15 million, including in-store promotions.

2004 Master Lock introduced its first TSA approved travel lock number 4680.

2007 Master Lock introduces its professional, high security line of padlocks, Magnum.