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Our Group can trace its origins back to 1889 when John Lowe and Thomas Fletcher established a lock making business in Willenhall, the home of the British lock making industry in the famed Black Country industrial heartland of the British Empire.Today we remain the only sizeable family owned lock maker still operating in the Black Country. However, over the last 125 years we have grown into a truly international business with factories and operations across Europe and America. Whilst locking systems are still a large part of our business we have also diversified into fire safety products.The interactive timeline above gives a brief overview of key developments in our first 125 years.
  • mr lowe - founder of company
    mr fletcher - founder of company
    1889

    John Lowe and Thomas Fletcher founded their lock making business in Willenhall, England, one of more than 300 lock manufacturers in the area at the time. Their fledgling company specialised in the finest craftsman made locks in brass, bronze and polished gunmetal.

  • high quality brass lock with key
    1902

    The company launches the highest quality brass padlocks and establishes itself as a leading supplier of locks for ships. This is recognised by becoming an official Admiralty and War Office Contractor.

  • 1930s - The Willenhall site develops from its workshop origins with increased mechanisation of production processes. Mortice Locks are introduced to the Lowe & Fletcher range and become a core product line for the next thirty years.
    1930s - The Willenhall site develops from its workshop origins with increased mechanisation of production processes. Mortice Locks are introduced to the Lowe & Fletcher range and become a core product line for the next thirty years.
    1930s

    The Willenhall site develops from its workshop origins with increased mechanisation of production processes. Mortice Locks are introduced to the Lowe & Fletcher range and become a core product line for the next thirty years.

  • 1960s - Disc Tumbler Locks are introduced and the factory modernised to manufacture larger quantities. The success of Disc Tumbler Locks enables the business to enter a new phase of growth and profitability.
    1960s - Disc Tumbler Locks are introduced and the factory modernised to manufacture larger quantities. The success of Disc Tumbler Locks enables the business to enter a new phase of growth and profitability.
    1960s

    Disc Tumbler Locks are introduced and the factory modernised to manufacture larger quantities. The success of Disc Tumbler Locks enables the business to enter a new phase of growth and profitability.

  • 1968 - A new factory is opened at Bilston. A major fire at the Willenhall factory leads to a complete rebuild. Lowe & Fletcher Metal Finishing is established in Bloxwich. Lowe & Fletcher Metal Finishing is established in Bloxwich.
    1968

    A new factory is opened at Bilston. A major fire at the Willenhall factory leads to a complete rebuild. Lowe & Fletcher Metal Finishing is established in Bloxwich. Lowe & Fletcher Metal Finishing is established in Bloxwich.

  • 1972 - Another year of expansion as Euro-Locks is established in Bastogne, Belgium. It is now our largest manufacturing site.
    1972

    Another year of expansion as Euro-Locks is established in Bastogne, Belgium. It is now our largest manufacturing site.

  • 1981 - Euro-Locks France is established in the town of Folschviller to support further growth in our European operations.
    1981

    Euro-Locks France is established in the town of Folschviller to support further growth in our European operations.

  • 1983 - Euro-Locks Germany is established in the town of Sulzbach to serve the Germanic markets and increase the manufacturing capacity of the European operation.
    1983

    Euro-Locks Germany is established in the town of Sulzbach to serve the Germanic markets and increase the manufacturing capacity of the European operation.

  • 1989 - 100 years of Lowe & Fletcher is celebrated by a visit from HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
    1989

    100 years of Lowe & Fletcher is celebrated by a visit from HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

  • 1997 - Increased opportunities in Eastern and Central Europe see the establishment of Euro-Locks Poland, in the town of Ruda.
    1997

    Increased opportunities in Eastern and Central Europe see the establishment of Euro-Locks Poland, in the town of Ruda.

  • 1998 - Lowe & Fletcher Wednesbury is opened as the main UK manufacturing site.
    1998

    Lowe & Fletcher Wednesbury is opened as the main UK manufacturing site.

  • 2000 - Lowe & Fletcher America is founded in Holland, Michigan, to meet the needs of a growing customer base in the USA.
    2000

    Lowe & Fletcher America is founded in Holland, Michigan, to meet the needs of a growing customer base in the USA.

  • 2006 - Lowe & Fletcher acquire the BLE Group which specialises in commercial lighting, security systems and smoke and fire curtains.
    2006 - Lowe & Fletcher acquire the BLE Group which specialises in commercial lighting, security systems and smoke and fire curtains.
    2006

    Lowe & Fletcher acquire the BLE Group which specialises in commercial lighting, security systems and smoke and fire curtains.

  • 2007 New Euro-Locks Poland factory opened by former Prime Minister Jerzy Buzek.
    2007

    New Euro-Locks Poland factory opened by former Prime Minister Jerzy Buzek.

  • 2012 - Lowe & Fletcher Wednesbury launch a range of digital locking solutions.
    2012

    Lowe & Fletcher Wednesbury launch a range of digital locking solutions.

  • Coopers Fire, UK
    2014 - Lowe & Fletcher celebrates 125 years of business.
    2014

    Lowe & Fletcher celebrates 125 years of business. The Group acquires Coopers Fire.

  • Locking Systems Division
    The Lowe & Fletcher Group
    2015

    New Lowe & Fletcher Group branding introduced to support the creation of the Locking Systems division and Fire Safety division.

  • Lowe & Fletcher, USA
    2019

    Lowe & Fletcher America moves to new facility at Norton Shores, Michigan.

  • Euro-Locks, Poland
    Coopers Fire, UK
    2020

    Euro-Locks Poland factory significantly extended into a full production facility. Coopers Fire move into new, purpose built factory. Vanguard Smoke and Fire Curtains is established in California, USA.

  • 2022

    BLE Smoke and Fire Curtains moves to purpose built new facility. Euro-Locks Belgium celebrates 50 years of business.