Over the years for one reason or another our Great British industry has slowly lost its greatness and I for one find this both sad and disappointing. When a company folds that is closely linked to the industry you serve and has been a supplier either directly or otherwise it hits even harder.
This week, Willenhall Locks and Keys went into liquidation. Willenhall locks as a company was incorporated in 1956 by Thomas Sambrook and since that day the Willenhall Locks and Keys has undertaken some twists and turns but constantly remained a family business throughout. Willenhall has been the home of lock manufacturing for centuries and it was in the 16th Century that Queen Elizabeth 1 granted the town of Willenhall permission to make Royal Locks.
Willenhall Locks and Keys were no way the only locks manufacturer in the area, in 1855 it was said that there were around 340 lock manufactures in Willenhall all making various types of locks for a variety of applications.
In more recent times and certainly from a locksmiths point of view, Willenhall locks and Keys could be relied upon to produce a lock that would suit most situations were other manufacturers would not or were not producing a product suitable. When it comes to narrow doors in both width and depth and especially that of the metal or aluminium door, Willenhall could generally be relied upon to produce a suitable replacement.
With the loss of this iconic company goes the ability to replace and repair a number of doors that are generally coming to the end of their natural functioning life. Indeed it does not stop there, in many older, lower security level safes that can be found in offices, warehouses, shops and alike, also use locks supplied by Willenhall and already a couple of months ago before this sad episode, we failed to locate a lock that would suit an old safe.
Unfortunately, unless a buyer can be found to take over Willenhall Locks and Keys or at least its production, many of our customers will find themselves in an expensive situation as when their locks fail they will be forced to consider some major alternatives.
For a history of lock manufacturing in Willenhall go to:
http://www.bclm.co.uk/media/locations/library/lh-history.pdf
Owl Locksmiths and Security wish all the staff at Willenhall Locks and Keys the best and hope for all concerned both staff and their customers that a buyer can be found very soon.
Below are couple of Willenhall Locks and Keys products
