About Eberhard

About Eberhard

We’re a legacy manufacturing company with more than 130 years of experience. We pride ourselves on high-quality products and exceptional service.

Established in 1877, The Eberhard Manufacturing Company is a global leader in the engineering and manufacturing of access & security hardware. We have a standard product line of rotary latches, compression latches, draw latches, hinges, camlocks, key switches, padlocks, and handles to name a few. We also offer full development and program management services for custom electromechanical and mechanical systems designed for specific OEM’s and customer applications. Our products are found in an expansive range of applications and products globally, virtually unnoticed in our everyday lives. Typically, you are never more than 2 meters (6 feet) from one of our solutions. The Eberhard Manufacturing Company is a registered ISO9001-2015 company with five manufacturing locations in Illinois and Ohio in the United States, Shanghai and Dongguan in China and another location in Taoyuan, Taiwan. Our core manufacturing capabilities are in die-casting, injection molding, stamping, machining and final assembly. Our passion for engineering drives us forward. Developing new products to meet our customer’s design challenges is our main objective. Adding haptics and functionality to our products ultimately supports our customer’s brand equity and increases the value of their end products. Eberhard is a division of The Eastern Company (Nasdaq stock ticker EML).

Mission

To be a leader in the design & manufacturing of engineered access hardware. We will be recognized for trusted support, haptic functionality, reliable quality, and timely delivery. Positioning us to consistently win the meaningful opportunities for sustainable and profitable growth.

Vision

Disrupt and challenge ourselves to earn the first or second ranking in our targeted markets

  • 1859

    The Eastern Company, our parent company, is established in Naugatuck, CT.

  • 1877

    The Eberhard Manufacturing Company established in Canton, OH by George W. Eberhard and two other partners. The focus is on malleable iron & brass hardware for saddlery & carriages. 8 patents are issued, and our deep-rooted innovation begins.

  • 1880

    The Eberhard Manufacturing Company relocates to Cleveland, OH. An accidental fire, caused by a dropped lantern, destroys the business. The company is merged with the Cleveland Malleable Iron Co. under the leadership of Alfred Pope and the Eberhard Manufacturing Company is back in business.

  • 1882

    Corbin Cabinet Locks (CCL) Founded in New Britain, CT.

  • 1893

    The Eberhard Manufacturing Company becomes a charter member of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. Our entrepreneur spirit continues to burn bright.

  • 1908

    The Eberhard Manufacturing Company strategically begins manufacturing products for the burgeoning automotive industry.

  • 1914

    The Eberhard Manufacturing Company converts operations to directly support the USA efforts during World War I.

  • 1926

    Sesamee 4-Dial Padlock patent granted.

  • 1930

    Illinois Lock Company (ILC) founded in Chicago, IL by Raymond Gray. The focus is to design and manufacture locks to secure and protect the growing arcade gaming industry.

  • 1935

    Duo© Lock Patent issued to Illinois Lock Company (ILC).

  • 1942

    Eberhard Manufacturing converts operations to manufacture components for amphibious vehicles and landing crafts to support the USA efforts during World War II.

  • 1958

    Eberhard Manufacturing ceases all foundry work in Cleveland, OH.

  • 1960

    Illinois Lock relocates to Wheeling, IL

  • 1965

    Illinois Lock Company is acquired by The Eastern Company.

  • 1973

    Eberhard moves to a new factory in Strongsville, OH.

  • 1984

    ILC Taiwan operations begin in Taoyuan, Taiwan.

  • 1987

    CCL Security Products acquired by The Eastern Company.

  • 1992

    China Operations begin at ILC Dongguan.

  • 1999

    Eberhard Manufacturing Company purchased Ashtabula Hardware Company which manufactured bus hardware products that includes manual door controls, rods, handles, and other linkage components.

  • 2006

    Royal Lock Corporation and product line is acquired and merged into Illinois Lock.

  • 2008

    Eagle Lock Corporation acquired by Illinois Lock.

  • 2009

    Eberhard purchased the footman loop line of products from the F.A. Neider Company. These lines of products are used on many commercial and military vehicles to secure straps or webbing.

  • 2017

    80/20 business transformation begins at Illinois Lock.

  • 2018

    ILC launches new branding and acquires Load N Lock Systems.

  • 2020

    The Eberhard Manufacturing Company & Illinois Lock Company combine amidst a global pandemic caused by the Covid-19 virus. The two companies form a single, stronger entity under the Eberhard name and offer “ONE” solution for their customers with one of the broadest engineered access hardware offerings.

Got all the latches in and installed, exactly what i was looking for. Very good transaction and customer service with your company. Thanks Again!
I have been doing what I'm doing for 33 years and I could only hope that my "regular suppliers" could be as helpful and efficient as you and your company were to me this morning.
I can't begin to thank you enough for the supply and support of your products. I will highly recommend your services to all that require any product and a professional personal touch.
I must pass along a hearty “thank you” for your support. I was seriously expecting this to drag out for at least a week or more… Done in a few hours! I hope Eberhard appreciates the good work you do!