Willenhall has been then capital of the U.K lock manufacturing industry for nearly 500 years, and Imperial Works, the  home of the Guardian Lock and Engineering Company since 1985, has been producing locks since the early 1900's.  The works were purpose built at the turn of the century, to house the lock makers R&F Keats, who produced locks on the premises there until the 1950's.

In the years between then and 1985, the buildings served as home to a door furnishings maker, a stampings company, and even a pet supplies wholesaler, before Guardian purchased the premises.  In 1989, the premises were extended, adding 6000 square feet of factory space, with a further 7500 square feet of factory, office and warehouse space being added in 1998. Guardian Locks & Engineering Co. Ltd.

 

 Imperial Locks Willenhall Past & Present

 Guardian Lock & Engineering Co. Ltd.