Exit devices are a safe and practical means of unlocking a door from the inside. They are highly recommended, and often required for use on fire exits or secondary exits. They have been proven to greatly reduce the risk of injury during an evacuation and serve as a secure and convenient option for many applications.
The origins of Adams Rite(R) date back over 100 years. Founded as Pacific Brass Mfg. Co., in 1896, the company originally produced ornate hardware for some of the old European style mansions then being built in Southern California. In 1927, the firm was purchased by a small group of stockholders and operated under the name Rite Hardware Company. One of the stockholders, Mr. George R. Adams, purchased the company, and in 1931, his son, Arthur R. Adams, joined him in operating the business as Rite Hardware Manufacturing Company.
The company foresaw the growth of the aircraft industry and began diversifying to produce locks, latches and handles for aircraft. In 1936, the company turned out the first locks ever developed for this specific purpose, installed on the Douglas DC-3.
Recognizing the growing need for aerospace hardware, the aircraft product line was expanded. In 1945, Adams Rite Manufacturing Company was incorporated and began developing along two distinct lines - architectural hardware and aircraft hardware. The two divisions were separated into distinct companies. The Architectural Hardware Division moved to Los Angeles, and the Aircraft Division remained at the Glendale location.
In 1981, the company was sold again, and the two divisions were eventually consolidated in a single plant in Fullerton, California. In 1999, the aviation division was sold, and in 2006, Adams Rite(R) Manufacturing was aquired by the ASSA ABLOY Group, the global leader in door opening solutions, dedicated to satisfying end-user needs for security, safety and convenience.
Adams Rite(R) designs, manufactures and markets door and door hardware products to the commercial, industrial and institutional construction industry both here in the US and abroad.
QualifiedHardware.com is proud to carry a broad selection of Adams Rite(R) products. With an extensive inventory of exit devices, electric strikes and aluminum door hardware, QualifiedHardware.com offers competitive prices and free shipping within the Continental US for all Adams Rite(R) locks, hardware and accessories.