We’ve heard the story about Charles Hager leaving Germany in 1848 and ending up in St. Louis working for a blacksmith. Through hard work, skill, foresight, and determination he created a company that is still in business today, 170 years later. It’s a testament to Charles and the entire Hager family that C. Hager and Sons Hinge Company has grown into Hager Companies, supplying door hardware and electronic access control products worldwide.

You only have to see our lock levers names to know a few of the members of the Hager family that contributed to the company’s successes through wars, depressions, the industrial revolution, and now the fast-paced world of technology. From an interview with the St. Louis Business Journal, Josh Hager, company president and COO, stated “it’s been our willingness to change” that has kept the company thriving.

Currently, the 5th and 6th generations are involved in steering the business. In the photo above, from left to right are Ralph, Johnston, Arch, Josh, Rusty, August, Warren, and Sonny Hager. It’s not unusual to see the Hagers walking around the St. Louis headquarters chatting with team members. Per Josh Hager “We want employees to have the opportunity to grow and thrive here.”

The company continues to build and expand incorporating the latest technology in their manufacturing process. Last year, three new improvements were installed in the Montgomery plant, a Laser Shear Genius, a new in-house anodizing line, and an automated pinning and keying equipment. All will increase reliability, flexibility, and output, shortening lead times. This year, the company broke ground on a new 65,000 sq. ft. distribution center that will have a state-of-the-art inventory management system.

Bringing more value is key in supporting our customers. Being an independent company, not beholden to stockholders, allows us to make decisions with our customers’ best interests in mind. As Josh Hager noted “we’re very committed to staying close to our customers.” Hager Cos. continues to stand alongside our channel partners and are dedicated to the relationships we’ve fostered.

This past week the team at the Hager headquarters in St. Louis celebrated 170 years with a luncheon. While addressing the team, Ralph Hager noted “It’s all because of people like yourselves, that work here, which makes this company great. I can’t thank you enough and I know the Hager Family will always be thankful for everyone who has contributed to the company’s success and growth.”

As the year winds down, we join with Ralph in saying thank you to our customers, representatives, channel partners, suppliers, leadership, and team members in celebrating this milestone. Being stewards of this wonderful company we will continue to work hard for the generations to follow.