Great American Business Leaders of the 20th Century
Henry R. Towne
Yale and Towne Manufacturing Company
1868–1916
1868–1916
Yale and Towne Manufacturing Company
1868–1916
1868–1916
- Industry: Fabricated Goods
- Era: pre-1900
Assuming sole leadership of the company after the death of his partner Linus Yale, Towne would go on to revolutionize the lock industry. Capitalizing on one of Yale’s less favorite designs, Towne recognized that the heart of the lock could be mass-produced with individual combination cylinders added later. This and other techniques, many of which were the invention of Towne himself, helped make his company the leader in locking equipment, from small household locks, to bank locks, and night latches. Towne was also known for creating a modern system of scientific management, blending the production and engineering of goods with management and economics.
Personal
- Born-Died: 1844–1924
- Birthplace: Pennsylvania
- Race: White
- Gender: Male
- Father: Head, Same Company