About Folger Adam
About Folger Adam
Folger Adam traces its roots to 1880, when William J. Adam founded Adam Steel and Wire Works in Illinois, initially producing fencing and grille work. His son, Folger Adam, later renamed the company and shifted its focus toward manufacturing detention cells and mechanical locks for prison swinging doors, setting the brand's long-term direction in correctional security hardware.
The company expanded its detention lock lineup by purchasing the detention lock lines of Sargent & Greenleaf and Yale & Towne, and later acquired the detention lock line of Stewart Iron Works, becoming the only manufacturer of both mechanical and electromechanical prison locks until 1967. After a devastating flood, Folger Adam moved its operations to Lemont, Illinois in 1983, and in 1986 the company acquired Stewart-Decatur Security Systems, Inc. to broaden its detention security offering.
In 2004, Phelps-Tointon, Inc., the parent company of Southern Steel, acquired Folger Adam Security, Inc., merging the two leading detention equipment manufacturers into Southern Folger Detention Equipment Company, with production of both lines consolidated in San Antonio, Texas. The Folger Adam name continues today as a core product line within Southern Folger's detention lock and hardware catalog.
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Frequently asked questions
What type of facilities use Folger Adam locks?
Folger Adam locks are designed for correctional and detention facilities, covering both mechanical locks for swinging cell doors and electromechanical locking systems. Tell us your facility type and door configuration and we'll match the right lock.
Is Folger Adam still a standalone company?
Folger Adam Security, Inc. merged with Southern Steel in 2004 to form Southern Folger Detention Equipment Company, with production consolidated in San Antonio, Texas. The Folger Adam name continues as a product line within Southern Folger's catalog.
Does Folger Adam make both mechanical and electromechanical locks?
Yes, Folger Adam was historically the only manufacturer of both mechanical and electromechanical detention locks until 1967, and that dual capability carries forward in the current product line. Let us know whether you need manual or electronically controlled locking and we'll confirm the right model.
What detention lock lines did Folger Adam acquire over the years?
Folger Adam purchased the detention lock lines of Sargent & Greenleaf and Yale & Towne, and later acquired the detention lock line of Stewart Iron Works, consolidating multiple legacy lock designs under one brand. This history means replacement parts for several older detention lock brands may trace back to Folger Adam tooling.
Where are Folger Adam products manufactured today?
Folger Adam products are manufactured in San Antonio, Texas as part of Southern Folger Detention Equipment Company, following the 2004 merger of Folger Adam and Southern Steel. ChatMRO can source current Folger Adam detention locks and hardware through this supply chain.