Our History
Experts in Trapped Key Interlock Solutions since 1932!
Through the years, electrical safety standards have evolved and the application of trapped key interlock systems has greatly expanded. Today, in addition to electrical power equipment, KIRK® trapped key interlocks are utilized on switchgear, machine guarding, loading dock safety, and many other industrial applications to protect personnel and equipment.
Key interlocking was developed during the 1890s to improve safety on the railroads for use in the application of railway track switching. Ralph Levering, “R.L.” Kirk was the first to pioneer the use of key interlocking on circuit breakers and switches, by reducing hazards caused by improper switching operations. R.L. Kirk filed for his first patent “Safety Interlock for Electrical and Mechanical Equipment and Systems” in 1931 and Kirk became an authority in electrical safety.
In 1932, KIRK® trapped key interlocks were manufactured in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, USA as part of the Railway & Industrial Engineering Company, which held the patent filed by R.L. Kirk. Through the years, Railway & Industrial Engineering changed to ITE, then Gould, which turned into Gould Brown Boveri, and finally ABB.
In December of 1999, Kirk Key Interlock Company LLC separated from ABB and was completely independent, moving operations to Massillon, Ohio, USA. In 2011 Kirk Key Interlock Company LLC was purchased by the holdings company Halma plc, and in September 2014, moved operations and manufacturing to North Canton, OH, USA.
A quick look at key events that made Kirk Key Interlock the successful business it is today.
Sentric Group
The global SPS formed in 2016, becomes Sentric Group, consisting of three sister companies Kirk in the US, STI in France and Castell in the UK. Our mission is to unite the world’s leading brands, product innovations, and experts to protect people in safety by mitigating the risk caused by human error. As Sentric, we share Purpose, Vision, Mission, and Values which bring unity, clarity and direction to everything we do.
Significant investments made
In September 2014
KIRK moved operations and manufacturing to North Canton, OH, USA.
Join FTSE 100 Halma Group
Halma plc
In 2011 Kirk Key Interlock Company LLC was purchased by the holdings company Halma plc.
Business independence
Completely independent
In December of 1999, Kirk Key Interlock Company LLC separated from ABB and was completely independent, moving operations to Massillon, Ohio, USA.
Granted patent and industry
Leadership begins
R.L. Kirk filed for his first patent “Safety Interlock for Electrical and Mechanical Equipment and Systems” in 1931 and Kirk became an authority in electrical safety.
Manufacturing increases
In 1932, KIRK® trapped key interlocks were manufactured in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, USA
As part of the Railway & Industrial Engineering Company, which held the patent filed by R.L. Kirk. Through the years, Railway & Industrial Engineering changed to ITE, then Gould, which turned into Gould Brown Boveri, and finally ABB.