McGard produces the highest quality products at the most reasonable cost to meet their customers' needs. They strive to continually improve themselves and their products while targeting their 'zero defects' goal.
McGard is a manufacturer of high quality security products, wheel locks and chrome plated lug nuts. Their customers include some of the finest North American, Japanese and European automotive manufacturers, as well as government agencies, the military, municipalities, and the fuel industry.
Since 1966, McGard has become known for its unique product designs and comprehensive service programs in these and other areas where security and safety are top priorities. Consistent high quality that insures the greatest value for their customers is the foundation of their business, and is evident in every McGard product on the market today.
Proudly manufactured in the USA
When McGard say “An American Manufacturer” they mean that all of their products are and always have been invented, designed, engineered and manufactured in their headquarters & factory located in Orchard Park, N.Y. However, in this age of globalization it is not always practical or possible for us to procure all needed materials and components domestically. Some components may come from their subsidiary in Germany/E.U. and some components may be sourced globally. While only a small percent of their products and/or packages contain foreign content, all packages are labeled accordingly.
Automotive Wheel Locks and Lug Nuts
McGard invented its unique one-piece wheel lock for the automotive aftermarket in 1966. It functions like an existing lug nut, but requires a special key (tool) for removal. Their wheel lock is easy to use, yet provides a high level of wheel and tire security. It's also adaptable enough to allow for an unlimited number of different computer designed lock and key patterns.
McGard employs the same innovative design and high quality standards used in the production of their wheel locks in the manufacture of chrome plated lug nuts. Their in-house plating technology and experienced personnel are second to none in the industry. These capabilities enable McGard to produce superior quality lug nuts that are strong, safe, durable and exceed typical corrosion resistance standards. They're so durable in fact that they guarantee them for life not to rust, chip, or peel!
Original Equipment Automotive Wheel Locks
Since 1977 they have become a major supplier of wheel locks to automotive manufacturers in domestic and overseas markets, currently selling to over 30 automobile brand names. Their success with wheel lock technology has also led to the development of a variety of other security products for the automotive market including:
McGard's history begins with L.D. McCauley, Inc., which first began business in Buffalo in 1959, specializing in precision machining for government contracts to NASA and the military. In the early 1960's the owner and then President of L.D. McCauley, Inc., Mr. Lewis D. McCauley, designed and patented a security nut to prevent the theft of automobile rims and tires.
The market demand grew, and distribution networks and dealers were established. L.D. McCauley, Inc. dropped out of the government contract marketplace and devoted it's efforts to the manufacture of Wheel Locks. A packaging and marketing facility was required, and in 1964 McGard, Inc. was formed. International patents were obtained in 1966 and McGard's market became international.
Through the late 1960's and early 1970's, product demand continued to grow. In 1977 McGard entered the Original Equipment Manufacturers market with a lock for Cadillac's stainless steel wire wheel covers.
Ford Motor Corporation, General Motors, and Chrysler began purchasing Wheel Locks and installing them as options and standard equipment on various models with alloy wheels. In order to service the sharply increasing demand, McGard and L.D. McCauley, Inc. tripled in size. A formal Customer Service Department was established for key registration and replacement.
In 1980, McGard elected to broaden its' product line. "Special Products Division", known as SPD was formed. SPD searches out new markets and product applications other than automotive and marine. The first market SPD became involved in was the Oil and Gas Industry. Locks to secure oil and gas storage tanks, meters and valuable high pressure valve assemblies known as "Christmas Trees" are sold and serviced out of their offices in Houston and Oklahoma City.
McGard also entered the marine market in the early 1980's. Boat propellers, outboard motors, stern drive units and trailer wheels needed dependable theft protection. Presently these security locks are the most effective marine theft protection available. McGard marine locks and lug nuts are used by more O.E.M.'s than any other manufacturer.
In 1990, McGard moved into its newly constructed modern 185,000 square foot facility located in Orchard Park, New York. Shortly thereafter Durham McCauley took over as President and Peter McCauley as Executive Vice President. The need for more equipment resulted in the plant being further expanded in 2001, adding an additional 40,000 square feet of manufacturing space. Engineering, quality assurance, manufacturing, plating, set production and customer service are all housed in this world-class facility insuring the highest level of quality through every stage of production.
McGard's quality Wheel Locks are recognized by automobile companies and car owners worldwide. McGard GmbH, McGard's European facility located near Stuttgart, Germany, was opened in 1994. 1999 brought McGard into the Asian marketplace with the opening of McGard Japan located in Oomiya City. McGard Locks are sold the world over, not only to all the major car companies, but in the aftermarket as well.
SPD continues to develop new products and markets. Current standard products include locks to secure: manhole covers; fire hydrants; industrial and residential water and gas shut-offs; gas/electric/water meters; fixtures in prisons and cable television junction boxes. They also provide a variety of security solutions for the U.S. Postal Service.
McGard continues to receive awards for high quality from many of their customers. They are recognized in the automotive and mechanical security industry as having the highest quality products available. McGard is proud to be ISO/TS 16949 certified, which encompasses and exceeds the elements of the ISO 9000 and 9001 certifications McGard previously attained.