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The history of Winkhaus Starting out In 1854, August Winkhaus opened an agency business selling all types of ironmongery in Halver in the Westphalia region of Germany. Following initial success he relocates the business to Hagen and four years later starts to produce padlocks. However, August Winkhaus dies at the age of just 38 after a short illness, not living to see the success of this move. His wife Marie Pauline runs the business until their eldest son Rudolf is able to take over. A fire forces the young entrepreneur to relocate production to Münster.

1854
The company's founder August Winkhaus opens an agency business selling ironmongery in Halver in the Westphalia region of Germany, specialising in padlocks.

1862
The company moves to Hagen, as its better traffic links and the new site will enable the company to continue to grow.

1866
When his main supplier in Düsseldorf goes out of business, August Winkhaus starts to produce his own padlocks.

1869
Following a short illness, August Winkhaus dies at the age of 38. Whilst their 15-year-old son Rudolf completes his education, August's wife Marie Pauline runs the company with the assistance of a manager who is not a member of the family.

1872
The padlock production plant is completely destroyed in a fire.

Having completed his education, 19-year-old Rudolf Winkhaus takes over the management of the company.

1879
The Winkhaus family relocates the company to Münster.

1888
On the Bohlweg in Münster, Rudolf Winkhaus sets up a small operation to start production of small iron components and padlocks.

1890
Winkhaus ceases production of small iron components to focus on padlocks, expanding operations at the same time.