THE KEY-BAK In France
EDEWAT, was seduced by the creativity and quality of KEY-BAK products. We are the official distributor of the brand from father to son for 40 years.
About us
How the story began
History An ingenious success story
Russ set up the West Coast Chain Manufacturing Co. in Pasadena, California.
Although the first product was created in 1948, the West Coast Chain Manufacturing didn't stop there. The company's proximity to CalTech and NASA laboratories led it to adopt new technologies to improve the design of the reel spring.
Over the years, the KEY-BAK brand has built up a reputation for quality and durability, using only the finest materials. If you're looking for a reliable key retractor (automatic or anti-return) to secure your keys, put your trust in KEY-BAK.
In 1948, W. "Russ" Lummis, a signalman with the Pacific Electric Railway, witnessed the accident of a colleague whose dangling key ring had been caught by a moving train.
This event gave Russ the idea of a winder that would keep the keys handy on the side but safe from snagging.
His idea became the first KEY-BAK, which we now call the "Original KEY-BAK". Russ sold his first models to colleagues and then to blacksmiths in the Los Angeles area.
As word of mouth spread and sales grew, Russ was able to leave his job as a signalman to devote himself to developing his automatic roll-up key ring.
History Recent
In 1985, production at the West Coast Chain Manufacturing Co. exceeded capacity at the historic site. The factory moved 60 km to the east, to Ontario, still in California. Key rings are still produced there today. This is also where the tests are carried out to ensure that KEY-BAK owners are assured of a robust and durable key ring.
Today, 75 years after the first KEY-BAK was created, several million are in use around the world.
West Coast Chain Manufacturing Co. is now owned by its employees. The company continues to create quality products that many professionals rely on every day.
Although often copied, it has never been equalled in terms of quality, durability or functionality. Our iconic retractable key ring has evolved into a variety of styles and configurations designed to secure keys and tools for all your uses.
The ISO 9001:2015 certificate
West Coast Corporation is ISO 9001:2008 certified in recognition of its quality management system.
To obtain this certification from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), West Coast Corporation had to establish strict quality management processes and demonstrate its ability to produce products that satisfy its customers over time while complying with current standards.
