Mechanical and electronic locks – expertise from the beginning

For over 160 years DLP has been manufacturing high-precision locks and fittings. In the 1930s, the aspiring company increasingly focused on the automotive industry and supported for example the VW Beetle with the development of new concepts for door handles and window locks.

Today, as a family-owned company in its fifth generation, managed by Dipl. Wi. (FH) Michael La Porte, we are firmly established on the market as the technology leader in the field of locking systems for off-highway vehicles.

1860

Focus on the essentials. Dietrich La Porte establishes a German trading business in Vörde, which soon expands its activities to the production of locks, fittings and tools for the furniture and construction industry. The foundation for DLP has been laid.

1885

Came to stay. The company relocates its headquarters to Wuppertal-Barmen — and remains loyal to the location for more than 100 years. The furniture locks, keys and fittings from our own production are already exported beyond the borders, to Russia for example.

1930

DLP starts. As a supplier to the rapidly growing automotive industry, DLP produces latch locks, revolving door locks, square handle door handles, window displays, closing wedges and various custom-made products. Customers include major companies.

1950

Companies on growth course. In the course of mass production in the furniture sector, the demand for low-cost locking systems is high. DLP develops low-cost furniture locks with keys, fittings made of die-cast zinc and other accessories for the furniture industry in large numbers.

1965

Well-known customers rely on DLP. In-house stamping shop, foundry, plastic injection molding, assembly department, mold and tool making — through the high level of vertical integration, DLP can respond individually to customers. Including Miele, Samsonite, Grohe, Hansa, Staff-Zumtobel.

1975

Focus on off-highway. DLP develops and produces locking systems for commercial vehicle cabins and becomes an innovative solution provider for the international commercial vehicle industry and cabin manufacturers. As one of the pioneers in the field of one-key systems, DLP is equipping the automotive supply industry for the first time with cylinders for ignition starter locks.

Wendeschlüssel

2002

DLP invests in the future. The performance potential of the locally integrated development department gives DLP a clear lead in the market. In addition to building a linear production process, investments are made in new manufacturing technologies, such as the plastic injection in the gas internal pressure process.

DLP product

2007

More flexibility, more production capacity. After more than 100 years at the Wartburg and Hünefeldstrasse locations, DLP is relocating to new modern Wuppertal premises in the Niedergebreck industrial area, thereby combining three existing plants into a sophisticated overall concept.

DLP Gebäude

2008

DLP is breaking new ground. The relocation makes it possible: Through the use of modern production technologies and the expansion of the product range with electronic components and a large number of further innovative products, DLP can expand and strengthen its position on the market.

Griffschale

2009

Welcome to the USA. With the founding of DLP USA, “Made in USA” is produced so that DLP can react to trends within the American commercial vehicle market with specific solutions. Also beneficial: support in sales and adherence to tight timelines within development processes.

DLP USA

2011

Foundation of D. La Porte Asia Ltd. The new Chinese subsidiary is the cornerstone of a network of trusting partnerships in various Asian countries, which will further advance the growth of DLP in the global marketplace.

2013

Open to new things. Radio remote control systems are conquering the commercial vehicle industry, not only increasing driver comfort, but also ensuring safety for the cab and workplace. DLP sells the first radio remote control systems to a well-known construction machinery manufacturer.

Remote control key

2016

Electronics prevails. More and more customers are interested in the radio remote control and its features. DLP supplies them with innovative systems in the modern modular design, which is designed for the toughest requirements of the off-highway market.

volvo keys

2017

New factory in the USA, bigger, more mounting options, comfortable working.

DLP USA building

2018

Expansion plans at DLP. We build to meet the economic needs.

DLP Luftbild