Snapshot

• Why Aligarh is world-famous: Known as the “Lock City of India,” Aligarh has been a global hub for mechanical locks, padlocks, and hardware since the 19th century. Today, it is a large-scale engineering and hardware manufacturing cluster producing door fittings, hinges, architectural hardware, and security systems for both domestic and export markets.
  
• Cluster identity: This ODOP (One District One Product) recognized hub bridges traditional craftsmanship with precision engineering, serving mass-market retail, premium hardware brands, and industrial buyers.
  
• Global market position: Aligarh’s exports reach North America, EU, Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia, with strong OEM/ODM capacity for international brands.
  

Product Range

• Locks:
  
  • Padlocks (brass, iron, stainless steel, laminated)
    
  • Mortise locks, rim locks, cam locks, combination locks
    
  • Industrial security locks for containers, warehouses, and lockers
    
• Architectural Hardware:
  
  • Hinges, tower bolts, door stoppers, handles, knobs
    
  • Sliding systems, door closers, gate latches, window fittings
    
• DIY & Home Improvement:
  
  • Curtain brackets, shelf supports, cabinet hardware, fasteners
    
• Industrial Products:
  
  • Precision-cast components, die-cast zinc parts, stainless steel accessories
    

Materials & Manufacturing Techniques

• Metals: Brass, iron, mild steel, stainless steel, zinc, and aluminum alloys.
  
• Processes:
  
  • Die-casting, forging, stamping, CNC machining, drilling
    
  • Powder coating, nickel/chrome plating, electrophoretic deposition
    
  • Hand polishing, buffing, and antique finishes for decorative lines
    
• Traditional meets modern: While Aligarh started as a handcraft-based industry, today CNC machines, CAD-CAM design, and automated assembly coexist with artisanal polishing and assembly expertise.
  

Compliance & Certifications

• ODOP Recognition: Officially designated under One District One Product for locks and hardware, promoting design and market competitiveness.
  
• ISO Standards: Leading exporters comply with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 for quality, environment, and safety management.
  
• International Compliance:
  
  • CE marking for locks in European markets
    
  • UL standards for fire-rated locks and hardware in North America
    
  • RoHS/REACH for coatings and surface finishes
    
• Sustainability focus: Powder coating, lead-free finishes, and recyclable metal scrap usage.
  

Cluster Infrastructure

• Industrial Ecosystem: Over 5,000 small-to-medium manufacturing units with integrated plating plants, foundries, and hardware assembly lines.
  
• Export strength: Aligarh contributes to a large share of India’s locks, door hardware, and DIY exports with a strong OEM supply base.
  
• Skill base: Generational expertise in lock-making, precision casting, and decorative finishing.
  
• Institutional support:
  
  • EPCH & ODOP programs for branding, marketing, and trade promotion.
    
  • MSME cluster initiatives and NSIC testing labs for mechanical performance validation.
    
• Connectivity: Close to Delhi NCR and dry ports; easy access to Mundra and Nhava Sheva ports for exports.
  

Production Timelines & MOQs

Product Category	Sampling Lead Time	Bulk Lead Time	MOQ Guidance
Padlocks & basic hardware	7–10 days	6–8 weeks	500–1,000 pcs/style
Premium decorative hardware	10–14 days	8–10 weeks	200–500 pcs/style
Industrial components	14–21 days	10–12 weeks	Based on project scope and weight

Branding & Packaging

• Branding options: Laser etching, logo embossing, monogram keys, branded tags.
  
• Packaging:
  
  • Retail blister packs, shrink-wrap packs, and color cartons
    
  • Bulk: corrugated cartons with moisture control
    
  • Palletization: ISPM-15 treated pallets for export
    
• Marketing edge: “Made in India” secure hardware branding, custom barcoding, QR-based warranty verification.
  

Quality Control (IndiaUnbox Protocol)

• Mechanical Testing: Tensile, torque, impact, and pull tests for locks and hinges.
  
• Surface Testing: Salt-spray corrosion resistance, plating adhesion, coating thickness (microns).
  
• Dimensional Accuracy: CNC precision checks and tolerance reports.
  
• Security Validation: Key complexity audits, anti-pick tests, and lock-cycle endurance (≥50,000 cycles for premium locks).
  

Price Drivers

• Raw material prices (brass vs steel), plating type (nickel/chrome/antique), lock mechanism complexity, packaging style, and order volume.
  

Buyer Confidence Signals

• Heritage brand: Aligarh has a 150+ year-old lock-making tradition, trusted globally.
  
• Engineering integration: Combination of traditional expertise and modern CNC/automation ensures scalability and precision.
  
• Export readiness: Mature cluster with ISO-certified suppliers, CE/UL compliance, and robust QA systems.
  
• Market diversity: Suppliers cater to retail hardware chains, luxury interior brands, and high-volume industrial buyers worldwide.