Allied Locke Industries was founded in 1965 by Robert L. Crowson, as Allied Chains. The initial product manufactured was steel detachable chain for the agricultural market. In 1978, Allied Chains purchased Locke Steel Chain Co., a manufacturer of agricultural chains since 1897. With this acquisition, Allied Chains broadened its offering and became one of the major producers of agricultural chains in the United States. At this time, the name of the company was changed to Allied-Locke Industries.