Since 2024, Honrock has participated in the equipment upgrade project of the Chicago Metro in the United States. Through direct or indirect channels, a total of 1,458 high-performance industrial locks were successfully delivered to the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), marking a new milestone in the recognition of Honrock lock products in the North American rail transit market.

Ⅰ.Project Background

Chicago is home to the second-largest public transportation system in the United States. Its Metro lines date back to 1947 and now operate across 8 lines with a total length of 170 kilometers. In recent years, the CTA has been carrying out a large-scale modernization of its fleet and infrastructure, including the procurement of 846 new Series 7000 Metro cars to replace aging vehicles. These new models feature stainless steel bodies and are designed to handle tight curves, elevated structures, and harsh winter climates—posing higher requirements for the adaptability and durability of supporting components.

Ⅱ. Pain Point Analysis and Solutions

1. High-frequency maintenance demands challenge lock durability and operational efficiency

The Chicago Metro operates at high intensity and requires frequent maintenance. Standard locks tend to suffer from fatigue and jamming due to frequent opening and closing.

✅ Solution:

The provided cam locks feature an integrated high-strength structure that is fatigue- and corrosion-resistant. Their simplified rotary mechanism allows for fast operation, significantly improving maintenance efficiency.

2. Harsh climate and diverse installation environments challenge lock adaptability

Chicago experiences extremely cold winters, and many equipment compartments are located outdoors or on elevated tracks. This imposes challenges on locks regarding smooth operation, sealing, and structural stability under low temperatures. Additionally, a wide variety of door panel designs demands high compatibility during installation.

✅ Solution:

The cam locks are treated with anti-freeze and anti-rust surface processes to ensure stable operation in cold, dusty, and otherwise harsh environments. Their modular design allows flexible adaptation to different panel thicknesses and door-opening directions, enabling quick installation, reducing on-site errors, and improving installation efficiency.

Ⅲ. Product Delivery Overview

A total of 1,458 industrial locks were delivered for this project, primarily used in the following scenarios:

Cam locks: Deployed on maintenance doors, tool compartments, equipment cabinets, and control cabinets—areas subject to frequent operation.

The products have passed on-site testing and meet U.S. technical and operational standards.

Ⅳ. Project Highlights and Cooperation Value

Customized design: Tailored lock types based on actual application environments

Efficient response: Rapid completion of technical drawings, sample testing, and mass delivery

Ongoing expansion: Following the Dubai project, this marks another successful implementation in a major global metro system

Ⅴ. Conclusion

The successful delivery of the Chicago Metro project demonstrates Honrock’s mature application of industrial locks in the Metro transit sector and its capabilities in international collaboration. Moving forward, we will continue to be customer-oriented, consistently improving our products and services to support the smooth implementation of more global Metro transit projects.