Joe Werner
Board President
Joe Werner, the founder of Engineering Unlimited Inc (EU) purchased Sterling Padlocks in 1970 after the owner, George H. Sterling, passed away. Joe acquired the equipment needed to make padlocks and began building new products as he perfected the manufacturing process. The company experienced steady growth as it added new employees driven by EU’s engineering department.
There’s been no better testament to the loyalty the company has earned over the years than when Joe discovered an unfulfilled purchase order for a company in Florida. He contacted the company to ask if they still needed the product—and they did. That company remains a customer to this day.
Joe continues to work with Patrick, passing on his business philosophy and supporting the third generation of successful operations.
Bob Werner
CEO
Bob Werner began working at Engineering Unlimited Inc. (EU) in 1990, where he served as a project engineer, shop manager, field technician, Vice President of Engineering, and eventually CEO. Quality, customer service and growth in the automation sector were key driving factors during his time with EU.
Sterling Padlocks continued to grow during these years, with consistent upgrades and investments in manufacturing. The number of machines on the shop floor doubled. Bob officially took over management of Engineering Unlimited in 2005 from Joe Werner. In 2022, the automation business was sold to Crown Iron Works. Bob remains involved as CEO and in an advisory role.
Bob Werner graduated in 1988 from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in Electrical Engineering, where he met his wife, Mary Kay. They have three children: Jackie, Patrick, and Bridget.
Patrick Werner
General Manager
Patrick Werner is a graduate of Marquette University College of Business. He began working at Sterling Padlocks in 2022 after Bob transitioned to working at CPM.
Patrick is focused on improving company processes by strengthening communication between the office and the shop floor, optimizing the floor layout, and acquiring the right equipment to increase efficiency. His goal is to grow the business through increased sales, the introduction of new security products, and the continued success of the family-owned company.