The Chamberlain Group (CGI) is a leading manufacturer of residential and commercial access control systems, best known for its brands like Chamberlain, LiftMaster, Merlin, and Grifco. Founded in 1906 as Chamberlain Manufacturing in Waterloo, Iowa, the company initially produced equipment like cream separators and rope belts. However, it transformed in 1968 when it entered the garage door opener business, which has since become its core market.
Over the years, Chamberlain Group pioneered many technological innovations, including the first digital radio controls and wireless keyless entry systems for garage doors. It has continued expanding globally, acquiring companies and entering new markets like perimeter access control and smart home systems. One of its major achievements is the development of myQ technology, which allows users to control garage doors and lighting via smartphones, integrating with broader smart home ecosystems.
In 2021, The Duchossois Group, which had owned CGI since the 1980s, sold the company to Blackstone, a private equity firm. This partnership is expected to further CGI’s growth, particularly in the connected home and e-commerce sectorsThe Chamberlain Group (CGI) is a leading manufacturer of residential and commercial access control systems, best known for its brands like Chamberlain, LiftMaster, Merlin, and Grifco. Founded in 1906 as Chamberlain Manufacturing in Waterloo, Iowa, the company initially produced equipment like cream separators and rope belts. However, it transformed in 1968 when it entered the garage door opener business, which has since become its core market.
Over the years, Chamberlain Group pioneered many technological innovations, including the first digital radio controls and wireless keyless entry systems for garage doors. It has continued expanding globally, acquiring companies and entering new markets like perimeter access control and smart home systems. One of its major achievements is the development of myQ technology, which allows users to control garage doors and lighting via smartphones, integrating with broader smart home ecosystems.
In 2021, The Duchossois Group, which had owned CGI since the 1980s, sold the company to Blackstone, a private equity firm. This partnership is expected to further CGI’s growth, particularly in the connected home and e-commerce sectors