Since 1892, A. Rifkin Co. has been delivering quality manufactured goods. We got our start in work clothing, dry goods, and wholesale, but for the last century we’ve specialized in security bags and supplies. When it comes to banking, elections, government, and business, Rifkin is your trusted partner for secure and non-secure reusable fabric bags and specialty products. We offer:
- Bags for Restaurant, Food Service, and Retail Industries
Read more about how we went from work clothing to security products in our history below!
If you can imagine it, we can sew it –discover more about Rifkin
Our History
A. Rifkin Co. got its start over 130 years ago in 1892. Here’s a look at our journey over the years!
1890s
The Rifkin family, fleeing religious persecution in Russia, moved to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, in 1891. Although the family got its start in farming, they quickly switched to manufacturing work clothing and wholesale dry goods. With a rented building on the corner of South Welles and East Northampton Streets, A. Rifkin. & Co. was born.
1900s–1910s
Hard work and a commitment to the community allowed Rifkin and his partner to purchase a three-story brick building and expand their wholesale business in Wilkes-Barre.
1920s
Innovation was the focus of the 1920s for Rifkin. The company received a patent for the “cover-all” with special shoulder openings – it would soon become known as the “Rifkin-All.” A new embroidery machine brought uniformity, various colors, and several sizes to customers. All eyes were on the work clothing line, and the dry goods portion of the business was dropped.
1930s
In response to a bank holiday declared by President Roosevelt, A. Rifkin & Co. designed a zipper bag with padlock to meet the needs of local merchants and banks. An improved locking mechanism for bags was developed and patented by Rifkin,and became known as the Arcolock®. The business shifted to serving the unique needs of banks with coin bags, courier bags, and other specialized products.
1940s–1950s
World War II required Rifkin to once again focus on uniforms, but after VJ Day, the company again shifted to serving banks’ needs. The Deluxe Arcolock® would be introduced in 1947, and the last work clothes would leave the company by the end of the 1950s.
1960s
A. Rifkin & Co. would become A. Rifkin Co. in 1965, and the company would partner with a lock manufacturer to produce a new, proprietary master key system exclusive to the brand.
1970s–1980s
In 1970, Rifkin developed a high-security lock for the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority, leading to significant business expansion. By 1983, the company had consolidated operations into a large facility in Sans Souci and modernized with a comprehensive computer system to manage customer orders efficiently seems odd that the only fact is that we started using computers.
1990s–2000s
1992 saw the brand’s 100-year anniversary, and over the next 20 years, Rifkin would embrace new developments, the latest technology, and special projects, including new security features, such as Keyless Security™.
2010s–Present
In recent years, Rifkin has embraced the technology and solutions that have allowed the brand to deliver enhanced customer support, service, and experiences at every touchpoint. With a focus on the latest developments in the industry, we’re able to offer customers a robust product line backed by trust. A. Rifkin Co. teams are able to meet fast turnaround times while also delivering quality products to every one of our clients.
A. Rifkin Co. FAQ – Your Questions Answered
A. Rifkin Co. Today – Your Trusted Partner for Secure Bags
Sustainability is important to us, we’ve implemented solar panels, paper-free policies, and material conservation. Much of our business is done through “made to order,” which allows us to deliver personalization at every touchpoint. And thanks to the latest technology and product developments, we’re able to deliver unique and tailored products for enhanced security and protection to banks, federal agencies, libraries, election officials, schools, and more.
Our products allow our customers to:
- Be more productive
- Save money
- Improve their processes
- Enhance security
- Educate their staff
- Grow their business
At every turn, we’re dedicated to delivering upon the A. Rifkin Co. difference. With custom manufacturing, you can receive personalized products and specialty bags, even on a tight deadline. With solutions made in the USA, we’re your high-quality, trusted partner in the industry, backed by 130 years of experience, excellent customer service, and a willingness to make it right if something goes wrong.
At Rifkin, we have a long, rich history, steeped in trust, reliability, and outstanding customer service – and we’re dedicated to those commitments in the years to come too. When it comes to security, it’s important to go with a vendor you can trust. We deliver personal connections at every turn and hope to be your security partner going forward.