The Founding of Diebold

Origins in Cincinnati (1859)

The company that would eventually become one of Canton's most prominent businesses began in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1859. Founded by German immigrant Carl Diebold, the Diebold Bahmann Safe Company initially specialized in manufacturing safes and bank vaults – products that were in high demand during America's westward expansion and growing banking industry.

Early Innovation

From its earliest days, the company distinguished itself through technical innovation and quality craftsmanship:

• Fire-resistant technology: Diebold developed specialized materials and construction techniques to create safes that could survive devastating fires, a significant concern in 19th-century cities
• Advanced locking mechanisms: The company pioneered sophisticated locks that provided superior security for the era
• Custom manufacturing: Each safe was built to order, allowing for customization based on the specific needs of banks and businesses

Move to Canton (1872)

In 1872, a pivotal moment in both the company's and Canton's history occurred when Diebold decided to relocate its operations. Several factors influenced this momentous decision:

• Labor disputes in Cincinnati: Workforce challenges in the original location prompted consideration of a move
• Canton's strategic advantages: The city offered:
  • Excellent railroad connections
  • Proximity to steel manufacturing
  • Available skilled labor
  • Local coal for fuel
  • Available land for expansion
• Financial incentives: Canton's business leaders actively recruited the company with favorable terms

Establishment in Canton

The company purchased a five-acre site on the southwest side of Canton and constructed a modern manufacturing facility that initially employed approximately 200 workers. The impact on Canton was immediate and significant:

1. Employment: The factory created numerous skilled, well-paying jobs
2. Economic boost: Supporting businesses such as restaurants, shops, and housing developments grew around the facility
3. Talent attraction: Skilled metalworkers and engineers relocated to Canton
4. Prestige: Having a nationally-known manufacturer enhanced Canton's reputation as an industrial center

Early Products and Innovations

During its early years in Canton, Diebold manufactured:

• Bank vaults: Increasingly sophisticated and secure designs
• Safe deposit boxes: Secure storage for personal valuables
• Prison cell equipment: Leveraging security expertise for correctional facilities
• Treasury vaults: High-security installations for government use

The company's products gained national recognition after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, when Diebold safes were among the few that successfully protected their contents, significantly boosting the company's reputation for quality.

Growth and Expansion

Under the leadership of the Diebold family, the company experienced steady growth:

• Workforce expansion: By 1890, employment had grown to over 500 workers
• Facility enlargement: Multiple additions to the original factory
• Product diversification: Expansion into related security equipment
• International sales: Beginning of export to international markets

Cultural Impact on Canton

Beyond its economic contributions, Diebold helped shape Canton's cultural and social environment:

• German heritage: The company attracted additional German immigrant workers and their families
• Technical education: Apprenticeship programs and skills training enhanced the local workforce
• Civic involvement: Company leaders became prominent in local government and civic organizations
• Philanthropy: Early support for community institutions and charities

Legacy and Continued Presence

Diebold's decision to relocate to Canton in 1872 began a relationship between company and community that would span more than 150 years. The company would evolve through many transformations, eventually becoming a global leader in ATMs, electronic security systems, and financial technology.

The company's longevity is remarkable in American business history, having survived:

• Multiple economic depressions
• World wars
• Technological revolutions
• Globalization challenges

Through it all, Diebold remained an important part of Canton's industrial fabric, helping establish the city's reputation as a center for manufacturing excellence and innovation that continues to influence its identity today.