Finding a company that has lasted in the business for more than a century is like a finding a black diamond- it’s a treasure that is very rare. When you think of tools, do you stop and wonder about the reputation of the company that manufactures them? Yes, there are many manufacturers today that provide tools for our different needs may they be in the form of simple hand tools, insulated tools to the more complex power tools but quality products are hard to find.
The Klein Tools company has come a long way in its more than 150 of being in business. It was founded by a German immigrant in 1857. Who would have thought that a company that started out as a one-man metalworking business in Chicago would evolve into one of the global leaders in making tools and equipment? The company is now recognized globally for proving products fit for the electrical, construction, mining, telecommunications, and electronics industry. The Klein tools are highly trusted as companions for different types of work and their reliability made them one of the top choices of professionals.
Remembering the past with Klein Tools
The legacy of Matthias Klein lasted for more than 15 years because his work was preceded by five dedicated generations who received his work with equaled commitment. Here are some of the most memorable experiences for the Klein Tool Company.
Mathias Klein forged his first official pair of pliers in 1857. This was done in two separate installments. A telegraph lineman went to his shop in Chicago and sought for the repair of his pair of pliers. The other half of the pliers was broken so Mathias went and forged the other half and attached it to the old broken pliers. After a while, the lineman came back with the original attachment of the pliers already broken so Mathias had to replace it. The two halves became the official Klein-made set of pliers.
In the 1860s, there was a big demand for telegraphic communication. This increased need paved a way for the participation of different professional linemen. Since proper tools were needed, Mathias saw the need to produce them in answer to the need in the industry. His talent for crafting hand tools was put to good use and this became his edge since the demand kept on coming as the technology progressed to include electricity, the development of railroads and so on.
The 1910s, America rapidly expanded and Klein Tools saw the need for more versatile tools for different professionals. The company that wad first known for its original set of pliers reinvented itself and added 100 different types and pliers to their collection of products
Later in 1968, Klein Tools saw the need to include occupational safety equipment in the company’s product line. They acquired the R.H. Burhke Company who specializes in the production of safety equipment that includes leather and canvas products.
In 1972, they expanded in Mexico with a company subsidiary that produced tools and equipment. The company’s ambition grew and the need for industrial expansion was not far away.
There came a need to increase the forging production so that by 1975, the company sought to increase productivity with by building a multi-million forging plant located in Morn, Kansas.
The company’s expansion did not stop and by 1986, the acquisition of the Vaco Products Company of Jonesville who is one of the leading makers of nut drivers, hex key wrenches, screwdrivers, including related equipment increased the target market with more lines of tools and supplies.
By the time it was 1989, the company had a plant in Roselle, Illinois and they are now recognized round the globe with one of their products, the adjustable wrenches becoming one if the world’s most excellent tools in the industry. The new facility was able to produce some of the most important product of the company. A decade later, another facility in Schaumburg, Illinois was put up to produce more of the tools as we see them today in their catalogs.
Klein Tools creating more jobs for people in Texas
On December 13, 2010 Klein Tools was approved for its new location of Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center (AMTEC) in Mansfield, Texas. This facility will create 585 jobs for the people in the city with its $76 million investment. This will create opportunities for the people and more business for Klein Tools. This facility is a mark that the company is serious about being one of the global leaders in making high quality hand tools. The company president said that he wants the company to become America’s leader in this business.
This new facility was made to for the company to achieve development of cutting-edge manufacturing processes for forging, automation, and machining and grinding. The improvement of technology, equipment and processes will be taken into account.
Klein Tools offers an array of products
The Klein Tools catalog offers products for tools and outdoor power equipment (OPE). In here you will find products like cutters, wrenches, tool pouches, nut drivers, suspenders tool, fish tapes, wire pulling, drill bits, electrical testers, screwdrivers and nuts, belts and suspenders and so much more. Chicago, Illinois resident should have no trouble finding Klein Tools since there is bound to be a distributor in the state where these tools are manufactured. You can easily find distributors near you with the help of official website of Klein Tools. You can also buy their products online from Ace Hardware, Graybar, MSC, Acklands Grainger, Hagemeyer, My Tool Store, Fastenal, The Home Depot, ToolUp, Grainger, Klein Collection, and Wesco.
For the aspiring electrician, remember that a good set of tools should serve their purpose well. Klein Tools can last a lifetime giving you superior results fit for professionals.
Comments on this entry are closed.