Klein Tools Affiliate Acquires Heritage Cutlery
LINCOLNSHIRE, ILL. - September 7, 2007 - Klein Tools, a leading manufacturer of hand
tools and occupational protective equipment for the professional tradesman, announced that its affiliate, Klein Cutlery, Inc., has acquired the manufacturing assets of Heritage Cutlery Inc., Bolivar, N.Y. from Rogers, Lunt, and Bowlen Company.
The asset acquisition, which includes the company name, facility, and such brand names
as Heritage® and C-Mon®, was completed August 31, 2007. Terms of the agreement were
not disclosed.
In business since 1952, Heritage Cutlery is the largest U.S. manufacturer of hot-forged scissors and shears for a wide variety of markets including electrical and industrial. The company currently employs 55 people and produces as many as 4,500 scissors and shears per day at its 18,000-square-foot facility. The new company will operate under the name Klein Cutlery LLC. No changes in management are anticipated.
"For 25 years, Heritage Cutlery has been a supplier to Klein Tools, supplying select styles of electrician's scissors," said Wayne J. West, the new president of Klein Cutlery. "The synergy between our two companies is reinforced by the companies' similar values in quality, craftsmanship, innovation and a strong commitment to manufacturing in the U.S."
According to Thomas R. Klein, president, Klein Tools, "The acquisition of Heritage Cutlery assets strengthens our business portfolio and allows us to expand our presence in closely related markets."
This year marks Klein Tools' 150th anniversary. In 1857, Klein Tools' founder and blacksmith Mathias Klein forged the first-known U.S.-made pliers in Chicago. Since then, Klein Tools has grown to be the leading manufacturer of a variety of hand tools and occupational protective equipment.
For more information on Klein Tools, please contact:
Klein Tools
P.O. Box 1418, Lincolnshire
IL 60069-1418
Phone: (800) 553-4676
Fax: (847) 478-0625
E-mail: marketing@kleintools.com
www.kleintools.com.
