Klein Tools Publishes Commemorative Book "Forging Endurance"


LINCOLNSHIRE, ILL. - October 2008 - In honor of its recent 150th anniversary, Klein Tools has released the book, "Forging Endurance." The new book chronicles the Klein Tools story from the founding father and birth of the company to the present day as a leading manufacturer in the electrical industry, and as the 84th oldest family-owned business in the United States.

Authored by Kevin Wack, the 127-page, coffee-table book tells the story of the Klein Tools legacy beginning in 1857, when Mathias Klein operated a blacksmith shop in Chicago. A broken pair of cutting pliers was brought into the shop to be fixed, where Klein quickly forged a new piece. A few weeks later, Klein produced a second half to fit the first. Those two halves represent the first pair of pliers produced in the United States. Linemen soon came from all over the city for repairs and ultimately, to acquire their first pair of "Kleins," and with that, Klein Tools was born.

Klein Tools has grown dramatically since 1857. Today, Klein Tools employs more than 1,000 people nationwide and is still owned and managed by fifth-generation direct descendants of Mathias Klein. Offering more than 4,000 different products in 80 countries, professional tradesmen rely on Klein Tools for premium quality, durability and performance.

"Forging Endurance" provides anecdotes of Klein Tools employees that journeyed to the United States in search of a job that would bring them a better life. It also chronicles family members, employees, customers and key contributors to the company's success.

The book's historical photography and compelling narratives depict how Klein Tools came to be a premier manufacturer of hand tools in America. The book may be purchased at www.kleintools.com.

Klein Tools' leaders are convinced that family ownership is one of the main reasons for the company's longevity and success. "We are proud to publish this historical account as a tribute to the Klein Tools legacy," said Mathias A. Klein III, chairman of Klein Tools. "We are very proud of our long standing and successful history."

Klein Tools is a leading manufacturer of professional hand tools and occupational protective equipment. For more information on Klein Tools and its book, "Forging Endurance," 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.

Corporate Contact:
Mary Bonesz
847.821.5500

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