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Klein Tools
Company typePrivately owned
IndustryManufacturing
Founded1857;167 years ago(1857)
FounderMathias Klein
HeadquartersLincolnshire, IL
Key people
Thomas R. Klein, Chairman CEO
ProductsHand tools
Number of employees
2,500
Websitewww.kleintools.com

Klein Tools, Inc.is an American company based inLincolnshire, ILthat manufactureshand tools.The company is known for its popularity with workers in theelectrical[1][2][3]andtelecommunications[4][5]industries.Lineman's pliersin the past were often called "Kleins," an example of agenericized trademark.

Klein's line-up contains more than 5,000 different tools, including 165 different types ofpliers,in addition toscrewdrivers,nut drivers,wire pulling andstrippingtools,crimpingtools,scissors,snipsand shears,cableandbolt cutters,multimeters,electrical outlet testers,conduit benders,personal protective equipment,andtool bags.[6]Klein produces a high-end line of tools under its Journeyman label.[7]

History

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Klein Tools was founded in 1857 inChicago, IllinoisbyGermanimmigrant Mathias Klein.[8]The first tool Klein made was a pair ofside-cutting pliersfor atelegraphlineman.[9]The company grew as the telegraph and eventuallytelephoneandelectricalindustries grew after theCivil Warby adding 100 types of pliers in the 1910s. From the 1960s-1980s, the company expanded their product line to include leather and canvas products, occupational safety equipment,hex key wrenches,screwdrivers,nut drivers,as well as electrical terminals and connectors. Along the way, Klein acquired the R.H. Buhrke Company of Fort Smith, Arkansas in 1968 and theVaco ProductsCompany ofJonesville, Michiganin 1986.[10]Also in the mid 1980s, the company started manufacturing adjustable wrenches in the US, which they had previously been purchasing from a Japanese supplier.[11]

Klein Tools built a drop forging plant inMoran, Kansasand distribution center inCedar Rapids, Iowabefore the 1990s.[12][10]The company added an affiliate, Klein Connection, to help ensure awider distributionof Klein products. Klein Connection is an e-commerce website.[11]

In December 2011, the company announced that it was closing its plants inSkokieandRoselle,and moving their operations to Texas.[13]Later that year, 2011, they opened their new advanced manufacturing facility in Mansfield, Texas. In 2014, they opened their new heat-treating facility and announced plans to expand on their 100 acres in Mansfield.[14]In 2015, Klein added another 300,000 sf of plastic injection molding and machining, and in 2020 added an additional 270,000 sq. ft. Distribution Center. In 2021, Klein Tools moved its corporate headquarters toMansfield, TX.The company is still owned and managed by members of the Klein family.[15][12]

Klein Tools currently has offices and facilities in Fort Smith, AR; Lincolnshire, IL; Philadelphia, PA; Bolivar, NY; Mansfield, TX, Forging & Design, operations in Elk Grove Village, IL.

In September 2018, Klein Tools acquiredSaint Paul-based Ergodyne, a manufacturer of safety work gear.[16][17]

Sponsorships

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Klein Tools got involved in motorsports in 1994 to gain visibility with auto racing fans.[11]Drivers of Klein-backed cars included Jacques Villeneuve, who won the Indianapolis 500 and the CART championship in 1995; and Dan Wheldon (co-major sponsor with Jim Beam) as well as being an associate sponsor for all of Andretti-Green Racing, who won the Indianapolis 500 in 2005.[11][18]

In 2001, Klein Tools started sponsoring aerobatics pilot Michael Mancuso. He flew the Klein Tools Extra 300L during air shows and at IndyCar events as the official air show of the Indy Racing League.[11][19]

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References

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  1. ^Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation (May 1, 2000)."Klein Tools: A Tradition of Quality and Success".RetrievedJanuary 9,2010.
  2. ^Cage, Chuck (March 16, 2007)."Reader Find: Klein's" Beverage Tool "".Toolmonger.RetrievedJanuary 9,2010.
  3. ^Brewer, Jay (May 20, 2008)."Klein Tools Turns 150!".Tool Snob.RetrievedJanuary 9,2010.
  4. ^Contracting Business (April 1, 2007)."Klein Tools Founder Inducted into Lineman's Museum, Hall".RetrievedJanuary 9,2010.{{cite web}}:|author=has generic name (help)
  5. ^Alloy Artifacts."Various Hand Tool Makers".RetrievedJanuary 25,2010.
  6. ^Klein Connection."About Us".RetrievedJanuary 12,2010.
  7. ^Klein Tools (2001-08)."Klein Tools Introduces New Journeyman™ Line of Premium Pliers for Professionals".RetrievedJanuary 12,2010.{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  8. ^Murphy, H. Lee (July 8, 1996)."Pliers Poker".Crain's Chicago Business.RetrievedMarch 12,2014.
  9. ^Parker, Ben (December 18, 2017)."Klein Tools 9-Inch Journeyman Diagonal-Cutting Pliers".Pro Tool Reviews.RetrievedNovember 4,2022.
  10. ^abF&F Industrial Equipment Corp."Manufacturer Spotlight: Klein Tools".RetrievedApril 4,2014.
  11. ^abcdeWack, Kevin (2008).Forging Endurance: The Klein Tools Story.Old Saybrook, Connecticut: Greenwich Publishing. p. 91.ISBN978-0-944641-69-9.RetrievedApril 4,2014.
  12. ^abCableOrganizer.com."The History of Klein Tools".RetrievedJanuary 9,2010.
  13. ^"Klein Tools To Close Plants In Skokie, Roselle".www.cbsnews.com.RetrievedOctober 20,2022.
  14. ^ContractorSupplyMagazine.com."Inside Klein Tools' Texas Manufacturing HQ".RetrievedApril 17,2014.
  15. ^Klein Tools."About Klein".RetrievedJanuary 9,2010.
  16. ^Wittenberg, Alex (September 5, 2018)."Ergodyne acquired by tool manufacturer Klein Tools".www.bizjournals.com.RetrievedOctober 20,2022.
  17. ^"Klein Tools acquires Minnesota company".Fort Worth Business Press.September 5, 2018.RetrievedOctober 20,2022.
  18. ^The Auto Channel."Klein Tools Signs Multi-Year Sponsorship Deal With Andretti Green".RetrievedApril 17,2014.
  19. ^Crash.net."Air Show to enhance pre-race build-up".RetrievedMarch 17,2014.
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