America was built on manufacturing and innovation.
In the tool manufacturing industry, there are few companies who can claim to have a track record of over a century. However, Channellock Inc., a family-owned and -operated plier and hand tool manufacturer, can make that claim. This year they are celebrating their 130th anniversary.
Although 13 decades have passed since George B. DeArment founded the company in 1886, CHANNELLOCK® has remained committed to high-quality products and to domestic manufacturing.
“To be able to say that our world-famous pliers are still made in Meadville, Pennsylvania, USA is a source of pride to everyone at Channellock,” says Chairman and CEO Bill DeArment. “Our company was founded in 1886 in northwest Pennsylvania on the principle of making the highest-quality tools, and nothing has changed.”
CHANNELLOCK® has long been known for high quality and craftsmanship, and its product line is the preferred choice of professionals and the serious DIY’ers who want to get the job done. Since its founding as the Champion Bolt & Clipper Co., the company has also led the industry through innovation. In 1932, chief engineer Howard Manning developed and patented the tongue-and-groove plier, dubbed “Channellock” at the time. The company now offers more than 140 types and sizes of hand tools that bear the company’s signature CHANNELLOCK BLUE® color.
Throughout the years, Channellock Inc. has taken pride in its tradition of innovation. The company has made many improvements in its manufacturing practices, including site-specific laser-heat treating operations for more durable products and the implementation of robotics in the forging, polishing and machining arenas.
Other areas of innovation in recent years include 3-D printing, which has allowed Channellock Inc. to develop prototypes for new tools and potential improvements to existing products.
“It has been a welcome addition to our tool design process because it allows us to see how an idea would actually function before advancing too far along the process,” said Jon DeArment, president and COO of Channellock Inc.
DeArment said the company looks forward to many more years of innovation, best-in-class quality and a continued commitment to American Manufacturing.
“In addition to the high-quality product CHANNELLOCK® customers receive, American manufacturing also employs workers and supports families from local communities,” Jon DeArment said. “That’s something we are very proud of and believe our customers appreciate.”
