- Home
- Popular products
- Klein Tools
Klein Tools
Klein Tools is a manufacturing company that produces over 3,800 professional hand tools and occupational protective equipment. The company's product line includes pliers, screwdrivers, scissors, cable and bolt cutters, crimping tools, wire pulling and stripping tools, conduit benders, tool bags, and personal protective equipment. Klein's product serve a wide variety of industries including electronics, electrical and telecommunications, construction, mining, aviation, and general industry.
History
Klein Tools was founded in 1857 by Mathias Klein as a forge shop. During the 1860s, there was an increase in the demand for durable hand tools to be used by professional tradesmen. Because of the increasing demand and the new industries, the small shop became a full-fledged business that delivered a line of hand tools. During the 1910s, the company expanded its product line of pliers to include over 100 different types and sizes. In 1968, the company acquired R.H. Burhke Company in order to add a line for occupational protective equipment, leather, and canvas products. In 1972, Klein established a Mexican subsidiary, Herramientas Klein, S.A. De C.V. in order to serve the Mexican market. Three years later, a new, modern drop-forging plant was constructed in Moran, Kansas to help the company increase forging production. In 1978, the William Warne Co., a manufacturer of leather pouches, was acquired. In 1980, Klein built an international distribution center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The company also constructed a tool pouch facility in San Luis, Arizona. In 1986, Vaco Products Company was acquired which, in turn, added new lines of tools and supplies to Klein's product line. In 1989, Klein opened a new plant in Roselle, Illinois. In 1996, another new plant was opened; this tie in Schaumburg, Illinois. The company acquired KalFact Plastics in 2005 and renamed it Klein Plastics. Two years later, the company made another acquisition, Heritage Cutlery, and renamed the company to Klein Cutlery, LLC. In 2010, Mumme Tools became a sister company. In addition, Klein purchased a 50% equity position in UEi Test Instruments. A year later, the company opened the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center in Texas, focused on R&D as well as the deployment of cutting edge manufacturing processes.
Photo Courtesy of Klein Tools
Headquarters & Locations
Klein Tools has its headquarters located in Linconshire, Illinois. It also has offices and manufacturing facilities in Elk Grove Village, Illinois; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Bolivar, New York; Fort Smith, Arkansas; and Mansfield, Texas.
Photo Courtesy of Contractor Supply Magazine