Knipex Tools

Knipex-Tools is the North American Sales and Marketing organization of KNIPEX-Werk, a developer and manufacturer of pliers, cable cutters, crimping tools, and insulated tools.

History

Knipex Tools was founded by Carl Gustav Putsch in 1882 when he opened a small forge for pliers. By 1900, Carl Gustav Putsch was able to acquire the first drop hammer and a separate forge was built on a neighboring site. In 1922, Carl Gustav Putsch dies and his son, Carl Putsch, takes over the company. Five years later, the company's 27 employees are able to produce around 7,000 pliers per week. In 1942, Carl Putsch designed and registered the "KNIPEX" brand. In 1954, the founder's grandson, Karl Putsch, takes over leadership of the company and expands its product range. He also helps modernize the production processes. In 1973, the company launches a new style of water pump pliers called the "Alligator." Another innovation is introduced by the company in 1984 - the "Cobra", a new type of water pump pliers that can be quickly adjusted in fine increments by simply touching a button. Four years later, Knipex introduces another new addition to their product offerings: a compact bolt cutter called the "Cobolt" that has a lever-action mechanism which ups the user's manual force by up to twenty times. In 1991, a tools company in Thuringia called Rennsteig-Werkeuge joins the Knipex group. Three years later, Knipex develops a new style of tool called the "Pliers Wrench." In 1996, the company sets up sales branches in the U.S., China, and Russia. In 2012, the company started constructing its sales branch in Dubai.

Headquarters & Locations

Knipex has its corporate headquarters and manufacturing facility located in Wuppertal, Germany. The company also has sales branches in the U.S., China, Mexico, Russia, and Dubai.  

Photos Courtesy of Knipex Tools