Today, Channellock is known for hand tools of high quality and craftsmanship, and its comprehensive product line is the top choice of professionals and the knowledgeable do-it-yourself market. Since its inception 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 120 different types and sizes of hand tools - all bearing the company's signature Channellock Blue color.
"Our founder, George B. DeArment, great-grandfather of current president and CEO William S. DeArment, created a company that values people more than machines. Today, Channellock is an example of the American Dream realized and offers a great case study in the free enterprise system," says Scott Jonap, vice president of sales and marketing for Channellock. "We are dedicated to providing customers with the quality pliers and hand tools they've come to expect for the past 120 years and look forward to continuing our legacy for generations to come."
Part of this family-owned company's legacy is its commitment to domestic manufacturing. While competitors have chosen to relocate facilities off-shore, thus sacrificing quality for price, Channellock has learned to balance the two. Channellock tools undergo rigorous testing before reaching more than 4,000 customers in 45 countries.
Furthering its dedication to employees and the community, in summer 2003, Channellock launched the Falcon Program, a nationally recognized, multi-faceted initiative designed to reward, encourage and celebrate employees and their families at work, at home and in the community. The program was honored with the Industrial Supply Association's American Eagle Award in the category of Employee Enrichment and Involvement during its annual meeting in Orlando, Fla., in 2004.
One year later, Channellock introduced a new product line aimed at today's younger consumers and professionals, the Code Blue line of hand tools. The eight Code Blue tools are the same quality existing customers expect with the addition of new features including improved grips and tool identification designations.