American Tool Companies Inc. North American Headquarters

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About

American Tool Companies, Inc. is a global manufacturer and marketer of hand tools, cutting tools, and power tool accessories, known for the VISE-GRIP® locking pliers and other specialty tools.

Innovation is a mainstay of American Tool. For more than 75 years, it's been an idea that has permeated the culture of our company and continues to drive everything we do. And today, as a part of Newell Rubbermaid (NYSE: NWL), we enjoy the financial backing and systems support of a $7 billion global consumer products company. Newell's strength allows us to concentrate on our business and on innovation more than ever. Throughout our history, American Tool has been at the forefront of the industry, creating better tools in a better way. Our dedication to improving products and processes is a driving force in all that we do. These improvements are significant—not superficial changes like the color of a tool's handle. We recognize the core needs of end users and address them by employing our wealth of industry expertise to produce a quality product. The result: American Tool consistently provides an unmatched commitment to innovation and quality for all end users—from the casual do-it-yourselfer to the seasoned professional. Innovative Products American Tool has an outstanding track record of developing new products that not only redefine, but in many cases, create the market segments in which they compete. Just a few examples of American Tool's first-to-market innovations include: the first locking pliers and locking tools, auger bits, multi-material drill bits, offset snips, one-handed bar clamps, and center-point groove flat bits. More recently, American Tool has introduced: All-in-one drill bits that can drill several sized holes without wasting time and effort by switching bits Portable, durable, lightweight, and easy-to-clean resin vises Compact laser levels All of these American Tool products created the markets in which they currently compete and were designed with the consumer in mind. Innovative Processes Category-creating new products are the hallmark of American Tool, but they wouldn't be possible without the entrepreneurial spirit and processes that foster innovation. At American Tool we make our products better, faster, and more efficiently through the application of technology, manufacturing, and process innovation. For example: We use the latest computer technologies through partnerships with elite research facilities like Northwestern University, Pennsylvania State University's Applied Research Labs, and the University of Nebraska, to make use of rapid-prototyping and rapid-tooling technologies. This has enabled us to reduce the average cycle time for new tool development and production—from two years to eight months. American Tool was also the first to successfully use state-of-the-art resins, plastics, and ceramics in tool categories typically dominated by steel. Our merchandising group was one of the first to employ "try-me" packaging and other point-of-purchase displays that allow consumers to feel and work with our products before purchasing them. Whether you're looking for innovative products that meet your needs, or innovative ways to make and deliver those products to market, look no further than American Tool.

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