Contact:
Michele M. King, Communications & Training Manager
Channellock, Inc.
814/337-9278
mking@channellock.com
Ryan Ankrom, SBC Public Relations
614/255-2859
rankrom@sbcadvertising.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CHANNELLOCK INC. CELEBRATES 120 YEARS
MEADVILLE, Pa. (March 6, 2006) — Channellock Inc., the leader in the design and
manufacture of high-quality pliers and hand tools, celebrates its 120th anniversary this year.
Though 12 decades have passed since George B. DeArment founded the company in 1886,
CHANNELLOCK® has remained steadfast in its commitment to its people and the community.
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-ityourself 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.
Channellock 120th Anniversary
Add One
- more 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.
Earlier this year, CHANNELLOCK® unveiled a new marketing, advertising and public relations
campaign: Work Hard. Sweat Blue™. Print advertisements and radio spots, which will be placed
throughout 2006 and beyond, were designed to reflect Channellock’s uncompromising
approach to manufacturing the finest hand tools.
About Channellock
Founded in 1886, Channellock Inc. is a worldwide leader in the manufacture of high-quality
pliers and assorted hand tools. For more information on CHANNELLOCK® products, rich
history, sales contacts and current news, visit www.channellock.com.
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