July, 2006, marks the 40th anniversary of Wilson Tool International, a company that has evolved from a simple tool and die shop into a leading tool supplier to sheet metal fabricators.
With a passion for tool making, flair for innovation and a desire to treat people well, Ken Wilson embarked on an endeavor 40 years ago that created a new standard for sheet metal fabricating around the world. This month marks the 40th anniversary of Wilson Tool International, a company that has evolved from a simple tool and die shop into a leading tool supplier to sheet metal fabricators across the punching, bending and stamping markets. Ken Wilson's founding principles still guide the company's 700 employees today.
* Innovation is 'driving force' - from the beginning, founder and chairman Ken Wilson embraced innovation as a way to drive down costs for fabricators and make their operations more productive.
With this focus on innovation, the company evolved with a culture that encourages idea sharing and provides the freedom to fail in order to succeed.
'Ken Wilson never said 'no.' He would always test an idea,' commented Bob Haskins, Wilson Tool co-president, 'That spirit continues to inspire our entire workforce to this day.' As a result, more than 35 patents are held by Wilson Tool.
Some of the more notable accomplishments include Series 80 assemblies (the first to offer shim-free adjustment), Wilson Wheel technology, proprietary Optima coating, the original American Precision press brake tooling, and Accu-Lock retainer inserts.
Building on its punch press roots, the company expanded into the press brake market in 1994 and two years later offered its Impax tooling line to the stamping market.
* Technology plus service - Wilson Tool's innovation didn't stop with technology, but included service as well.
In this arena, the company worked to reduce lead times and speed deliveries.
'We have revolutionized our processes to help fabricators compete more efficiently by getting the tools they need in their hands as fast as possible,' said co-president Brian Robinson.
During the 1970's, three week delivery was the norm.
By 1992, Wilson Tool offered same day service, a first in the industry.
Today, the company has another industry first with its e-Business Center, offering 24/7 ordering online.
* Tooling around the world - based on the simple premise that sheet metal does not travel very well, Wilson Tool has developed a network of sales engineers, distributors and manufacturing operations that establish a presence in virtually every industrialized nation around the globe.
In 1982, Wilson Tool entered Europe.
Further demonstrating its industry leadership, the company entered China in 1996.
'Wilson Tool has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to innovation not only through products and service but also in its markets served,' said Colin Blackwell, managing director European Operations.
'Our focus has always been on what is best for our customers.' * About Wilson Tool - for 40 years, Wilson Tool International has been a leading provider of tooling solutions that enhance the performance of sheet metal fabricating machinery worldwide.
Wilson Tool International is the world's largest independent manufacturer of tooling systems for punch presses, press brakes and punch and die components for the stamping industry.
Products are manufactured at the company's world headquarters in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, USA, at their European facility in Swindon, England, and now at their site in Shanghai, China, serving a growing customer base in that region.
Wilson Tool's network of sales engineers and international distributors operate in virtually every industrialized nation around the globe.
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