Lenox a manufacturer of cutting tools, hosted a media event and factory tour to celebrate 100 years of design and innovation.
The event, which included an appearance by Lee "Hackman" Breton, took place at the company's facility in East Longmeadow, Mass., July 13 and 14.
"It is very special to us, and it's quite a milestone," Newell Rubbermaid chief operating officer and group president of tools Bill Burke said during his opening remarks during the event.
The event included a presentation about the company's history, information about new products being introduced to the market and a guided tour of the facility. Additionally, Hackman - who developed the bi-metal hacksaw blade and toured the world demonstrating Lenox's cutting tools by sawing through large items like cars, buses and airplanes - visited with members of the media and shared his experiences with the company.
As part of the anniversary celebration, Lenox has introduced a number of new products in 2015, including the Gold Power Arc Curved Reciprocating Saw Blades, which have a number of applications including automotive work.
Founded in 1915 as Lenox American Saw, the company started as a hacksaw blade manufacturer with a 10-employee team. Today, the company employs more than 900 people and sells products in more than 70 countries.
"The unmatched quality and durability of Lenox products is still driven by our founding mission statement, to create tools that allow customers to unlock their full potential," Burke said in a press release. "Today, we continue with that same passion for innovation and the desire to provide professionals with tools that cut faster and last longer."
Lenox has contributed to notable advancements in the development of cutting tools. In 1920, the brand manufactured a variety of hacksaw and band saw blades before producing hole saws in 1959. In 1965, Lenox introduced an electron beam welder into their manufacturing, leading to the first American-made bi-metal band saw blades being sold in North America. In 1977, Lenox expanded its hand tools and power tool accessories by introducing the first bi-metal reciprocating saw blades to the market. By 1996, Lenox became the first U.S. band saw blade manufacturer to achieve ISO certification, demonstrating the brand's commitment to meeting and surpassing customers' expectations. In 2003, Newell Rubbermaid purchased Lenox American Saw and added it to its tool properties, which also include Irwin and Hilmar.
In addition to the recent media event, Lenox is running a number of promotional activities with distributor partners and end users, culminating with its Centennial Celebration for employees and customers at company headquarters in September.
