NEWS BRIEFS
ITW Merges Midwest Fastener Divisions
Illinois Tool Works has integrated two of its Midwest industrial fastener divisions — ITW Bee Leitzke and ITW Shakeproof — into a single entity called the ITW Shakeproof Group, with five facilities in Illinois and Wisconsin.
“These two divisions have a l ong and rich history in their respective markets,” stated new group GM Phil Johnson. “While they have operated as separate brand entities, over time they have serviced similar markets, manufactured similar industrial products, and shared customers.”
Johnson noted the new name reflects the heritage of the various brands.
“Over time, ITW has grown and acquired a group of industrial businesses that have great branded value. The brand names are important to us, and in communications with customers, we learned that the names are still important to our customers.”
The Shakeproof Group’s long term goals is to enable customers to contact one facility for the Bee Leitzke, Mellows and Shakeproof Stampings product lines.
“With Bee Leitzke and Shakeproof sharing common markets like agriculture, heavy truck and equipment, pole line, outdoor power equipment, appliance, and railroad, it seemed natural for us to bring the two businesses together. We are excited about working towards arming customers with the ability to have one direct contact for the complete off the shelf standard product side of our business,” Johnson added.
Shakeproof Alpine, a custom threaded screw manufacturer, will continue to operate individually within the Shakeproof Group.
Shakeproof’s history dates back to 1923 when ITW launched it as the first line of manufactured products from its tool making business. Shakeproof invented stampings for machinery that resisted vibration and loosening. Shakeproof’s inventions of Tooth Lock Washers, Spring Washers, and Square Cone Washers quickly became industry standards.
In 1991 ITW purchased the Mellowes Helical Lock Washer facility in Milwaukee, WI, to compliment the stamping products business.
ITW Bee Leitzke was established in 1929. Known as the “pin people”, Bee Leitzke manufactures cotter, clevis and hitch pins for industrial markets. ITW purchased Bee in 1996 and the current company resulted from the merger of three prominent fastener manufacturers: Medalist/Rein Leitzke, Bee Industries, and Hobbs Fasteners.
Bee Leitzke’s manufacturing facility is located in Watertown, WI, and the warehousing and administration office is located in Iron Ridge, WI. ©2011 GlobalFastenerNews.com
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