I was just trolling Channellock's website and notice the below press release. I have several of the old pairs where the grips were made overseas and like them, I have yet to see the new grips. But nice to see production moving back to USA. I don't believe it effects their Chinese made screwdrivers though, nor Irega made adjustable grips. Still cool though.
Copy of Press release below.
Channellock, Inc., a worldwide leader in the manufacture of high-quality pliers, announces the re-launch of its CODE BLUE® line of pliers, as well as the return of manufacturing from overseas to a Meadville, Pa., partner. Thanks to this manufacturing shift, CHANNELLOCK’s entire CODE BLUE® line now features newly designed American-made grips.
The New CODE BLUE®
CHANNELLOCK’s popular CODE BLUE® line of pliers, designed for long-lasting durability and grip-comfort, has been improved with redesigned grips that feature composite thermoplastic elastomer cores and over-molds that deliver a more secure hold, greater durability and comfort. Like all CHANNELLOCK® pliers, the improved CODE BLUE® line meets the exacting demands of both professionals and discerning DIYers alike.
“CHANNELLOCK® is committed to delivering the best pliers in the industry, even when that means taking an already great product line and making it better,” said Ryan DeArment, vice president of sales and marketing at Channellock, Inc. “It’s an exciting moment for us because we’re offering professionals and DIYers a great selection of quality pliers that is now 100 percent manufactured in the United States.”
Re-Shoring Manufacturing
While the core of a CODE BLUE® plier has always been forged in CHANNELLOCK’s Meadville facilities, the plier’s grip has, until recently, been produced outside the United States. However, after deciding on a streamlined grip re-design, CHANNELLOCK® elected to move its grip production to Meadville-based contractor Evolution Molding Solutions. This change has meant CHANNELLOCK® can not only realize an improved grip design, but also dramatic cuts in shipping and production times and enhanced quality control processes now that grip production is locally sourced. All of these developments will facilitate the company’s plan to significantly expand the CODE BLUE® line in 2013.
“By making every part of the CODE BLUE® line in the United States, our customers win because they get a quality, American-made tool,” DeArment said. “At the same time, CHANNELLOCK® wins because it makes good business sense.”
Copy of Press release below.
Channellock, Inc., a worldwide leader in the manufacture of high-quality pliers, announces the re-launch of its CODE BLUE® line of pliers, as well as the return of manufacturing from overseas to a Meadville, Pa., partner. Thanks to this manufacturing shift, CHANNELLOCK’s entire CODE BLUE® line now features newly designed American-made grips.
The New CODE BLUE®
CHANNELLOCK’s popular CODE BLUE® line of pliers, designed for long-lasting durability and grip-comfort, has been improved with redesigned grips that feature composite thermoplastic elastomer cores and over-molds that deliver a more secure hold, greater durability and comfort. Like all CHANNELLOCK® pliers, the improved CODE BLUE® line meets the exacting demands of both professionals and discerning DIYers alike.
“CHANNELLOCK® is committed to delivering the best pliers in the industry, even when that means taking an already great product line and making it better,” said Ryan DeArment, vice president of sales and marketing at Channellock, Inc. “It’s an exciting moment for us because we’re offering professionals and DIYers a great selection of quality pliers that is now 100 percent manufactured in the United States.”
Re-Shoring Manufacturing
While the core of a CODE BLUE® plier has always been forged in CHANNELLOCK’s Meadville facilities, the plier’s grip has, until recently, been produced outside the United States. However, after deciding on a streamlined grip re-design, CHANNELLOCK® elected to move its grip production to Meadville-based contractor Evolution Molding Solutions. This change has meant CHANNELLOCK® can not only realize an improved grip design, but also dramatic cuts in shipping and production times and enhanced quality control processes now that grip production is locally sourced. All of these developments will facilitate the company’s plan to significantly expand the CODE BLUE® line in 2013.
“By making every part of the CODE BLUE® line in the United States, our customers win because they get a quality, American-made tool,” DeArment said. “At the same time, CHANNELLOCK® wins because it makes good business sense.”
