Channellock announces historic expansion project

June 13, 2019

Channellock, Inc., is continuing its investment in American manufacturing by adding additional square feet to the company’s facilities in Meadville, new machinery, and the launch of a new product.

Channellock, Inc., is continuing its investment in American manufacturing by adding additional square feet to the company’s facilities in Meadville, new machinery, and the launch of a new product. The new space and equipment will allow CHANNELLOCK^® to address its increasing product demand by providing additional production capacity and distribution space.

“We remain committed to making our pliers here in Meadville and firmly believe Made the USA products stand for quality, tradition and reliability,” said Jon DeArment, president and chief operating officer at Channellock, Inc. "This expansion will allow us to increase our production capacity to better serve our customers by getting them the tools they need. As we bring the new equipment online, including our largest forging hammer yet, it’s clear that the increased capacity will help better position CHANNELLOCK^® to support the recent growth and increased demand for American-made hand tools.”

CHANNELLOCK^® is investing in a 35,000 square foot expansion of its finished goods warehouse and distribution facilities. The project will bring the company’s total presence in Meadville to more than 260,000 square feet of production and distribution space. With more than 370 full-time associates, Channellock, Inc., is among the largest employers in Crawford County, PA.

CHANNELLOCK^® DEBUTING NEW PRODUCT
“The expansion is allowing us to add a brand new product –SpeedGrip^TM pliers – to our family of more than 130 different sizes and types of pliers and hand tools,” DeArment added. “These all new American-made tongue & groove pliers include a fast-adjusting feature and patent-pending crosshatch teeth.”

CONTINUING A LEGACY
The fifth-generation family owned company is also proud to celebrate CEO and board chairman Bill DeArment’s 50th anniversary with the company, as it continues its commitment to making the highest quality tools right here in the USA. CHANNELLOCK^® will honor Bill and celebrate the Meadville plant expansion on June 14 with a block party for all employees at the plant.

“Our vision is to continue to grow as a family owned business,” Jon DeArment added. “Expanding our CHANNELLOCK^® manufacturing capabilities highlights our commitment to fueling that vision.”

About Channellock, Inc.
Channellock, Inc., is a worldwide leader in the manufacture of high-quality pliers and assorted hand tools, including iconic, American-made CHANNELLOCK^® Tongue & Groove Pliers, which can be found in quality retailers around the world. Founded by George B. DeArment in 1886, the Meadville, Pennsylvania-based company is now in its fifth generation of family ownership and operation. For more information on CHANNELLOCK^® products, the company’s rich history, sales contacts and current news, visit www.channellock.com. To stay connected with Channellock, Inc., like us on Facebook or follow CHANNELLOCK^® on Twitter and Instagram.