Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/479641
1 4 0 H a r t f o r d Stanley Black & Decker Stanley Black & Decker – A Local Company with Global Resources. I n 1843, a man by the name of Frederick Stanley opened a small shop in New Britain, Connecticut to manufacture bolts, hinges, and other hardware from wrought iron. In 1857, Stanley's cousin, Henry Stanley, founded another shop in New Britain, the Stanley Rule and Level Company, which pro- duced high quality hand tools. In the early 1900s, the two companies merged to form The Stanley Works. Right about the same time, in 1910, two men named S. Duncan Black and Alonzo G. Decker started a shop of their own in Baltimore, Maryland. Within six years the two men had obtained the world's first patent for a portable power tool. That patent would change the world of power tools, and make Black & Decker one of the most recognized names in the world. In fact, both companies quickly built reputations for excellence and innovation, and built the Stanley and Black & Decker names into trusted and respect- ed brands. Both companies flourished over the next 100 years, amassing an unparalleled family of brands and products and an even more impressive wealth of industry expertise. In 2010, the two companies combined to form Stanley Black & Decker, the world's biggest and best tools and security company. While the two companies had grown in parallel, there was very little overlap between their operations, and the business units, product lines, and geographic locations comple- mented each other well. Combined as one Fortune 500 powerhouse, the company's portfolio features a host of respected brands including Stanley, Black & Decker, Bostitch, Porter-Cable, DeWalt, Sonitrol, Emhart Teknologies and dozens more, forming the foundation of the company's three major divisions: Construction and DIY, Industrial, and Security. Construction and DIY The largest and most established of Stanley Black & Decker's business units, Construction and DIY (Do-It- Yourself) delivers the hand tools and power tools that build, improve and repair our world. Hammers, drills, wrenches, tape measures, levels, flashlights — even a nail that can make a home twice as resistant to hurri- canes and earthquakes — are all Stanley Black & Decker's stock in trade. Never complacent, the company has a rigorous product innovation methodology. With a laser focus on residential construction, repair and remodeling, Stanley Black & Decker's approach to new product development incorporates field-testing of new prototypes. Stanley's Discovery Teams integrates feed- back from end-users into product designs to ensure maximum utility and customer satisfaction. An example is the DeWalt line of cordless compact lithium-ion power tools, launched in 2010 with more in the pipeline for future releases. The advantage of this technology is that batteries are smaller in size and lighter in weight than traditional Nickel-Cadmium batteries. The batter- ies do not self-discharge, allowing the tools to be stored for extended periods of time without losing charge. For any professional or do-it-yourselfer that has reached for a rechargeable electric screwdriver only to find it dead, the benefits and convenience are clear. Stanley has a well-earned reputation for delivering tough, innovative and trusted hand and power tools and storage solutions for both construction professionals and the do-it-your- selfers who want to work like pros. Industrial Stanley Black & Decker's expertise in tools extends far beyond residential building and remodeling into specialized areas such as industrial and automotive repair, engineered fastening systems and infrastruc- ture solutions. These three business units form Stanley Black & Decker's Industrial division, and also includes some of the world's toughest tools for the world's Above right: The steam- powered yard engine was purchased by the Stanley brothers in 1830. The engine was used only for short haul- ing between buildings. It was the first in New Britain and possibly in Connecticut. Above: Frederick T. Stanley established Stanley's Bolt Manufacturing in 1843 and incorporated the Stanley Works in 1852.