Snap-on Industrial Brands, Formerly J.H. Williams Tool Group, Debuts Expanded Offering at ISA Show in Chicago

KENOSHA, Wis., May 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Although the name is changing, the quality, durability, and performance remain the same.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110504/CG95459)

Williams®, Bahco® and CDI Torque Products® – three legendary names synonymous with quality and workmanship – are now part of Snap-on Industrial Brands. "By renaming our business unit Snap-on Industrial Brands we are strengthening the direct link between our distribution brands and Snap-on Incorporated, our parent company," said Michael Carr, director of sales, Snap-on Industrial. "Our intention is to accelerate the pace of innovation and new product introductions, creating greater value for our distributor partners and their customers."

In conjunction with the renaming, Snap-on Industrial Brands will be introducing its latest catalog, dubbed Catalog 1. "We feel that this new name and catalog represent a significant strategic departure from our current efforts, hence the designation as Catalog 1," said Carr. "As we expand our product offering, it will provide a platform to extend deeper into the industrial, maintenance, and construction markets already served. It will ultimately enhance our unique position as the most valued productivity solution in the industrial hand and power tool market."

The new Williams, Bahco, and CDI product additions to Catalog 1 represent a 47% increase in SKUs in comparison to the previous J.H. Williams Tool Group Catalog 317. This will give customers a much greater selection of tools and equipment to choose from.

In addition to the Williams, Bahco, and CDI Torque Products, Snap-on Industrial Brands will ultimately offer its distributor partners Sioux® Air Tools. Sioux® Tools are proven to meet the demanding specifications required by today's industrial manufacturing, assembly, and finishing customers and share a common goal – making work easier, safer, and more efficient. Products from all these brands will be on display in Snap-on's Industrial Distribution Booth No. 1423, 1431 & 1435 at the 2011 ISA Product Show & Conference, May 14-17, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago.

Williams Tools: our heritage, your future

Since 1882, Williams has met the harshest challenges of the most demanding industries. Williams was among the first manufacturers in the world to offer mass produced drop-forged tools, a 15 degree angle wrench, and heavy-duty slugging wrenches.

Bahco Tools: work smarter – faster – better

Bahco, inventor of the original adjustable wrench, is the world leader in adjustable wrenches, ergonomics and cutting tools. Bahco applies the science of ergonomics to hand-tool design in a unique 11-step scientific process called ergo®. The result is a line of tools, saws and accessories that are safe, comfortable and offer productive performance.

CDI Torque Products: torque without compromise

CDI Torque Products is the world's largest supplier of industrial quality torque tools, and leader in precision torque, force and tension calibration systems. CDI is ISO 9001 certified and a pioneer in the development of digital torque measuring instruments.

For more information about the new Snap-on Industrial Brands, call 800.446.7404

About Snap-on Industrial

Snap-on Industrial is a division of Snap-on Incorporated, a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of tools, diagnostics, equipment, software and service solutions for professional users.  Products and services include hand and power tools, tool storage, diagnostics software, information and management systems, shop equipment and other solutions for vehicle dealerships and repair centers, as well as customers in industry, government, agriculture, aviation and natural resources.  Products and services are sold through the company's franchisee, company-direct, distribution and Web-based channels. Founded in 1920, Snap-on is a $2.6 billion, S&P 500 Company headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

SOURCE Snap-on Industrial