Chainsaw Repair

Chain - Grinders - Filing - Wood Milling - Tools - Welding - Machinist - Mowers - Tillers => Chain - Bars - Grinders - Filing => Topic started by: Cut4fun . on November 07, 2017, 10:23:31 am

Title: Blount Carlton History
Post by: Cut4fun . on November 07, 2017, 10:23:31 am
 
Blount History

In 1947, Oregon Saw Chain Company was founded by Joe Cox in Portland, Oregon. Joe developed the modern saw chain design after viewing how efficiently timber beetle larva chewed through wood fiber. Like many other small companies, Oregon Saw Chain began as a small operation in Joe Cox’s home.

In the years that followed, Joe expanded his saw chain business and hired several employees. Among these employees was John Gray, who eventually acquired the company in 1953 and led the company through a period of strong growth and expansion. In 1957, the company was renamed Omark Industries.

The company continued to grow over the next several decades. In 1980, Omark Industries was listed on the American Stock Exchange as OMK, and the following year opened a new corporate office in Portland, Oregon.

In 1985, Omark Industries was purchased by Blount, Inc., which at the time was a construction company headquartered in Montgomery, Alabama. Its founder was Winton M. (Red) Blount, who started his career as a construction contractor and grew a successful business through world-class construction projects. In 1991, the company founded the ICS business, which focused on developing specialized chain saw applications for the construction industry.

Exiting the construction business in 1993, Blount, Inc. was renamed Blount International, Inc. and turned its focus exclusively to manufacturing. Almost overnight, Blount went from a worldwide construction company to a worldwide manufacturing company.

In 1997, Blount purchased Frederick Manufacturing Corp. of Kansas City, Missouri, a well-known and respected manufacturer of lawnmower blades and supplier of lawn and garden products. The acquisition marked Blount’s substantial expansion of its outdoor equipment parts business.

In 1999, Blount was acquired by Lehman Brothers Merchant Banking and five years later was listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BLT.

In 2002, Blount’s corporate headquarters moved from Montgomery, Alabama to Portland, Oregon to the headquarter offices of the company’s Outdoor Products segment that consisted of Oregon Cutting Systems and ICS.

Blount has grown its business by developing world-class manufacturing operations and a strong worldwide distribution network. The company expanded its operations through the addition of manufacturing plants in Guelph, Canada (1952); Portland, Oregon (1965); Curitiba, Brazil (1979); and Fuzhou, China (2005), as well as through acquisitions of complementary businesses, such as Frederick Manufacturing (1997), Windsor (2000), Carlton Company (2008), SpeeCo (2010), KOX (2011), and Woods Equipment and TISCO (2011).
Title: Re: Blount Carlton History
Post by: Cut4fun . on November 07, 2017, 10:23:40 am

1963

After working for years as the Chief Engineer for a major saw chain company, Ray Carlton realized that manufacturing saw chain was not only a profession it was a highly skilled technology. Ray felt that the existing method of sharpening cutters before the chain was assembled was flawed and knew he could improve the product by changing the process. In 1963, Ray decided to pursue his concept by re-engineering the manufacturing process. Ray's new concept not only automated the production but completely changed the assembly sequence to increase the reliability of the cutting edge of the chain. This innovation in saw chain manufacturing quickly established Carlton Company as a quality supplier in the industry.
1965

Starting out with the Carlton E-Z Feed and Stay-Sharp chain. Carlton chain is considered the easiest to maintain in the field by many professionals. By 1965 the company is firmly established in the industry as a major supplier of saw chain.

The development of the File O Plate® sharpening tool was one of many Carlton advancements. This design provided the industry with a hand held tool that would allow them to duplicate factory cutting angles.
1969

After 2 1/2 years of rigid testing the Champion saw chain was introduced in 1969. The 3/8" pitch chain is considered the smoothest chain on the market and well received by both professional and casual users. With the addition of the Champion saw chain, Carlton positions itself as the worldwide leader in the development of new type saw chains.
1974

By 1974 Carlton Company had experienced consistent growth that was demanding more and more production space. In May of this year the company completed a new office and manufacturing facility in Milwaukie, Oregon more than doubling existing manufacturing capabilities.
1976

Several years of research in the 70's resulted in a patent issued to Carlton Company for the development of a progressive stamping die and new process to form cutters. The progressive forming eliminated metal fatigue through a cold forging process and provided a finished product with the strongest top plate in the market.
1980

Continuing innovations resulted in the introduction of the deflector depth gauge in 1980. The new design which reduced kickback and improved the smoothness of the cut was so well received by the industry that it was later added to all other chain types.
1981

As the company grew so did our expertise in the market. In 1981 Carlton Company was actively involved in the development of industry safety standards including the drafting of the ANSI ANSI B175.1 safety standard for gasoline powered chainsaws.
1983

In November of this year Carlton Company introduced the new Magna Chisel .325 chain. The chain was specifically designed for the the lightweight, mid-horsepower professional saws. The unique design included more cutters than standard 3/8" chain increasing the cutting speed and the toughness required for use in harsh conditions.
1985

The Guard link saw chain series was the first low kickback saw chain to earn certification to the ANSI B175.1 standard. Our experienced personnel and technical expertise positioned Carlton Company as the choice for testing all major chainsaw manufacturer's products.
1992

G7S - 3/4" pitch harvester chain was introduced in 1992. The "Chipper" style cutter design and superior quality became the industry benchmark for 3/4" pitch chain.
1995

Russell German was named President of the Company.

Sustained growth during the 1980's and 1990's demanded the expansion of our manufacturing facilities. In 1995 we completed a second facility dedicated the manufacture of 3/8" low profile saw chain.

Bumper guard links replaced bumper tie straps on 3/8" low profile and .325" pitch saw chain.
1997

Russell German named President and Chief Executive Officer.
1998

This year marked our 35th year of manufacturing high quality professional saw chain. By now, the company had expanded distribution to almost every country in the world and a sales office in Italy was opened to provide localized service and support for our European customers.

Our continued commitment to quality was recognized in May of 1998 as Carlton Company achieved ISO 9001 Certification.
1999

Carlton Company realized that the saw chain market was evolving from a commercial market. The smaller, low horsepower, chainsaw models were reaching a more casual consumer market. In 1999 we expanded our presence in the U.S. market with a private label line of chain saw accessories designed for sales in the Home Depot stores throughout the United States and Canada.
2000

The evolution of low horsepower gas and electric chainsaws created an increased demand for smaller, lighter saw chain and guide bars. Carlton quickly reacted to the new demand with the introduction of 3/8" low profile narrow kerf (.043") and .325" narrow kerf chains and bars.
2001

Private label successes in the consumer market led Carlton Company to introduce a Carlton branded line of retail products. The product line was launched with a complete selection of the most popular chains, accessories and combinations.

Our Harvester product line was expanded to include a complete range of accessories to complement the chains and bars.
2002

As the consumer market expanded it became obvious that Carlton would have to make some changes to maintain their high standard of customer service. To increase speed to market and improve delivery to our retail customers a distribution facility was established in Atlanta, Georgia to service the eastern half of the United States.
2003

Year over year continued growth made further expansion a necessity. In 2003 Carlton completed a 100,000 + square foot addition adjacent to our existing manufacturing facility in Milwaukie, Oregon. The new complex resulted in improved efficiencies and record breaking production.
2004

The product line was expanded again with the introduction of 1/4" pitch chain and bars. The reduced size and weight of 1/4" pitch products are specifically designed as a flexible tool for the detailed art of carving timber.

Carlton Company further increased it's presence in Europe by opening a distribution facility in The Netherlands and a sales office in Germany to increase support and service for that market.
2008

The Carlton Company was purchased by Blount International, a global manufacturer and marketer of replacement parts, equipment, and accessories for the forestry, lawn, and garden; farm, ranch, and agriculture; and concrete cutting and finishing markets, and is the market leader in manufacturing saw chain and guide bars for chain saws. Blount sells its products in more than 100 countries around the world.
Title: Re: Blount Carlton History
Post by: Cut4fun . on November 07, 2017, 10:24:21 am
http://www.blount.com/blount_company_about.asp?p=co

Link no longer works. They are gone gone. http://www.carltonproducts.com/carlton_company_history.asp
Title: Re: Blount Carlton History
Post by: HolmenTree on November 07, 2017, 11:27:28 am
Good history lesson with accurate dates.
Ray Carlton originally was a engineer for Oregon and another Oregon employee Walter Galer jumped ship and joined Windsor Industries in Burnaby, B.C. to lead their development of sawchain, bars and accessories.

Title: Re: Blount Carlton History
Post by: Philbert on November 09, 2017, 02:36:22 pm
Blount eventually acquired / purchased: Carlton, Windsor, Sandvik, KOX, ICS, and a few other saw chain brands.

They also private labeled a number of chains for OEM saw manufacturers.

Philbert
Title: Re: Blount Carlton History
Post by: HolmenTree on November 09, 2017, 03:28:45 pm
Blount eventually acquired / purchased: Carlton, Windsor, Sandvik, KOX, ICS, and a few other saw chain brands.

They also private labeled a number of chains for OEM saw manufacturers.

Philbert
I believe Blount bought out what forestry line of product Sandvik marketed with Windsor.
Sandvik earlier successfully sued Windsor over a patent and took over the company.
 But if my memory is correct Sandvik sold out their share of Windsor to Blount.
Sandvik is still heavily involved in the hard rock mining industry up here in my area.
Title: Re: Blount Carlton History
Post by: Philbert on November 10, 2017, 11:49:12 am
Took a bit of digging, but here is a bit about the parent company, Blount (pronounced 'blunt'), prior to acquiring the Oregon chain business (broken into several parts to accommodate limits on post length).

Philbert

Part 1

1946: Blount Brothers go into the contracting business.
1951: The Blounts begin to land more complex military construction projects.
1968: Co-founder Winton Blount is named U.S. Postmaster General.
1971: Blount becomes a Delaware corporation.
1972: Blount, Inc. goes public after acquiring J.P. Burroughs & Sons.
1985: Blount acquires Omark Industries of Portland, Oregon.
1994: Blount exits the construction business to focus on manufacturing.
1997: Federal Cartridge is acquired.
1999: Lehman Brothers acquires Blount in a leveraged buy-out (LBO).
2001: Federal Cartridge sold to Alliant Techsystems (ATK).

Company History:
Blount International, Inc. is a diversified manufacturing and distributing business. The company's three main businesses include outdoor products, industrial and power equipment, and sporting equipment. Its product line ranges from specialty riding mowers to log loading machinery.

Blount's manufacturing facilities are spread throughout the United States, Canada, and Brazil. Its distribution network is active in more than 100 countries. The company makes chain saw accessories and concrete cutting system through its Oregon Cutting Systems Division, which accounts for three-quarters of Outdoor Products sales. It produces lawn mowers through Dixon Industries, Inc. The Industrial and Power Equipment segment supplies timber harvesting equipment, industrial tractors, and components for the gear industry.

Origins
By the time Winton Blount, a former B-29 pilot, and his brother Houston returned to their hometown of Union Springs, Alabama, after World War II, the family sand and gravel business had almost completely deteriorated. Winton and Houston's father had died during the war, and along with him the driving force behind the company. The two brothers, however, were determined to rebuild it, and within a few weeks they had purchased U.S. Army surplus equipment to use for sand and gravel projects. Winton, ever on the lookout for opportunities and bargains, decided rather impulsively to purchase four D-7 Caterpillar tractors a short time later. When Houston asked his brother why he had purchased the tractors, Winton replied that they were going into the contracting business.
Title: Re: Blount Carlton History
Post by: Philbert on November 10, 2017, 11:50:37 am
Part 2

The first contracts the brothers landed were for constructing fish ponds in and around Union Springs. By the summer of 1946, the two siblings were doing subcontract work for the Alabama Highway. Although neither Winton nor Houston had any prior experience in constructing highways, they worked on numerous highways, roads, and bridges throughout Mississippi and Alabama during the late 1940s. Their first big break came in 1949 with a $1 million contract to build the superstructure for a viaduct in Birmingham, Alabama.

By 1951, the brothers had constructed their first building, followed shortly by a few gymnasiums. In the same year, the company, known as Blount Brothers Construction Company, procured a very lucrative contract to build a 500,000-square-foot plant used by Sperry to manufacture missile components for the U.S. Navy. In 1952, the company won a contract that significantly altered the way it conducted business. A highly technical project, the contract was for building segments of a wind tunnel for the U.S. Air Force at the Arnold Engineering Development Center, near Tullahoma, Tennessee. Winton and Houston soon discovered that highly technical projects were not only more profitable, but that there was less competition for such contracts. As a result, they started to concentrate on complex construction-type projects, some of which were one-of-a-kind buildings. Soon after the U.S. Air Force project, the company constructed an atomic energy facility at Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and took on other increasingly complex projects.

Title: Re: Blount Carlton History
Post by: Philbert on November 10, 2017, 11:51:52 am
Part 3

By the middle of the decade, the Blount brothers were not only deeply involved in the construction industry, but also in the materials business, including gravel and sand, as well as asphalt and concrete pipe production. At this time, Houston Blount decided that he wanted to devote his attention exclusively to the materials operation. Thus, the two brothers organized all their plants in the materials business and formed the Vulcan Materials Company. Houston resigned from Blount Brothers Construction to become president and chief executive officer of the new firm.

Explosive Growth in the 1950s and 1960s
Under Winton's strong leadership, Blount Brothers Construction continued to grow. The company was awarded major contracts by the U.S. Air Force to build Bomark and Nike nuclear missile bases in California, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Minnesota. In 1958, Blount Brothers constructed the first intercontinental missile facility in Wyoming. It was the first time the firm was asked to build a site under the "principle of concurrency," meaning that the design and testing of the missile was carried out as the facility itself was being designed and constructed; each testing of the missile resulted in a change of building specifications on the job site. Shortly afterwards, the company was contracted by the U.S. Navy to build an "indoor ocean" so that ship models could be tested under the most stringent conditions. The company also constructed the launching facilities at Cape Canaveral for the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo space programs, as well as the world's biggest rocket test silo. Other projects during the late 1950s involved the construction of nuclear reactors, a cyclotron, the Atlanta airport, and numerous dams and river locks.
Title: Re: Blount Carlton History
Post by: Philbert on November 10, 2017, 11:53:01 am
Part 4

By 1962, Blount Brothers was growing so rapidly that it passed the $100 million mark for construction contracts. In the same year, the construction industry's trade publication, Engineering News-Record, ranked Blount as the thirty-third largest construction company in the United States. However, although Blount benefited from the federal government's practice of awarding lump-sum contracts to the lowest bidder that could provide high-quality work, another government policy of using public work funds to regulate the economy began to create extreme cycles within the construction industry as a whole. As a consequence of this latter policy, management at Blount decided to decrease its reliance on government contracts and seek more work in the private or corporate sector.

In order to capture a significant share of the contracts in private industry, the company started a business development department and opened satellite offices in Boston, Chicago, and Houston. Initially, Blount was forced to accept small jobs, but these soon grew into larger and larger contracts. In 1967, management decided to embark upon an aggressive acquisitions program to accelerate its entry into private sector construction. The first acquisition was the Benjamin F. Shaw Company, a leader in the manufacture and installation of piping for chemical, paper, and power plants, as well as for oil refineries.
Title: Re: Blount Carlton History
Post by: Philbert on November 10, 2017, 11:53:53 am
Part 5

Company President Turns Postmaster in 1968
Winton Blount resigned from his position as president and chairperson in 1968 to accept a nomination as Postmaster General of the United States in Richard Nixon's new cabinet. During his leave of absence, Austin Paddock, the administrative vice-president of United States Steel Company, was chosen to replace Winton. When Winton Blount left the company, he insisted that it no longer bid for government contracts while he was postmaster. Since over 50 percent of the company's construction contracts were still with the government, this meant the elimination of a huge amount of business at one stroke; at the same time, it also meant that the firm would devote itself to getting all of its contracts from private industry.

To compensate for the elimination of federal contracts, Blount continued its acquisition program. The most important acquisition during this time involved the purchase of J.P. Burroughs & Sons, an agribusiness firm based in Saginaw, Michigan. Buying Burroughs, a public company listed on the American Stock Exchange, allowed privately owned Blount to acquire all of the Burroughs shareholders. This move had been anticipated for years by management and led to Blount's listing on the American Stock Exchange in July 1972. In addition, the acquisition introduced the company, now known as Blount, Inc., to the field of agribusiness, which involved the manufacture of seed cleaners, roller mills, grain dryers, and bucket elevators.
Title: Re: Blount Carlton History
Post by: Philbert on November 10, 2017, 11:54:47 am
Part 6

Growing Agribusiness in the 1970s
When Winton Blount returned to the company in 1974 and assumed his former position as president and chairperson, he decided that it was time to determine the future direction of the firm. Taking advice from both Blount management and his brother Houston, Winton decided that the company would not become a conglomerate with operations in a variety of unrelated fields but rather focus solely on the construction and agribusiness industries. Since the company was already well established in the construction industry, Winton immediately turned his attention to expanding its agribusiness operations. In 1976, Blount, Inc. purchased Modern Farm Systems, a manufacturer and distributor of grain bins and metal farm buildings. With facilities in Iowa, Indiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania, the acquisition enabled Blount, Inc. to quickly set up a comprehensive system to process, handle, and store grain.

In order to develop its agribusiness operations, Blount Inc. purchased York Foundry & Engine Work in 1977. Located in York, Nebraska, the company manufactured and distributed such items as bucket elevators and belt conveyors used to handle feeds, fertilizers, grains, and various other bulk materials. A further acquisition during the same year involved Redex Industries of Elm Creek, Nebraska, another manufacturer of materials handling equipment. The third purchase of that year was Mix-Mill Manufacturing Company of Bluffton, Indiana, a maker of different types of farm equipment used to process feed for cattle, poultry, and hogs. These acquisitions, in combination with increased grain production during the mid-1970s, led to record sales for the company; by 1979, Blount's agribusiness operations made up 45 percent of its operating income.
Title: Re: Blount Carlton History
Post by: Philbert on November 10, 2017, 11:55:33 am
Part 7

Changing the Mix in the 1980s
In 1980, Blount reported revenues of just over $554 million; by the end of fiscal 1982 revenues had increased dramatically to $788 million. The cash flow from the construction project in Saudi Arabia was a boon for the company, as was the performance of Washington Steel and the success of its agribusiness expansion into such countries as Mexico, West Germany, China, Venezuela, Nigeria, and Egypt. Revenues for 1984 were a hefty $847 million and earnings a record $24.3 million. Yet at the pinnacle of its success, trouble started to brew. Blount's foreign construction contracts began to decrease, and the farm machine business market suddenly tumbled into a worldwide depression. Anticipating these difficulties, Winton Blount began to implement a diversification strategy. Slowly beginning to sell off all the company's agribusiness holdings, in 1985 he purchased Omark Industries, a chainsaw and materials handling equipment manufacturer for the pulpwood and timber industry and a leading producer of gun care equipment. In addition, Blount also bought W&E Environmental Systems, a Swiss-based resources recovery firm specializing in turning garbage into energy. These acquisitions, and the continued success of its projects in Saudi Arabia, helped push revenues past the $1 billion mark in 1986.
Title: Re: Blount Carlton History
Post by: Philbert on November 10, 2017, 11:57:01 am
Part 8

In 1987, although he remained the board's chairperson, Winton Blount decided to decrease the time he spent in managing the day-to-day operations of the company. He promoted his son, Winton Blount III, to the position of vice-chairperson and gave him the primary responsibility of supervising the company's construction business. Having previously been the head of Blount's international construction operations, Winton Blount III seemed a natural choice. Yet from the very beginning of the younger Blount's tenure, the company's performance began to suffer. Washington Steel Corporation was sold off, in spite of its turning a profit during one of the most difficult periods in the steel industry. A $100 million, 80 megawatts cogeneration project located in Pennsylvania landed in court following a dispute between Blount and Schuykill Energy Resources. Problems with the company's handling of a $150 million office complex for AT&T in Chicago also gave rise to litigation. Other construction projects in which the company lost control or entered into contract terms that were unfavorable led to declining revenues and profitability. The younger Blount was asked to vacate his position as vice-chairperson, and his father returned to turn the company around. By the end of fiscal 1990, however, revenues had dropped from over $1 billion to $683 million; revenues for the construction operations alone declined from over $600 million to $348 million.

The early 1990s were a period of disruption and realignment for the company. William R. Van Sant, president and chief executive officer of Blount from December 1990 to October 1992, suddenly resigned, creating a large gap in management. Van Sant had helped the company shift its focus to a more diversified mixture of manufacturing equipment and construction operations. John M. Panettiere, a management expert with considerable experience in the auto industry, was appointed president and chief operating officer, and he immediately began to help Winton Blount iron out the company's problems.
Title: Re: Blount Carlton History
Post by: Philbert on November 10, 2017, 11:57:49 am
Part 9

One of their first decisions was to sell the resource recovery operation and not seek any additional contracts in the waste-to-energy business. Their second decision involved a stronger commitment to manufacturing, including outdoor products, such as saw chains and specialty riding mowers; industrial and power equipment, such as industrial tractors and equipment for timber harvesting and loading; and sporting equipment, such as small arms ammunition, gun scopes, and gun care equipment. The company's overall realignment worked. In 1993, revenues increased to over $691 million from a 1992 figure of $637 million.

Exiting Construction in 1994
In early 1994, management decided to sell almost all of its construction business to Montgomery's Caddell Construction Company, headed by one of Blount's former employees. This decision opened the way for the company to eliminate the substantial operating losses its construction business experienced in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Although revenues dropped sharply as a result of this move, Blount was able to focus entirely on its three remaining divisions of outdoor products, sports equipment, and industrial equipment. Finally rid of the lingering effects of a worldwide slowdown in the construction industry, Blount's prospects for the future appeared much brighter.

Blount announced agreements to acquire Simmons Outdoor in late 1995, and Frederick Manufacturing and Orbex in late 1996. Frederick was a Kansas City maker of lawn mower accessories. Orbex made a variety of outdoor products and Simmons, sporting optics. These acquisitions were soon consolidated into the new Sporting Equipment Group.
Title: Re: Blount Carlton History
Post by: Philbert on November 10, 2017, 11:58:34 am
Part 10

Blount ended 1996 with 4,400 employees and earnings of $55.2 million on revenues of $649.3 million. Blount's Sporting Equipment Group accounted for $147.1 million of sales in 1996, producing operating income of $19.8 million. Group sales were doubled by the $112 million purchase of Federal Cartridge Company from St. Paul, Minnesota-based Pentair, Inc. in November 1997. Blount picked up the ammo manufacturer as part of a strategy to round out its sporting equipment brand offerings, which then included Simmons, RCBS, CCI, Speer, Ram-Line, Weaver, and Orbex. Pentair was unloading the munitions business to gain money for acquisitions related to its core businesses: electrical and electronic enclosures, professional tools and equipment, and water products. Operating profit at Federal Cartridge had fallen from $20 million to less than $2 million in 1995--the results of a stockpiling effort the year before among gun users fearful of new gun control regulations. Federal Cartridge employed 900 workers and had sales of $130 million in 1995.

Blount's long-term prospects prompted the Fort Worth, Texas-based Bass group to acquire a 5.3 percent stake in the company in the summer of 1996. This was soon raised to 8.2 percent. In April 1999, the company agreed to be acquired by a unit of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. for $1.16 billion. Blount issued $825 million in debt, including $325 million in junk bonds, to finance the leveraged buyout. Lehman and Blount's existing management owned 90 percent of shares after the transaction, with existing shareholders holding the rest. The Blount family owned 63 percent of shares before the deal. Blount executives had discussed selling the company to a number of bidders, but few other than Lehman were interested acquiring all of Blount's operations.

Title: Re: Blount Carlton History
Post by: Philbert on November 10, 2017, 11:59:23 am
Part 11

There was speculation that Lehman, as a financial buyer, would divide Blount's operations, and this was soon realized. In December 2001, Minneapolis-based aerospace and defense company Alliant Techsystems Inc. (ATK) bought Blount's Sporting Equipment Group for $235 million in stock. The "top prize" of the deal was Federal Cartridge. This operation of 1,700 employees made small-caliber ammunition and was a leader in the law enforcement market. ATK already dominated the U.S. military munitions market. Also included in the sale were Estate Cartridge, Inc., a maker of sporting shotgun shells acquired in October 2000, Simmons Outdoor Corporation, and other assets of the Sporting Equipment Division.

Blount acquired Fabtek Inc., a $21 million-a-year timber harvesting equipment business, in September 2000, making it part of the Industrial and Power Equipment Group. Blount bought Windsor Forestry Tools, Inc. from Snap-On Incorporated in October 2000. Windsor made cutting chain and guide bars for chain saws and timber harvesting equipment.

Harold E. Layman, president and COO since 2000, succeeded John M. Panettiere as CEO in April 2001. The company had a net loss of $43.6 million on sales of $469 million for the year.
Principal Subsidiaries: Blount, Inc.; Blount Holdings, Ltd. (Canada); Dixon Industries, Inc.; Gear Products, Inc.; Frederick Manufacturing Corporation.
Principal Operating Units: Outdoor Products Group; Industrial & Power Equipment Group.
Principal Competitors: Caterpillar Inc.; Deere & Company; MTD Products Inc.

(http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/blount-international-inc-history/)

In 2016, Blount was acquired by American Securities and P2 Capital Partners.
(http://www.blount.com/)
Title: Re: Blount Carlton History
Post by: HolmenTree on November 10, 2017, 01:35:48 pm
Wow that's alot of good info Philbert, I hope you were able to copy and paste all that haha.

Interesting about Snap-On  owning Windsor, good quality tool company if not the best. Here's a pic of my first Snap On chest I bought in the early 1970's before I went logging. Still holds alot of my tools today. Alot better quality then my MasterCraft chest I got in my garage. The drawers in the Snap On open all the way out mot hiding any tools in the back of the drawer. Those almost 50 year old drawer tracks still work perfect.

I'm still in the dark about how Sandvik was able to sue Windsor on that patent infringement. And when they sold off Windsor.
If you could dig that info up I'd gladly appreciate it. Thanks.
Title: Re: Blount Carlton History
Post by: Philbert on November 10, 2017, 02:00:03 pm
I'm still in the dark about how Sandvik was able to sue Windsor on that patent infringement. And when they sold off Windsor.
I have a bunch of old Sandvik chain, and some other loops marked 'SW', which I was told meant Sandvik-Windsor.  Don't know much about their history.  Also not sure what happened to Sabre saw chain.  On another forum, someone said that it was sold to Homelite at one point, so the brand name and the production facilities may have gone in different directions.

Here are a few excerpts from the Sandvik 1998 annual report, where they still list Sandvik Windsor as an asset, although, the history I quoted above says that Blount purchased Windsor Forestry Products from Snap-On in 2000, so the Windsor name might have been fragmented from some other sales, divestitures, etc.?:

"The Sandvik Group, with headquarters in Sandviken, is one of Sweden’s largest export companies, with world-wide business activities conducted through 300 companies and representation in 130 countries. The Group has 37,500 employees and annual sales of more than SEK 40 billion.
Since it was founded in 1862, Sandvik has developed from a provincial Swedish steelworks into an international, engineering enterprise, with world-leading positions in selected niches."

"Sandvik Saws & Tools Manufactures hand tools for professional users. Handsaws, metal saw blades, wrenches, spanners, pliers, files, pruning tools as well as guide bars and saw chains for logging machines and chain saws."

(https://www.home.sandvik/globalassets/4.-investors/reports/annual-reports/annual-report-1998.pdf)

Philbert
Title: Re: Blount Carlton History
Post by: Cut4fun . on November 10, 2017, 05:34:23 pm
Holy crap lit a fire under somebody with some info  :o.  Thanks for sharing all of this Phil.    8)
Title: Re: Blount Carlton History
Post by: Philbert on November 12, 2017, 01:10:06 pm
It is interesting to see how the technology evolved: how Joe Cox invented the chain that basically all of us use today; where chain brakes and anti-vibe technology came from; how saws evolved from components mounted on a frame to the current,integrated motor/housing designs; etc.

Some people find the business aspects interesting: how certain companies merged, or 'vacuumed' up others for capacity, patents/technology, to eliminate competition, etc.

Sometimes these come together, even today, as we watch brands like Jonsered get 're-purposed in the market place', and Husqvarna split away from Oregon and make their own chains.  The battery-powered saw market is currently expanding, but will likely consolidate too in several years. Understanding who owns what sometimes helps to understand the decisions they make.

Philbert
Title: Re: Blount Carlton History
Post by: HolmenTree on November 16, 2017, 11:28:10 pm
It was mentioned a few posts back Blount bought Windsor from Snap On tools.
Snap On is doing good in Australia.  Here's  a pic of a $67K tool chest combo from down under.
Title: Re: Blount Carlton History
Post by: Philbert on November 24, 2017, 11:25:16 am
It appears theaters TriLink is now using the 'Sabre' name for chain.

Philbert