Black & Decker is THE largest producer of power tools and accessories in the world! What started as a small store in Baltimore has today become a global company present in more than a 100 countries! In 2010 Black& Decker was extremely proud to celebrate its 100th birthday. Whether it was getting the first ever patent for a power drill or sending their drill to the moon, Black &Decker has had a glorious past. Here’s a look at some of the milestones that have made Black& Decker what it is today!
In 1910, S. Duncan Black and Alonzo Decker invest $1200 to open a small store in Baltimore
1916 – B&D files its first patent application for a portable electric drill. This transformed stationary power tools into portable ones
1919 – In an extremely short amount of time (9 years) B&D records over 1 million in annual sales.
1922 – Black&Decker crosses the border for the first time to Canada, where it opens its first wholly owned assembly operation and sales, service and warehouse facility outside the U.S.
1928 – B&D makes its first acquisition of another tool company, the Van Dorn Electric Tool Company!
1936 – Black&Decker’s common stock is listed and begins trading at the New York Stock Exchange.
1943 – B&D receives the Army – Navy ‘E’ Award for their production of gun shells and fuses for the allies to use during the WWII.
1946 –The beginning of the ‘Do- It- Yourself’ (DIY) Revolution! Following reports that a number of their employees were taking the drills home for personal use, B&D introduced the portable drills for consumers!
1960 - Black&Decker makes a significant acquisition by welcoming DeWalt into the B&D fold.
1961 – B&D introduces the world’s first cordless electric drill.
1963 – B&D contributes to the space race by developing a cordless minimum torque tool for astronauts to use while in weightless flight conditions for Project Gemini.
1970 – A B&D museum which chronicles the evolution of product design, manufacturing processes, marketing strategies and financial activities.
1971 – The Apollo Lunar Surface Drill with a power head is built by Black and Decker and used to successfully removes core samples from the moon during NASA’s Apollo 15 mission.
1989 – Acquired Emhart Corp and in turn -> Kwikset, Price Pfister, Molly Anchors, POP Rivets, True Temper, Golf Club Shafts and other consumer and commercial goods all add to the B&D product arsenal.
Also, in 1989, B&D was inducted in NASA’S Hall Of Fame for their contribution to the Gemini and Apollo Space missions.
1992 – Enters India and China via joint ventures.
2003 – Black and Decker acquires Baldwin Hardware.
2009 – Black& Decker announce plans to merge with Stanley Works 4.5 billion dollar all stock deal.
2010 – Black& Decker celebrates 100 years of innovation!
In 2010, Black&Decker merges with Stanley works to become, Stanley Black&Decker.
Over the years Black&Decker has maintained “People are our Pride". B&D has worked very hard to build strong relationships with all its people, employees and customers alike. That is why today, Black & Decker has been integrated into the lives of anyone who associates themselves with it.
Black & Decker has had a fantastic 100 years! Here’s hoping for a 100 more, with you.
To read about the impact Black&Decker has had on its employees and customers check out this link:
