February 4, 2024
Raymond DeWalt, left, founded DEWALT in 1924.
DEWALT, a Stanley Black & Decker brand, Towson, Md., is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024 and has planned a series of activities to mark its centennial milestone.
DEWALT was founded in 1924 by Pennsylvania tradesman Raymond DeWalt who, seeking a way to streamline and expedite wood-cutting operations, developed the “Wonder-Worker,” an adjustable electric radial arm saw that provided the ability to efficiently execute multiple operations on one affordable piece of equipment, the company said.
The “Wonder-Worker” led to DEWALT’s distribution of products both nationally and internationally. Steinway & Sons and Westinghouse Electric Co. were among the DEWALT’s list of clients, and the company said that by 1927, Sears, Roebuck claimed that DEWALT’s saw contributed to helping manufacture “50 ready-cut houses” each day. More information on the company’s history is detailed here.
“DEWALT has been committed to professional tradespeople for the past 100 years, and Raymond DeWalt’s founding principles of innovation, safety and productivity remain the core ethos of our company today,” said Chris Nelson, chief operating officer, executive vice president and president, tools & outdoor, at Stanley Black & Decker. “When we put the DEWALT name on something, it’s a commitment that our tools will help get the job done right. This milestone anniversary is also a humbling reminder of both the responsibility and critical role DEWALT plays supporting the trades with solutions, training and resources needed to meet the demands of the future.”
DEWALT said it plans to celebrate its 100th anniversary during 2024 by:
- Launching innovative products including DEWALT POWERSHIFT™, an electrified equipment system that optimizes the end-to-end workflow of concrete jobsites, which made its debut at the World of Concrete trade show in January with an activation on the exterior of Sphere.
- Ringing The Opening Bell® at the New York Stock Exchange on May 14, 2024, officially marking 100 years in business.
- Introducing a special anniversary branding and paint scheme on NASCAR driver Christopher Bell’s #20 Toyota Camry.
- Launching a “Pro Series” social media campaign honoring and highlighting the contributions of current professionals and promoting careers in the trades.
“Entering DEWALT’s second century, we remain just as committed to driving relentless innovation and supporting the trades as Raymond DeWalt did in 1924. From cutting-edge technology to skills development, DEWALT’s future remains strong, and we will lead the way in empowering tradespeople to succeed while defining the next era of industry innovation,” Nelson said.
