Wilton Vise Makers: The Origins Of The Company

Among craftsmen in the United States and in other places around the world, there has always been that great passion for the Wilton vise products. These vises are quite significant due to the Wilton Tool Company's nostalgic and classic American success story and the strength of their products (such as the ones shown in http://wiltonbenchvise.com/). But how did it all began for the company?

A man named Hugh (Hugo) Vogl was, during his years as a youth, influenced by the top class and world famous Czechoslovakian steel makers and foundries. During a time of great turmoil and devastation in Europe preceding World War II, Vogl brought his knowledge and business expertise into the United States. In the year 1941, he founded the Wilton Tool Company in Chicago, launching the first ever 40S machinist vise.

Throughout the second World War, Vogl supplied the vises to the United States government. Because of this, the Wilton brand then quickly became synonymous with “Made In American” innovation, dependability and durability. After World War II, Wilton shifted its distribution of vises to the blooming automotive industry and home workshop markets.

In the later years of the 1950's, a vise which was known as “POW-R-ARM” has helped worker productivity and accuracy by freeing up both hands. Throughout the year 1970's, Wilton also turned its attention to the ever-growing needs of the hobbyist and DIY movement by coming up with more flexible and lighter duty vises. A new establishment was then opened in the area of Winchester, Tennessee.

During the final decades of the century, the company has constantly adapted and added products to their line, which include tools such as band saws and drill presses. In the 1990's, Wilton bought the Warren Tool Group, aiming to give the industry a greater balance when it comes to industrial and retail workholding products. In the year 2002, the Wilton Tool Company collaborated with Walter Meier Manufacturing Americas, and this act provided the company much better access to resources, as well as more opportunities globally.

Up to this day, the company has continued to build and provide durable and reliable vises within the country, as well as other places throughout the world, both for professional users and home users alike. And once you've bought a Wilton vise, it's quite a guarantee that it will be the last one that you're going to buy!