Kaiser Tool Co. (KTC) marks its 60th anniversary this year. Founded in 1964 by William (Bill) and Hazel Kaiser, the company began with a mission to supply small lathe cutting tools, known as ThinBit. The initial products ranged from 0.010″ to 0.050″ in 0.001″ increments, crafted from high-speed steel and paired with 1/4″, 5/16″, and 3/8″ toolholders.
From 1964 to 1980, KTC operated out of the Kaisers’ home on Weisser Park Avenue in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with manufacturing taking place in the garage. As demand grew, the company moved to a new facility on Sherman Boulevard in 1980. In 1982, Lenore Kaiser took over the business, expanding product offerings, digitizing operations, and modernizing manufacturing processes.
Under Lenore’s leadership, ThinBit sales soared, leading to more hires and new equipment. In 1987, her husband Doug joined the company, pioneering the use of laser marking systems for ThinBit products and establishing the Laser Images division.
The 1990s brought further innovation with the adoption of CNC equipment and automation, enabling KTC to expand its product lines and focus on custom tools. In 1994, KTC moved to a larger facility on Centennial Drive, designed for future growth. The company continued to enhance its manufacturing capabilities, and in 2018, expanded the facility to accommodate increased demand.
Today, KTC stocks over 100,000 precision cutting tools and offers millions of standard tools with fast delivery, along with custom tooling options. The company serves a diverse range of industries including aerospace, medical, semiconductor, automotive, research, and protective seals.
Original source MMS
