Ideal Industries signed an agreement to acquire privately-held Western Forge, a manufacturer of pliers, screwdrivers and adjustable wrenches, on December 31, 2009. The company, which will continue to be known as Western Forge, will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ideal.

The company has appointed Randy Thompson general manager for the subsidiary. He is a 22-year veteran of
Ideal with manufacturing, operational, and general management
experience.

Through this acquisition, Ideal will add to its U.S.-based
manufacturing platform supporting its hand tools business. Western
Forge’s 345,000 square foot manufacturing plant is an American standard
in premier metal craftsmanship, says Ideal, and offers the latest in
forging, heat treatment, handle extrusion, machining and plating
operations.