RIDGID Celebrates 100th Anniversary
The planned year-long celebration will include events to honor the trades will also recognize the company’s commitment to the future of tool innovation.
RIDGID®, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, says they are celebrating a major milestone this year: 100 years of designing and building innovative tools trusted on job sites around the world and handed down from generation to generation. To commemorate the occasion, RIDGID will spend the year 2023 celebrating the trades, their impact on our world, and the brand’s legacy.
“A lot has changed over the past century, but one thing that has remained constant is the dedication of the skilled trades to build a stronger tomorrow. RIDGID is honored to be by their side every step of the way,” said Heather McLin, vice-president of marketing, professional tools for Emerson. “From our iconic pipe wrench that started it all to our newest tool solutions, every product we make is designed to help trade professionals get jobs done easier and more efficiently. That’s a legacy that will never change.”
In 1923, the Ridge Tool Company invented the modern straight pipe wrench, introducing it to the world under their brand RIDGID. Many of the wrenches that were sold back in the 1920s and 30s are still in use today. RIDGID’s signature red heavy-duty straight pipe wrench bodies are still cast at its ductile iron factory in Erie, PA, assembled at its headquarters in Elyria, OH, and then shipped from its distribution facility in Cambridge, OH.
Along with these locations, RIDGID has grown over the past century with global facilities. The company’s product line has also grown. RIDGID launched power threading solutions in 1948; drain cleaning equipment in 1967; press tools in 1999 and most recently, pipe patching last year. RIDGID currently offers more than 300 tools for the plumbing, mechanical and HVAC professional.
Looking to the future, RIDGID remains dedicated to the trades and to building the tools of performance skilled trade work demands.
“Our first hundred years is just the beginning,” said Becky Brotherton, director of engagement marketing, RIDGID for Emerson. “From day one, RIDGID has had a dedicated team that strives for best in quality, product innovations, technical support and customer service. We are committed to the professionals using our tools as well as the future of the trades. There’s a reason why RIDGID has been trusted by the trades for 100 years and why they will be for the next 100 years too.”
RIDGID is involved in several workforce development initiatives. They offer continuing education and hands-on training for plumbers, along with supporting scholarships and apprenticeships with several national organizations including SkillsUSA, The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Educational Foundation, and the Mechanical Contractors Association of America.
In recognition of its milestone anniversary, RIDGID will be hosting several commemorative events and initiatives throughout 2023. Details can be found at RIDGID.com.
