,
Present and Future...
The Ames Company is recognized as the
world’s
oldest manufacturer of shovels. The original business started
in
1774 in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts by Captain John Ames.
In 1808, Oliver Ames, the youngest son of Captain John Ames,
moved the business to Easton, Massachusetts, and over a hundred
years later, in 1932, the main office was moved to its current
location in Parkersburg, West Virginia.
True Temper Hardware Company dates back to 1808 when it began
as “The Old Stone Forge,” which later became
The American Fork and Hoe Company. The company’s name
was changed in 1949 to True Temper reflecting the newly developed
process of tempering steel. The company moved from Wallingford,
VT, to Cleveland, OH, in the early 1900’s and relocated
to Camp Hill, PA, in 1981.
The Ames and True Temper Companies merged in March of 1999
after U.S. Industries, Inc., Ames’ parent company at
the time, completed the purchase of True Temper Hardware
Company from Huffy Corporation. The merger of these complementary
lawn and garden product businesses made a positive impact
on the industry by expanding product offerings and improving
service and value to our customers.
In January, 2002, WindPoint Partners, a private equity firm,
purchased Ames True Temper from U.S. Industries. Since that
time, three acquisitions have been completed to complement
the Ames True Temper product portfolio and enhance sourcing
capabilities. In November, 2002, Dynamic Design, the market
leader in foam and plastic planters, was purchased. Outdoor
Inspirations, marketer of garden hose featuring MicrobanTM
antimicrobial protection, was acquired in May, 2003. And
finally, Greenlife, a marketer of lawn and garden tools,
was acquired in August, 2003.
In June, 2004, Castle Harlan, a New York-based private equity
investment firm, purchased Ames True Temper for a purchase
price of $380 million (excluding fees and expenses), subject
to working capital adjustments and certain other adjustments.
Combined manufactured and marketed products include long
handle tools, short handle tools, repair handles, pruning
tools, wheelbarrows, lawn carts, hose reels, garden hose,
snow tools, striking tools, decorative accessories, and planters.
Ames True Temper is North America’s largest manufacturer
and marketer of non-powered lawn and garden tools. The company
celebrated its 225-year anniversary in 1999 as the oldest
continuing manufacturing business in the hardware and lawn
and garden industry.
Contact Info:
Ames True Temper Company
465 Railroad Avenue
Camp Hill, PA 17011
TEL: (800) 833-3068
FAX: (717) 730-2552
Email: info@ames-truetemper.com
