New VP at Central Tools Announced

Here's some good news out of beautiful Cranston, RI: Central Tools, Inc. has announced that Bruce Dawson will assume the role of Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Bruce had previously been Director of Marketing.
Bruce’s primary focus will be managing the traditional WD sales channel as well as some national accounts. “Bruce will work closely with our Manufacturer’s Rep Agencies to ensure that the voice of the customer is heard loud and clear and that in turn the customer is wholly aware of all the products and programs that we have to offer” said Bob Pond, Central’s President.

Pond also says, “Central is in a unique position in the marketplace, offering their customers a wide variety of products across multiple categories and Bruce is the perfect individual for making sure that our customers understand this and are able to take advantage of that situation for their benefit.”

Bruce will also continue in his role of managing the company's advertising effort and the timely and effective publication of catalogs and other marketing materials.

Everyone who knows Bruce knows this is well-deserved. Congratulations to Bruce on your latest promotion!

On a side note, Central Tools, Inc. is also celebrating their 100th year in business. Congratulations! That's a rarity these days.

News from this Week

None of this is late-breaking or hot off the presses, it was already reported by Babcox previously this week, but in case you didn't see it, I thought I'd repeat it here.

Bob Pond dropped me a note to announce the 100 Year Anniversary of Central Tools, in Cranston RI. That's exciting stuff! There are a handful of tool and equipment manufacturers in our market that can make that claim, but not many. So many tool companies have been purchased or merged or simply gone out of business. Congratulations Bob, Bruce Dawson, and the rest of the Central Tools team on a significant accomplishment. Best wishes for another hundred years of success!

And, speaking of a 100-year-old company, allow me to shamelessly segue into another announcement. Yesterday, my old alma-mater, Ken-Tool made a joint announcement with Mayhew Tools about a deal they are working on. Mayhew is planning to acquire the brand name, assets, and manufacturing capabilities for the Oldforge and Carica brands. Congratulations to both companies, and the principals involved: Alec Pendleton and John Lawless! (By the way, it is Mayhew who celebrated 100 years last year.)

Couldn't Happen to a Nicer Guy

This just in - Bob Pond is being promoted to President of Central Tool on October 1. Be sure to drop him a line or shake his hand at the AAPEX Show. He's a great guy and the promotion is well-deserved. Their official notice is as follows:
Central Tools, Inc. of Cranston, RI, a company that will be 100 years old next year, has announced that Robert Pond will become President of Central effective October 1. Bob has been Executive Vice President of Central since 2005.
Bob joined Central as Vice President of Marketing and Sales in 1999 and started his career in the automotive aftermarket in 1984. Bob’s most recent experience prior to joining Central involved many years of automotive systems training for ITT AIMCO and Allied Signal.
Pond has played a critical role at Central as market conditions have led to the substitution of imported products for traditionally US made product. While Central continues as a manufacturer of many items at its factory in Cranston, a transition to more imported products continues to alter the everyday operations of the company. Many highly successful new product introductions have come regularly at Central thanks to Bob’s active leadership role.
Alec Dawson, the Chairman of Central, has described Bob’s job as “the lead into the second century for our company”.

For Further information contact
Bruce Dawson at Central Tools, Inc., 456 Wellington Ave. Cranston, RI 02910
Phone 401-467-8211 FAX 401-461-5670 www.centraltools.com