Handtool, Cutlery, & Flatware Manufacturing Industry Overview

Excerpt from Handtool, Cutlery, & Flatware Manufacturing Report

The US handtool, cutlery, and flatware manufacturing industry includes about 1,400 companies with combined annual revenue of about $11 billion. Major companies include Snap-on, Klein Tools, Blount International, and the tools units of Stanley Black & Decker and Newell Rubbermaid. The industry is concentrated: the 50 largest companies hold about 65 percent of the market.

Competitive Landscape

Demand depends heavily on the construction and building repair industries. The profitability of individual companies depends on marketing and efficient production. Large companies have economies of scale in purchasing and production. Small firms can compete by making specialty products.

Products, Operations & Technology

Major products include handtools, cutlery, saw blades, and kitchen utensils. Handtools such as wrenches, hammers, scissors, vises, clamps, screwdrivers, pliers, chisels, and measuring devices, account for about 60 percent of industry revenue. Cutlery, including kitchen knives, sporting knives, razor blades, and "flatware" (table knives, forks and spoons), accounts for around 15 percent of industry revenue. Kitchen utensils, pots, and pans also account for about 15 percent; saw blades and handsaws, about 10 percent.