WMH, Walter Meier Holding, AG and the investors in Wilton Tool Company are pleased to announce the merger of the Wilton Tool Company, Chicago, Illinois, with JET Equipment & Tools, Auburn, Washington.

The Wilton Tool Company was established in 1941, and is headquarted in Chicago, Illinois. Wilton’s industrial vises and clamps have long been the industry standard. Since 1981, Wilton has been extremely successful in supplying hand tools and machinery to the industrial market. Through a merger with HTII, the Wilton Tool Company also became a major supplier of hand and power tools to the retail industry. The combination of markets served and their reputation for quality, innovation and service make Wilton one of the strongest competitors in the tool industry today.

Founded in 1958, JET Equipment & Tools has grown aggressively in the material handling, metalworking, and woodworking markets. Purchased by WMH in 1988, the company quickly became a leader in the woodworking machinery industry while maintaining a presence in the material handling and metalworking markets. In 1999 JET purchased Performax Products and the Powermatic Corporation. Powermatic® woodworking products were first introduced in 1921. In 2001 Wilton Machinery joined JET.

This merger will complete the fourth acquisition in the past three years for WMH. Heinz Ruegg, President/CEO of WMH states, "WMH is looking to the future to broaden its channels of distribution while greatly expanding the product offering of tools and accessories serving the industrial and consumer marketplace."

The new company will be named the WMH Tool Group and will be headquarted in Chicago, Illinois. Dennis Jacobson, currently President/CEO of Wilton Tool Company, will serve as President and CEO. The current investors of Wilton Tool Company will remain as minority shareholders. The WMH Tool Group will employ 600 people worldwide and produce annual sales of more than $250 million.