There are tools of every trade. Some are recognizable to everyone, others not so much.
Consider the pipe wrench. Every plumber’s toolkit has at least one. Yet 100 years ago tradespeople found finding a reliable tool to make or loosen pipe connections nothing short of challenging.
Enter RIDGID. With the launch of its pipe wrench in 1923, RIDGID changed everything. The company saw a needed and responded to it. What is equally impressive is that the pipe wrench remains about the same today as when it was invented. And it’s still manufactured in the USA from materials sourced within a 500-mile radius of its Elyria-based headquarters.
Not surprisingly, RIDGID considers its iconic pipe wrench to be a source of pride for the tradespeople who carry it and use it every day. Becky Brotherton, director of brand and engagement marketing says, “We often have customers send us photos of ‘wrench tattoos’ that they get as a badge of honor. These tools are also passed down from generation to generation with many of our original pipe wrenches still in use today.”
Today, in celebration of its 100th anniversary, RIDGID has produced 100-year commemorative anniversary wrenches and launched “RIDGID Wrenched 100 IPA,” a custom craft anniversary beer, developed in collaboration with Unplugged Brewing Company, located a mile away from RIDGID’s Elyria headquarters.
But thinking of RIDGID as a one-trick pony doesn’t work. With more than 100 patents, RIDGID has consistently responded to the needs of the trades. In 1948, RIDGID launched power threading solutions. In 1967, it introduced drain cleaning equipment, followed by its introduction of press tools in 1999 and pipe patching in 2022. In fact, RIDGID currently offers more than 300 tools for the plumbing, mechanical and HVAC professional. Its products are sold in more than 100 countries.
Those are all reasons to celebrate. This summer, RIDGID hosted a day-long celebration with food, fun, games and entertainment for more than 1,000 employees, retirees and their family members. In June, it hosted its sixth annual RIDGID Experience, an all-expenses-paid, three-day VIP trip for select members of the skilled trades to join in experiences at the corporate headquarters. (Each guest was awarded a personalized, iconic RIDGID wrench.)
In addition to other festivities, RIDGID continued the celebration hosting winners of the European edition of the RIDGID Experience.
“The story of our founding reinforces RIDGID’s commitment to build products that help the hardest skilled tradespeople achieve better results,” Brotherton adds.
