Six Generations, 140 Years: CHANNELLOCK® Celebrates an American Manufacturing Legacy

Meadville, Pa. — Aug. 26, 2026 — CHANNELLOCK®, a leading manufacturer of high-quality pliers and hand tools, celebrated its 140th anniversary with employees, families, community members and special guests during a celebration at the company’s headquarters in Meadville, Pennsylvania, on Aug. 15, 2026.

The anniversary event honored 140 years of American manufacturing, family leadership and the people who have helped build CHANNELLOCK® into the company it is today.

More than 500 attendees joined the celebration for an afternoon of food, live music from Jake’s Blues Band, games and family-friendly activities. For the first time in company history, guests were invited inside the CHANNELLOCK® factory for an up-close look at the people and processes behind the tools made in Meadville. CHANNELLOCK® leaders and special guests shared remarks throughout the afternoon, reflecting on the traditions and values that have shaped the company’s 140-year legacy.

“For 140 years, CHANNELLOCK® has been built on a commitment to making high-quality tools in America and doing right by the people who make them, use them and call this community home,” said William S. DeArment, Chairman and CEO of CHANNELLOCK®. “This anniversary gave us the opportunity to celebrate that legacy with the employees, families and community who have been part of our story. We’re proud of where we’ve been, and even more excited about where we’re going.”

A centerpiece of the celebration was the “Honoring 140 Years” program, which recognized the people and traditions behind CHANNELLOCK® and its longstanding roots in Meadville. Jan Bortner, a 28-year employee in the company’s machine shop, received the 2026 Falcon Award, an annual peer-nominated honor recognizing core values of CHANNELLOCK®, including safety, quality, integrity, resilience and continuous improvement. Bortner was recognized for leading by example, taking ownership of her work, and supporting and training others. Anniversary remarks were also delivered by CHANNELLOCK® leaders William S. DeArment, Jimmy Bromley, and Jon DeArment, along with Pennsylvania State Sen. Michele Brooks, State Rep. Brad Roae, and Jason Richey.

“Celebrating 140 years is about more than looking back. It’s about recognizing the people who have carried this company forward from one generation to the next,” said Jimmy Bromley, President of CHANNELLOCK®. “The pride our employees bring to work every day is what keeps CHANNELLOCK® strong. We remain committed to manufacturing great tools, investing in our people, and continuing the family tradition that has defined this company for generations.”

Founded in 1886, CHANNELLOCK® has grown from a small blacksmith forge into an iconic American hand tool manufacturer known worldwide. Now in its sixth generation of DeArment family leadership, the company continues to manufacture its legendary pliers in Meadville, Pennsylvania, building on 140 years of American manufacturing and family tradition.

For more information about CHANNELLOCK® and its 140-year history, visit https://www.channellock.com/history.

About CHANNELLOCK®

Channellock, Inc. is a worldwide leader in the manufacturing of high-quality pliers and assorted hand tools, including its iconic CHANNELLOCK® Tongue & Groove Pliers. Founded in 1886 and based in Meadville, PA, CHANNELLOCK® remains a family-owned and operated company, now in its sixth generation. Learn more about CHANNELLOCK® at www.channellock.com, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.