Weller Tools announces that 2020 marks the company’s 75th anniversary. In 1945, the company invented hand soldering and has continued innovating, bringing the world into the next-generation of soldering with its latest technologies.
and soldering has been around for thousands of years; however, it wasn’t until 1941 that a transformer-based instant heating soldering method was developed by an American radio repairman who was tired of waiting for his soldering gun to heat up. Carl E. Weller had to wait until after WWII ended in 1945 to get his Weller Manufacturing Company running. In 1960, the Weller Manufacturing Co. in the US patented the “Magnastat” soldering iron that used a magnetic component to regulate the temperature at the iron’s tip.
In an overseas expansion in 1959, the Weller Elektro-Werkzeuge GmbH plant in Besigheim, Germany, along with new plants in other countries, was organized to manufacture temperature-controlled irons and soldering guns for industrial markets throughout Europe and the Near East. Keeping pace with the increasing complexity of customers’ needs at that time, Weller Germany developed and manufactured hand-soldering products worldwide.Over the years, Weller has continued exploring new product global frontiers, expanding its reach to automation and connectivity, while enhancing functionality on old favorites. Based on a deep understanding of customer needs, the company segmented its professional products into performance, technology and efficiency lines to provide optimal solutions for every customer level. “Keeping the user’s health and workflow top-of-mind, we’ve integrated filtration, ergonomics, traceability and connectivity with Weller’s signature soldering precision and efficiency,” added Philippe Buidin, VP, Weller Marketing.
The Weller brand represents high functionality and quality. Being part of an international group of companies enables Weller to consistently develop new, innovative tools for industry, trade and hobby. Close communication with customers also has proven to be a key factor in developing quality standards and designs. Since the beginning, Weller engineers have consistently listened to their customers and used those dialogues to develop products that meet market needs and solutions. This exchange of ideas also refers to the broader industry. Weller uses international symposia, open house events and workshops for direct communication for innovation and optimization of its products and services. By working together in a trusting, effective way, Weller has been constantly revolutionizing the market with new high-tech products since 1945.
Looking to the future, Weller understands that the digital transformation is in full swing. Mobile and cloud computing, the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and machine learning are greatly impacting the work environment in exciting new ways. As has been Weller’s custom for the past 75 years, the company is confidently and constantly moving forward with new ideas and inventions.
“As we move into the next 75 years and beyond, Weller will continue using its knowledge and experience to meet customers‘ challenges. What began on a battlefield has grown into an innovative company leading the industry in soldering technology,“ concluded Buidin.
The Weller name stands for pioneering solutions in soldering technology. Founded in 1945, the company quickly grew to become the market leader in manual soldering technology. Weller's extensive range of products includes innovative solutions for industry and trade. The company's areas of expertise include conventional soldering technology such as extraction systems, precision tools and solutions involving screws, bolts and robots as well as many other benchtop products and services.
Weller Tools is part of the umbrella company Apex Tool Group, LLC. Apex Tool Group, LLC, headquartered in Sparks, Maryland, is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of high-performance hand and power tools, tool storage, drill chucks, chain and electrical soldering products for industrial, commercial and demanding do-it-yourself applications. ATG designs, manufactures, markets, and sells proprietary brands, including GEARWRENCH®, Crescent®, SATA®, Cleco®, Weller®, and APEX® and also designs and manufactures a number of private label tool brands for retailers. ATG sells its products through direct, retail, professional and trade channels to customers in over 115 countries, and serves a multitude of global markets, including automotive, aerospace, electronics, energy, hardware, industrial, and consumer retail. Learn more at www.apextoolgroup.com.