Kaiser Tool Company Celebrates 60 Years of Innovation and Growth

Kaiser Tool Company (KTC) proudly celebrates its 60th anniversary, marking six decades of innovation and growth since its founding in 1964 by William (Bill) and Hazel Kaiser. Initially established to supply small lathe cutting tools known as ThinBit, the company has evolved significantly while maintaining its commitment to precision and quality.

The first ThinBit tools, ranging in insert sizes from 0.010″ to 0.050″ in 0.001″ increments and made from high-speed steel with 1/4″, 5/16″, and 3/8″ toolholders, were produced and sold from the Kaisers’ family home in Fort Wayne, Indiana. By 1980, growing demand necessitated a move to a dedicated facility on Sherman Boulevard.

In 1982, Lenore Kaiser took over the company from her parents, spearheading an era of expansion and modernization. She increased product offerings, digitized shop and office operations, expanded advertising efforts, and modernized manufacturing processes. Lenore’s husband, Doug, joined KTC in 1987, contributing to the development of the Laser Images division using advanced laser marking systems.

The 1990s brought further advancements with the adoption of CNC equipment and automation, enabling KTC to expand its product lines and focus on custom tools. In 1994, the company moved to a new, larger facility on Centennial Drive to accommodate growing operations and future expansion plans.

Over the years, KTC continued to enhance its manufacturing capabilities with new machines, work cells, inspection equipment, and material storage. In 2018, an addition was built to further expand the manufacturing space. Today, ThinBit stocks over 100,000 precision cutting tools and offers millions of standard tools with rapid delivery, along with custom tooling options for diverse industries including aerospace, medical, semiconductor, automotive, research, protective seals, and more.

“We are incredibly proud of our history and the innovations we’ve brought to the cutting tool industry,” says Lenore Kaiser. “Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has been the driving force behind our success, and we look forward to continuing this legacy for many years to come.”