Simonds International and US Blades announced the merger of the companies in a transaction that will create the leading producer and marketer of cutting tools and the leading cutting tool service company in the primary wood fiber industry.
The combined entity, Simonds International Inc., will continue to operate in the United States and Canada with 17 facilities located in the major wood fiber regions of North America. All products and customers segments currently served by Simonds and US Blades will continue uninterrupted during the integration process and thereafter.
Ray Martino, President and CEO of Simonds said: "This merger will combine two of the leading companies in our industry with a deep history of product innovation, quality products and customer focused organizations providing value added services to our customers. The cultures of the two companies are similar and will strengthen our service to the industry. The Simonds and US Blades brands are prominent in the industry and will remain a core part of the combined company in the future."
Simonds International, founded in 1832, is a leading supplier and marketer of cutting tools and related products to the wood, pulp, paper and tree care industries.
US Blades was founded in 2004 as a cutting tool service company servicing the southeastern United States wood fiber markets.
