Timeline

While working in a Kansas City scissor factory, Otto Froeschl fabricated the idea to angle the nose of pliers 32 degrees to create more leverage.

Brothers, Otto and Paul Froeschl, an engineer and banker by trade, along with Henry J. Wilde, establish Wilde Drop Forge and Tool Company in Kansas City, MO at 29th and Fairmount Avenue. Mr Wilde, a successful local fur trapper, invested in the new start-up and idea.

Wilde Tool Files for Patent Protection

Wilde Drop Forge and Tool Co. is granted US Patent #1,800,447 for inventing the Original Angle Nose Pliers, now a standard design for pliers worldwide.

Height of Depression – In need of distribution for mass production, Paul and Otto start soliciting their pliers to merchandisers.

Private-label begins with customers Montgomery Ward, Sears Roebuck Co., Western Auto, & J.C. Penney’s.  Wilde Drop Forge and Tool Co. is nicknamed The Pliersmiths for their patented Wilde Wrench.

Second Generation – The Paul Froeschl Family poses for a post-wedding picture. Paul Jr. and Phil Sr., each pictured on the far-right, will soon enter the military before returning home as second generation owners.

World War II – With steel being rationed and orders to fill, Wilde Tool gains government contracts to manufacture bayonets for access to steel and continued pliers production.

Wilde Tool is notified their bayonet contracts will not be renewed. The US Government advises Wilde Tool to continue manufacturing pliers and other hand tools for the war effort.

Production of Tongue and Groove Pliers (C-Joint / Groove Joint)

Great Flood of 1951 – With the manufacturing facility at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri Rivers, the flood forced looking at relocation.

Wilde Drop Forge and Tool Co. files as Wilde Tool Co., Inc. in the State of Kansas.

Groundbreaking – Production moves to new 32,500 sq. ft. forge and machine facility in Hiawatha, Kansas.

2nd Generation (Paul Jr. / Phil Sr.) Take Over Day-to-Day Management.

Wilde Drop Forge and Tool Company Dissolves.

Grip Tight Clip Trademarked – Recognized in the industry on Water Pump Pliers, the Grip Tight Clip holds slip-joint pliers in positive alignment while under pressure.

Expansion 1 – 5,800 sq. ft. (Addition to Polishing Room)

Expansion 2 – 3,925 sq. ft. (Assembly / Packing / Shipping Room)

Expansion 3 – 6,105 sq. ft. (Steel Storage / Shearing)

3rd Generation Begins Full-Time Employment.

WITCO® Brand – An acronym for Wilde Tool Company, Witco was an industry-standard line of gripped pliers.

Wilde® / Quality Hand Tools / Witco® Triple Circle Logo Introduced.

Expansion 4 – 4,500 sq. ft. (Nickel and Chrome Plating Room)

Paul Froeschl Jr. Becomes President

Expansion 5 – 10,907 sq. ft. (Forge / Heat-Treating Room)

Pipe Wrench Plier® Developed – A regional pizza company, researching a tool to remove their new deep-dish pizzas, coordinated with Wilde Tool to develop the 90° nose and longer handles.

Pipe Wrench Plier® Introduced into Wilde Product Line

Phil Froeschl Sr. becomes President of Wilde Tool

Expansion 6 – 9,340 sq. ft. (Warehouse / Shipping / Offices)

Technology – Packaging Barcodes Implemented for Retail (0854320)

Expansion 7 – 8,435 sq. ft. (Maintenance Dept. / Tool and Die Shop)

3rd Generation Takes Over Day-to-Day Management
Dan Froeschl becomes President of Wilde Tool

4th Generation Begins Full-Time Employment
First Wilde Website Introduced

Marty Froeschl Becomes President

Initiative to Promote Wilde Brand

New Wilde Tool Logo

Flush Fastener Pliers – The counter-sunk nut and bolt allow the pliers to grip low-profile fasteners and reach into tight spaces.

Matt Froeschl Becomes President

5th Generation Begins Part-Time Employment as Lawn Care Specialists

New / Current Wilde Website Introduced

Succeeding President – Phil Froeschl, Jr.