The new production area reduces manufacturing processing time to one day and doubles yearly production capacity RIDGID®, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, recently completed an advanced manufacturing investment to expand its press jaw production at its world headquarters in Elyria, Ohio. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the 30,000-square-foot workspace was held for its employees Read more
Elyria Ohio
The new production area reduces manufacturing processing time to one day and doubles yearly production capacity
RIDGID®, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, recently completed an advanced manufacturing investment to expand its press jaw production at its world headquarters in Elyria, Ohio. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the 30,000-square-foot workspace was held for its employees and invited guests.
The new pressing production area incorporates flexible robotic systems, new milling machines and high-capacity part fixtures. Each machine has the capability to run all pressing parts instead of select components for increased efficiency. These new machines, combined with new in-house capabilities, will reduce lead time by 30 days and double the annual production capacity of jaw sets. This enables customers to receive needed jaws faster for quicker job completion.
“This investment in new equipment and an improved workflow means we can quickly produce a press jaw set made in America that keeps us competitive in the marketplace,” said John Ruese, VP of Product Strategy & Development, RIDGID. “What makes this manufacturing space special is how it brings together the best of both worlds. We’ve incorporated state-of-the-art machinery, while maintaining our commitment to quality through hands-on assembly and inspection by our skilled team members. This balance ensures we continue delivering the exceptional quality that RIDGID is known for around the world.”
This is the latest RIDGID investment into their 27-acre campus that includes their world headquarters, as well as a 463,000 square foot manufacturing facility, state-of-the-art technology lab, customer training center, and an authorized service center.
RIDGID celebrated 25 years as the industry leader in pressing in 2024 and markets the only press jaws manufactured in the United States. The brand first introduced press technology to North America in 1999 and has continued to help professional tradespeople utilize the platform to drive jobsite efficiencies. This commitment has led RIDGID to become the most recognizable name in pressing, with a product portfolio of innovative solutions that help tradesmen and women achieve fast, secure, and flame-free connections. Their most recent pressing innovation was introduced last fall, the RP 251 Press Tool, a compact press tool that delivers powerhouse performance with total access.
RIDGID®, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, is celebrating a major milestone this year: 100 years of designing and building innovative tools trusted on jobsites around the world and handed down from generation to generation. On Saturday, July 29, the company commemoratedthe occasion by inviting employees past and present, along with their families, to Read more
RIDGID®, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, is celebrating a major milestone this year: 100 years of designing and building innovative tools trusted on jobsites around the world and handed down from generation to generation. On Saturday, July 29, the company commemoratedthe occasion by inviting employees past and present, along with their families, to an open house event filled with food, music, entertainment, children’s activities, plant tours, and more. Nearly 1,000 employees, retirees, and their family members attended the festivities.
“All year we have been celebrating our anniversary alongside our customers and tradespeople around the world,” said Craig Sumner, president, professional tools for Emerson.“Bringing the celebration home to our Elyria headquarters was a great way for us to gather with the people who made our 100 year milestone possible: our employees, retirees, and their families. These are the people who built and continue to build the products that set us apart.”
The festivities included a beer tent where adult guests could sample “RIDGID Wrenched 100 IPA,” a specialty beer developed in collaboration with Unplugged Brewing Company in Elyria. Families spentthe day playing carnival games, inflatable darts, inflatable golf and taking rides on giant trikes while listening to live music. A highlight of the open house included plant tours, where attendees learned about the company’s plans for expansion and their continued commitment to growth.
“We made this a family affair because we wanted to treat our employees and retirees to a full day of fun andcelebration,” said Jordan Weber, employee engagement manager for RIDGID. “Inviting our retirees back made this occasion extra special. Seeing their faces while witnessing the innovative changes we’ve made to our manufacturing facility and hearing about their experiences over the years was an important way to recognize how far we’ve come throughout our 100 years in business.”
RIDGID has had a manufacturing presence in Ohio since the company was founded in 1923. The 27-acre complex in Elyria is the world headquarters for the brand’s operation and considered a hub for innovation with a recently renovated state-of-the-art shipping and receiving area that helps the company deliver products faster and more efficiently. Over the next several years, the company has plans for additional investments in the area, transforming the southeast corner of Elyria into a vertically integrated, automated manufacturing center of excellence.
To learn more about RIDGID, visit RIDGID.com.