Northern Tool

Northern Tool + Equipment (commonly referred to as Northern Tool) is a manufacturer and retailer of light industrial equipment and do-it-yourself supplies. Founded in 1981 as Northern Hydraulics, the company was officially renamed to Northern Tool + Equipment and is the owner of several private label brands including NorthStar, Powerhorse, Klutch, Strongway, Ultra-Tow, Roughneck, Gravel Gear, Bannon and Ironton which make up a portion of its product line. The company purchased The Golf Warehouse and The Sportsman's Guide in 2012 and sold both in August 2021.

Northern Tool
FormerlyNorthern Hydraulics (1981-1998)
TypePrivate
IndustryIndustrial tools retail and manufacturing
Founded1981
FounderDon Kotula
Headquarters
Burnsville, Minnesota
Number of locations
130 stores (2022)
Key people
CEO: Suresh Krishna
BrandsNorthStar, Powerhorse, Klutch, Strongway, Roughneck, Bannon, Ironton, Ultra-Tow, Gravel Gear
Number of employees
2,500+ (2022)
SubsidiariesJack's Small Engines
Websitewww.northerntool.com

History

Northern Tool was founded by Don Kotula when he began selling log splitters out of his garage.[1] He originally worked in heavy equipment sales at Ziegler, but left when the business began slumping during the 1981-82 recession. In addition to log splitters, Kotula sold cylinders, valves, and hydraulics with his family members assisting in the sales and order fulfillment.[1] The company's first brick and mortar store was opened in Burnsville, Minnesota in 1981.[2] The company also mailed its first catalog in 1981. The company launched its website, northerntool.com in 1999.

Northern Tool began its own manufacturing business in 1991 with the launch of its NorthStar brand. Northern manufactures tools such as log splitters, generators, pressure washers, sprayers, pumps, and air compressors.[1] Northern Tool operates (2) manufacturing facilities along with (4) distribution centers. Northern Tool + Equipment's private (9) private label brands make up 40 percent of sales. The company launched a website and mail order catalogue in 2008 called Kotula's, named after the founder.[3]

Subsidiaries

Northern Tool purchased both The Golf Warehouse and The Sportsman's Guide from Redcats in 2012. The operation of both companies were combined, but operated as standalone online retailers.[4] Both subsidiaries were sold to BHG Ventures in 2021.[5]

Sponsorship
Main article: NorthernTool.com 250

Northern Tool was the sponsor of the NorthernTool.com 250, a NASCAR series race held at the Milwaukee Mile. The race was held in both 1984 and 1985, but then discontinued until 1993 when it resumed through the 2009 season.

References
  1. St. Anthony, Neal (19 December 2017). "Privately held Norther Tool, with $1 billion in sales, opens 100th store". Star Tribune. Retrieved 4 October 2018.
  2. Renalls, Candace (30 January 2012). "Iron Range native with junkyard roots built business into national chain". Duluth News Tribune. Retrieved 4 October 2018.
  3. Vomhof J.r, John (14 December 2008). "Northern Tool and Equipment launches quirky Kotula's brand". Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal. Retrieved 4 October 2018.
  4. Vomhof Jr., John (8 November 2012). "Northern Tool buys two sporting-goods retailers for $215M". Minneaapolis St. Paul Business Journal. Retrieved 4 October 2018.
  5. Crosby, Jackie (August 27, 202). "South St. Paul-based Sportsman's Guide sold to Michigan investment firm". Star Tribune. Retrieved 2 October 2022.
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