Ideal acquires Western Forge

Ideal Industries, Sycamore, Ill., has added to its hand-tool manufacturing capacity with the acquisition on New Year’s Eve of Western Forge, a tool manufacturer based in Colorado Springs, Colo. The company makes pliers, screwdrivers and adjustable wrenches at a 345,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Colorado Springs. The move adds to Ideal’s emphasis on “made in America” products and expands its tool offering in OEM and retail markets. Randy Thompson, a 22-year Ideal veteran, will lead Western Forge as general manager.