Klein Tools Marks A Manufacturing Milestone With 3 Million Work Hours Without A Lost-Time Injury

Klein Tools, a family-owned and managed hand tool maker, announced today that its Fort Smith, AR production facility has completed three million work hours without a lost-time injury.

More than 100 people across departments in Canvas, Cutting, Belt & Straps, and Shipping Departments reached the remarkable safety milestone on December 22, 2021, with no job-related illnesses, injuries, or accidents requiring time away from work since December 6, 2006.

Klein Tools plants celebrate every one-million-hour milestone, making this the third-celebration in Fort Smith.

“It’s very meaningful to rely on our training skills and to have the confidence our employees understand and continue to follow our safety guidelines, stay engaged along with the willingness to ask questions to continue such a milestone,” Carolyn Goodner, the Fort Smith Plant Manager stated.

Klein Tools will mark the occasion by closing the Fort Smith facility at 11:30 a.m. and chartering transportation to transport employees to an off-site luncheon hosted at a local location in April 2022.

Employees will have the rest of the day off after the luncheon while still being paid.

The ceremony will be attended by Fort Smith Mayor George McGill.

Asa Hutchinson, Governor of Arkansas, is unable to attend but has sent a letter to Klein Tools complimenting the Fort Smith facility on its sustained priority of employee well-being throughout the pandemic.

“Amidst the nationwide manufacturing labor shortage, we are especially appreciative for the workers in our own community and their commitment to excellence,” Mayor George McGill said.

“Employee safety in this industry is critical to a company’s success.”

“Klein Tools is a pillar of our Fort Smith community, and we commend them for their focus on employee health and safety now more than ever given present-day risks and obstacles we were not faced with just a few years ago.”

“Klein Tools has remained innovative and agile in the face of the pandemic, keeping staff healthy and employed.”

Mark Klein, co-president of Klein Tools said, “our health and safety measures go above and beyond what many companies achieve.”

“Three million hours without injury is a huge feat.”

“The Plant Manager Carolyn Goodner, Team Leaders, and Employees in Fort Smith have a lot to feel proud about today, and we know Klein Tools will continue being the industry leader for health and safety practices.”

Since 1857, Klein Tools has been a pillar of the American manufacturing industry.

Every day, construction, electrical, and utility professionals around the world rely on the company’s premium-quality, professional-grade hand tools.