Matco Tools hosted a record number of distributor attendees at its Tool Expo at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas in February.
Tim Gilmore, Matco’s new president, a former distributor himself, remembered back to when the tool shows were regional and was proud of how far the company has come since its first national meeting in 1992.
“The main purpose of Tool Expo is to re-energize the distributors, and for them to learn about all of the new products. This show will propel the year for us,” he said.
During the Expo, Matco Tools held its first Distributor’s Choice award, which highlighted new and exclusive products from Matco’s suppliers. Distributors voted at the show, and the MUC12SKIT 12-volt Infinium Screwdriver Kit was named the 2012 award winner.
“Our distributors are tool experts and they know the type of products needed most in the automotive industry, which is why they are also excellent judges,” said John Green, vice president of marketing for Matco Tools. “The Distributor’s Choice Award shows product development at its finest and can project a product’s success in the marketplace.”
Top Fuel Dragster Antron Brown and Matco/Die Hard Funny Car Driver Matt Hagan were on hand to sign autographs and take photos with attendees.
Matco just launched its 72-tooth and 90-tooth combination ratcheting wrenches that are two times stronger than ANSI standards. At the company’s National Business Conference, the announcement of a new 12 Volt lithium ion powered cordless platform received a standing ovation from attendees.
Tool demonstrations were held by Professional Tool Products, A&E Hand Tools, Hennessy, Ingersoll Rand, Innova Electronics, Knipex, SPX, Lisle, Witte and Mayhew Tools.
Expo attendees also were able to donate money and/or calling cards for U.S. soldiers. All donations will be given to the soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division and Fort Campbell.
The Expo wrapped up with the Great Giveaway Event, where Matco gave hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and prizes.
See TechShop’s Facebook page for more photos from the tool shows: www.facebook.com/TechShopMag.
