ShanghaiChina, 6 Sept 2010 - LENOX and IRWIN recently announced the establishment of an Asia Pacific Distribution Center in Shanghai Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone. A grand opening was held in Shanghai on the 17th of August, 2010. LENOX and IRWIN are global business units of Newell Rubbermaid’s tools group.  A delegation of senior executives from Newell Rubbermaid Tools Business Group attended the opening ceremony, including Bill Burke, Group President Tools, Hardware and Commercial Products, Rich Wuerthele, Global President LENOX, and Kevin Lowe, APAC Vice President LENOX/IRWIN. The establishment of the Center is a significant step in the growth plan for the tool business in Asia, demonstrating a strong commitment to the Asia-Pacific market.

This new facility of Asia Pacific Distribution Center is developed from former LENOX Asia Pacific Welding and Distribution Center. Aiming to fulfill the increasing market demand in Asia, particularly in China, the Tools Business Group made substantial investment to expand the former distribution center. The newly-established Distribution Center occupies 4000 square meters. The Center, which has already accommodated LENOX branded products, welcomed another major brand from Newell Rubbermaid, IRWIN.

With the manufacturing industry prospering in the Asia-Pacific region, especially in China, the market demand for high-technology and high-quality tool products and services has been growing remarkably. The latest launch of the AsiaPacific Distribution Centerdemonstrates the companies’ effort to satisfy growing demand and to enhance the competitiveness of the manufacturing industry in the Asia-Pacific region with its world-renowned tool products. These efforts also reflect company’s confidence in executing its long term strategy of Asia growth by offering the market premium products and services.  The market-driven strategic move is an endorsement of LENOX and IRWIN’s  track record for expertise and delivery in the entire commercial toolvalue chain, from industrial toolsto consumer products.

The newly-established Asia Pacific Distribution Center will provide clients with products and services through its capability of warehousing, customized cutting and welding. The spacious warehouse can accommodate sufficient stock to enable just-in-time supply,  A new Asia Pacific Sawing Technology Training Center is also affiliated with the distribution center. The training center will provide clients, customers, technical support engineers and sales engineers with the most advanced testing technologies and training programs. The training center contributes to the comprehensive services offered by the LENOX/IRWIN Asia Pacific Distribution Center, covering a full range including supply, processing, welding and training. 

More than a hundred years since its founding, Newell Rubbermaid Inc. has grown to become a global marketer of consumer and commercial products with sales of approximately $6 billion. Its strong portfolio of brands includes Sharpie, Paper Mate, DYMO, Waterman, Parker, Rolodex, Goody, IRWIN, LENOX and Rubbermaid. The establishment of LENOX/IRWIN Asia Pacific Distribution Center in Shanghai is an expression of Newell Rubbermaid’s vision to persistently and passionately pursue excellence. As mentioned by Kevin Lowe, APAC Vice President of LENOX/IRWIN, in his speech at the grand opening, “our customers demand the best, and we are committed to delivering it through innovative technologies, the highest quality and world class service. The new facility that we celebrate today will help us to deliver on this promise.” 

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About LENOX

LENOX began in 1915 with a 10 employee team and a passion for bringing customers hacksaw blades that cut faster and lasted longer. Now, more than 90 years later, our passion hasn’t changed—but our team has grown to more than 600 people who manufacture and market the LENOX products in more than 70 countries. Our ISO 9001-certified facility in East Longmeadow, Mass., boasts a 500,000 square ft., 11 acre space for designing, testing and manufacturing power tool accessories, hand tools, band saw blades, torches, solder and accessories. LENOX is a Newell Rubbermaid company. For more information go to www.lenoxtools.comor sign up to get the latest news at www.twitter.com/lenoxtools,

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About IWRIN

IRWIN Tools manufactures and distributes a broad line of hand tools and power tool accessories including VISE-GRIP® pliers and wrenches, MARATHON® saw blades, QUICK-GRIP® clamping tools, SPEEDBOR® wood drilling bits, STRAIT-LINE® marking tools, UNIBIT® step drill bits, and HANSON® taps and dies. IRWIN Tools is a part of Newell Rubbermaid’s global portfolio of brands. For more information, call 1-800-GO-IRWIN or visit www.irwin.com.