ABC Tools, founded in 1913, is one of the leading tool distributors in Europe, and can offer over 40.000 items in stock ready for shipment, to fulfil any need for professional tools, as well as special items for the automotive sector, electrical, measuring and lighting appliances. A vast assortment of abrasives and self-protection and accident prevention items complete the offer.
The company is very strong with tool trolleys, for internal production facility maintenance. They do also have a strong division called ABC Storage that offers industrial furniture and equipment, such as workbenches, cabinets, shelves etc.
High product quality, a wide range assortment available for prompt delivery, speedy shipments, the presence of a widespread sales network and the historic catalogue, soon at its 57th edition, are the strengths of the company.
Interview with Emanuele Weyler, Export Manager at ABC Tools S.p.a.,
Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
Emanuele Weyler: High product quality, a wide range assortment of professional tools available for prompt delivery, speedy shipments, the presence of a widespread sales network and the historic catalogue, now at its 56th edition, are the strengths of our company. Our logistics department is set to ship orders within the same day to our customers and distributors.
E.E: What’s the news about new products?
E.W: We recently introduced a new range of non-sparking tools. These products can be used safely in ATEX environments and are made of Copper Beryllium (Cu-Be) or Aluminum Copper (Al-Cu). Our non-sparking tools are safe to be used in environments with potential risk of explosion, such as chemical plants, oil rigs, refineries, and other classified areas. The range includes over 600 items being the most extensive Atex tools assortment on the market. The followings list shows the most significant items:
- Screwdrivers
- Pliers
- Diagonal cutters
- Hatchets
- Hammers
- Nail pullers
- Wedges, chisels, and punches
- Scissors
- Pipe cutters
- Pipe wrenches
- Adjustable wrenches
- Striking wrenches
- Combination and double open wrenches
- Hexagonal sockets and accessories
- Ratchets and t-levers
- Tubular pipe wrenches
- Hook wrenches
- Valve wrenches
- Knives
- Spatulas
- Files
- Saws
- Brushes
- Scrapers
- Levers
- Pickaxes
- Shovels
- Spades
- Working lamps
- And many more…
Each tool type is available in a large number of sizes, specifications and materials to meet each need.
E.E: What are the ranges of products?
E.W: Our product range is very wide, including about 40.000 items, and I will try to summarize all the products and solutions we are able to deliver:
- Manual tools, such as screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, hammers, saws, scissors, auto repair tools, torque wrenches etc.
- Abrasives, such as brushes, files, rasps, burrs, grindings discs, hacksaws, hole saws etc.
- Power tools, like bench grinders, angle grinders, drills, pneumatic tools, impact wrenches, industrial saws, industrial vacuum cleaners etc.
- Cutting tools, such as lathe tools, drills, reamers, countersinks, taps, dies, circular saws etch.
- Tools and accessories for machine tools: Drill bushes, lathe chucks, face chucks, machine vices, machine clamps, cooling systems, knurling tools.
- Measurement and control instruments: Calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, thickness gauges, gauge blocks, feeler gauges, compasses, height gauges, surface plates, rulers, measuring sticks and tapes, levels, tachometer, chronometers, magnifying glasses, electronic environmental control instruments.
- Marking, welding, greasing: Stencils punches, pens, marking tools, welding machines and accessories, propane welding tools, soldering irons, heat guns, technical sprays, grease guns, adhesives, sealants, and lubricating products.
- Fixing, lifting, assembly components: carabine hooks, shackles, clamps, vices, jacks, winches, lever hoists, lifting slings, hose clips, cable ties and magnets
- Safety, protection, and accident prevention products: shoes, gloves, helmets, harnesses, goggles, welding masks, ear protection, safety cutters, insulated tools, non-sparking tools, inox tools.
- Industrial furniture and containers: Tool trolley, tool cases and bags, complete tool sets, drawer units, workbenches, trolleys, cabinets, modular shelves, workshop equipment.
All ABC products are designed to be used by professionals only. Therefore the quality and durability of our items is always one step ahead.
E.E: At what stage is the market where you are currently active?
E.W: The markets are quite mature, with many competitors on all price levels. We at ABC Tools have aways focused, for 110 years now, only on high quality tools, designed for professionals. We therefore like to serve the medium and high-level product range. We have also recently introduced an entry level sub-brand, called ABC Smart. It reunites high quality that our customers expect from an ABC product, but with an interesting and competitive price level and marketing concept.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
E.W: It will be more and more important to focus on customers’ needs, being flexible and anticipating new product lines. Being quick in innovation, and precise in delivery is a must today. And of course, being close to the customers, and listen to their requirements. Among a market that offers also very low-quality products, it will be more and more important to distinguish our ABC Tools products, and keep up the high level we have always used our customers to.
E.E: What estimations do you have for the rest of 2023?
E.W: The political situation worldwide is not easy, with two wars currently going on, with no end to be seen in the short term. It is not avoidable that these factors have a high impact on the local economies, producing negative effects such as inflation, higher energy and material costs, and general insecurity concerning the future, and the connected investments. ABC Tools believes that, due to the history of the company, the long-lasting partnerships with the key customers, the quality of the products and the quick delivery service as well as the strong focus on human factors and flexibility, the results will remain very positive until end of 2023, and further on. We are ready to pick up the challenge for the future.