Wilton
Founded in 1941 by Czech immigrant Hugh W. Vogl, Wilton began as a vise manufacturing company in Chicago, named after its location at the intersection of Wilton Avenue and Wrightwood Avenue. Vogl introduced the innovative 40S Machinist Vise, featuring a patented bullet design that ensured durability and precision, quickly becoming essential in WWII munitions factories.
Click here for complete description
By 1965, Wilton had become the preferred brand in the industrial market, further diversifying into work positioners and hydraulic clamps.
In the 1970s, Wilton tapped into the retail market, producing affordable vises for hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts and later acquiring Warren Tool Group, solidifying its market dominance. After several acquisitions, including by WMH Tool Group and later Tenex Capital Management, Wilton continued to innovate and lead in the industry.
Today, Wilton's original bullet vise remains the top-selling industrial vise, a testament to the company's enduring legacy and commitment to quality over its 73-year history.