Black and Decker

Black & Decker Corporation was founded in 1910 by S. Duncan Black and Alonzo G. Decker as a small machine shop in Baltimore, Maryland.

In 1917, Black & Decker invented the familiar portable electric drill, obtaining a patent for a hand-held drill combining a pistol grip and trigger switch.

1925 - Black & Decker, Ltd. was established in London, England.

1946 - After learning that workers in factories were taking drills home for personal use, Black & Decker begins the “do-it-yourself” revolution with the Home Utility line of drills and accessories. In addition, a subsidiary was established in São Paulo, Brazil, responsible for sales and manufacturing of company products.

1951 - S. Duncan Black, co-founder and president since 1910, died, and Alonzo G. Decker Sr. became president.

1960 - Alonzo G. Decker, Jr., succeeded Robert D. Black as president. Mr. Black continued as chairman of the board and chief executive officer. Black & Decker acquired DeWalt, Inc. of Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

1967 – 1968 - The United Kingdom company was awarded the Queen's Award to Industry for outstanding achievement in increasing exports.

1984 - As part of a major reorganization plan, several sites were closed including plants in Maidenhead and Harmondsworth, England; Kildare, Ireland;

1984 - The company modernized its familiar logo, which had previously been the image of an orange six-sided nut containing the initials "B&D."

Sources of Information

• [1] Wikipedia