Griffon Corporation (USA) has acquired the leading Australian Garden and
Tool division of Illinois Tool Works (ITW). The Garden and Tool business, which
comprises of Trojan and Supercraft hand tools, Cyclone gardening tools and insect
screening and the Nylex watering brand in Australia will form part of their
Home and Building Products division with the Ames Companies Inc.
The Garden and Tool business will continue to operate ‘largely
unchanged’ across the Australian hardware market and will now trade as Cyclone
Tools Pty. Ltd. The latest purchase follows Griffon’s recent acquisition of
Northcote Pottery, a leading supplier of decorative garden products in Australia
and New Zealand. Both companies join Ames’ existing Westmix business to form
part of AMES Australasia.
One of the largest suppliers of non-powered landscaping products in the
USA, Ames, similar to the Cyclone business, has a long and rich history within
the garden and tools business. Their extensive experience makes them a ‘good
fit’ with Cyclone Tools, having manufactured long handle garden tools,
wheelbarrows, snow tools, planters, lawn accessories, striking tools, pruning
tools, garden hoses and related products since 1774.
Now part of the global Ames team, Cyclone is very well positioned in the
market via a strengthened supply chain and broadened product range. Current CEO
of Northcote Pottery, Simon Hupfeld, has been appointed CEO of AMES Australasia,
and together with the existing management team within the Cyclone Tools,
Northcote Pottery and Westmix businesses, will lead the group in this region.
With support from the Ames Group, Cyclone Tools will continue to maintain its focus
on delivering the latest in garden and tool products for its customers.
