By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool
Filed under: Investing
ScottsMiracle-Gro and Acme United Launch Innovative Lawn and Garden Tools
The collaboration blends new technology and durability with a trusted brand name
FAIRFIELD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Acme United Corporation (NYSE AMEX:ACU) and The ScottsMiracle-Gro (NYS: SMG) Company formed a licensing partnership to create two new lines of innovative lawn and garden tools which will enter the home and garden market this May- Scotts® AirShoc®, aimed at lawn care professionals and serious ‘DIY‘ers, and the Miracle-Gro® EnviroLine, developed for home gardeners.
The two product lines will be officially unveiled at the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas, May 7-9, and thereafter made available through multiple retail channels, including specialty and national chains.
The collaboration marks the first time The ScottsMiracle-Gro Company will introduce lawn and garden cutting tools to its repertoire of successful lawn and garden-care products: a full range of tools including pruners, loppers, hedge shears, snips, floral knives, and more.
Acme United, the owner of the Clauss® brand is the leader in the floral cutting tool market since 1877 and ScottsMiracle-Gro has been a trusted name in lawn and garden care for over 130 years. Through this licensing partnership, Acme will market and sell lawn and garden tools branded Scotts® and Miracle-Gro®, and powered by Clauss® technology.
Rick Constantine, vice president of Marketing with Acme United, said all product design on the new line has been in close collaboration with ScottsMiracle-Gro’s professional staff.
Constantine said, “this partnership leverages both of our strengths, combining ScottsMiracle-Gro’s knowledge and presence in lawn and garden with our expertise in cutting tool designs, bonding technologies and manufacturing.”
The tools feature titanium-bonded stainless steel, making them both corrosion resistant and up to five-times harder than untreated stainless steel. Integrated Microban® antimicrobial technology helps prevent the growth of bacteria and fungus on both the handles and cutting blades. The Miracle-Gro® products and packaging are built from recycled materials.
The AirShoc® line also features break-through “Tool-Less Blade Change” technology, allowing the user to change from a bypass blade to an anvil blade to a snip in seconds. This technology provides multiple cutting options while simplifying sharpening and cleaning.
Constantine noted that the AirShoc® designs have already earned a Good Design Award for Innovation and an IDEA Award from the Industrial Designers Society of America.
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance