CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. - Emerson Professional Tools’ Knaack LLC kicked off a celebration of its 50th anniversary with a press day at the company’s headquarters on May 6, followed by an employee celebration May 8.

Founded in 1960 to supply jobsite boxes to a construction supply house, Knaack began in a modest 2,000 square-foot facility in Crystal Lake. It has since expanded its headquarters location to more than 400,000 square feet with 285 employees.

“We would like to thank all the folks who made the first 50 years of Knaack possible,” said president Chad Severson. “Our gratitude begins with the folks who use our products for a living, to trusted channel partners, and to both current and prior employees of Knaack. Finally, we’d like to recognize our suppliers, for without their help along the way, we wouldn’t be observing this wonderful milestone.”

As part of its celebration, the company unveiled the Model 50 anniversary jobsite chest, which features a virtually weather- and tamper-resistant Watchman® 5 locking system. The chest comes in a new convenient size with lower height, and is outfitted with a cover-assist handle and cable support, a powder-coat finish, and 6-inch industrial-strength casters.

Every 50 days, Knaack will randomly select a winner who will receive a Model 50 chest through its online “Nifty Fifty Jobsite Storage Giveaway.” Knaack will also donate five of the special-edition chests to the Crystal Lake Park District for use on municipal ball fields.

For more information, visit www.knaackfifty.com.

Publication date: 05/24/2010