“All year we have been celebrating our anniversary alongside our customers and tradespeople around the world,” said Craig Sumner, president of Emerson’s professional tools division, of which Ridgid is a part. “Bringing the celebration home to our Elyria headquarters was a great way for us to gather with the people who made our hundred-year milestone possible: Our employees, retirees, and their families. These are the people who built and continue to build the products that set us apart.”

The festivities included a beer tent, where adult guests could sample “RIDGID Wrenched 100 IPA,” a specialty beer developed in collaboration with Unplugged Brewing Co. in Elyria.

Families spent the day playing carnival games, mini-golf, and inflatable darts, and taking rides on giant trikes while listening to live music. A highlight of the open house included plant tours, during which attendees learned about the company’s plans for expansion and continued commitment to growth.

“We made this a family affair because we wanted to treat our employees and retirees to a full day of fun and celebration,” said Jordan Weber, employee engagement manager for Ridgid. “Inviting our retirees back made this occasion extra special. Seeing their faces while witnessing the innovative changes we’ve made to our manufacturing facility and hearing about their experiences over the years was an important way to recognize how far we’ve come throughout our 100 years in business.”

Ridgid has had a manufacturing presence in Ohio since the company was founded in1923. The 27-acre complex in Elyria is the world headquarters for the brand’s operation and the company’s hub for innovation, with a recently renovated shipping and receiving area that helps the company deliver products faster and more efficiently.

Over the next several years, Ridgid has plans for additional investments at its facility, located in the southeast corner of Elyria.