Sidchrome
Sidchrome is an Australian brand of mechanics' tools. It is a subsidiary of Stanley Black & Decker.
 | |
| Type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Manufacturing |
| Founded | 1931 Collingwood, Victoria |
| Founder | Royston Siddons |
| Headquarters | Heidelberg West, Victoria |
| Products | Hand tools |
| Parent | Stanley Black & Decker |
| Website | www.sidchrome.com.au |
History
The brand emerged when Royston Siddons' Siddons Drop Forgings Pty Ltd turned to tool making to fill post war shortages after World War II. Original production of Sidchrome tools was in the Australian area of Brunswick, in the city of Melbourne, Victoria.
Sidchrome was acquired by The Stanley Works (now Stanley Black & Decker) in 1991.[1] Sidchrome closed the Australian factory and ended all local manufacturing. In 1996 Stanley Black & Decker started to move all tool manufacturing to Taiwan, whilst sourcing various items from Proto in the USA (marked as Proto on items) due to supply of left-over Australian-made tools being sold out until all manufacturing was fully established in Taiwan.
Racing
Sidchrome sponsored several Australian and New Zealand racing drivers in the 1970s, notably New Zealand and Australian saloon champion Jim Richards.
Present
Sidchrome is still a top selling automotive tool brand in Australia and New Zealand and since 2007, the brand sponsors the Most Improved Award in Australia's V8 Supercar Championship Series.
References
- "STANLEY MAKES ACQUISITIONS IN U.S., AUSTRALIA". The Hartford Courant. 24 December 1991. Retrieved 23 March 2020.