Home / Celebrating 70 Years
Trademark
Product Categories
Markets
2021
Malco’s new president Rich Benninghoff assumes the role of President, following the retirement announcement of Mardon Quandt, who has served as Malco’s President since 2013.
2020
Malco celebrates their many years of innovation and growth during their 70th year anniversary. Malco gained various awards during this year: ACHR News 2020 Dealer Design Awards for Malco’s C-RHEX®, […]
2018-2019
As a result of overwhelming demand, Malco introduces three additional lengths to the 1/4 in. and 5/16 in. C-RHEX® lineup. The Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal awards Malco the […]
2017
Malco introduces an exclusive, dual-sided 1/4 in. and 5/16 in. C-RHEX® Cleanable, Reversible Magnetic Hex Driver with 2 in. length that rapidly becomes a best-selling tool in the HVAC market. […]
2016
Malco introduces a lightweight and powerful impact driver attachment called the TurboCrimper® Impact. Based on actual field trials, the C5A2 model operates 78% faster than a manual sheet metal crimper. The […]
2015
A 360° rotating head and adjustable drill clamp are integrated into various power-assisted tools. The clamp collar allows the head to be set in any position for ideal tool clearance […]
2014
Malco sustainability efforts continue with using recycled PET plastic vs. PVC for clamshell packaging, as well as recyclable paper and no adhesive, so that the plastic and paper cleanly separate […]
2012
Malco introduces its first power-assisted metal duct crimper drill attachment called the TurboCrimper®.
2010
Malco enters the automotive market, which presented opportunities for specialty tools that cut, prep, repair, and weld autobody door panels and surfaces.
2010-2019
This recent decade encompassed a new market venture, exciting product updates/releases, enhanced sustainability initiatives, majority employee ownership, company awards, and significant employee anniversaries.
2007
Mark Keymer was inducted into the Minnesota Inventors Hall of Fame.
2005
Malco’s “Head of the Class” Program is first introduced to recognize and reward outstanding trade school graduates for their commitment and hard work.
2004
With the addition of metal brackets for simplified one-handed use and hardened carbon steel blades that offer up to 18-gauge steel cutting capacity, the TurboShear® Heavy Duty Sheet Metal Cutting Tool Attachment […]
2003
Malco introduces the original TurboShear® drill attachment, which revolutionized the HVAC market and became an instant trade pro favorite.
2001
Founder Mark Keymer passes away, but his legacy of innovation, efficiency, and quality live on through his family and employee-owners. Redesigned 12- and 14-in. Aluminum Andy Snips and Gutter Outlet […]
2000
The 5-in. Seamer is released, as well as a Flex Duct Shear and various Magnetic Sweeps.
2000-2009
Malco entered the 21st century with breakthrough innovation and student recognition. This decade features the release of the original TurboShear® drill attachment that sparked the development of other power-assisted tools, the creation […]
1999
On the eve of Malco’s 50th anniversary, Gerry Keymer sells his share of the company to begin the process of transferring ownership of Malco to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan […]
1998
Demand for Max2000® Classic Aviation Snips creates waiting lists at dealers. It was a highly anticipated solution in response to widespread dissatisfaction with the aviation snip category at the time. The BEAST Shingle […]
1996–97
A formal Product Development Process results in a record number of new product introductions. For one 14-month period from March 1996 to May 1997, more than one product was introduced […]
1995
The 20-in. Sheet Metal Hole Cutter is released.
1992
Updated AVs® line of aviation snips are released, revamping Malco’s existing line. All specialty hand tools which feature a compound leverage design now also feature new handle springs that assure longer, uninterrupted […]
1991
Malco implements Uniform Product Codes (UPC) on individual sale items to allow for timely and accessible inventory status reports, streamlined shipping/receiving operations, and reduced clerical errors. Barcoding was no longer […]
1990
A new CAD/CAM computer system transforms designs into small quantities of manufactured products in a fraction of the time compared to large scale production. This laid the groundwork for an […]
1990s
Many big milestones occurred in the 90s, with Malco revolutionizing their product development and purchasing process, releasing many new tools, going online, and shifting ownership.
1989
The FasGroov® system is first introduced to the HVAC market and is a huge success A compact, portable exhibit is available for reps to use at trade shows and special events, […]
1988
The first skin carding line begins operation in the Packaging Department. The peggable packaging was designed to enhance product visibility, enabling wholesale distributors to have more effective merchandising.
1987
A new fax machine is installed in the office to function 24/7, in efforts to speed communications and improve customer service.
1982
Introduction of BiMetal by Malco™ reciprocating saw blades.
1980
Malco uses pegboard templates to promote full line displays and a self-service concept.
1980s
The 80s brought big changes to Malco’s internal processes and packaging, which streamlined plant operations and enhanced distributor merchandising efforts.
1978
Mark Keymer retires as president with his son Gerry taking leadership. Order entry function is online, which allowed for instantaneous processing and computer-generated pick tickets for same or next-day shipping.
1976
The industry-leading Zip-in® Screws are introduced into the marketplace.
1973
The move to Annandale is complete, and Mark’s son Gerry is named vice president.
1971
Punch press operations move from Minneapolis to Annandale, MN.
1970
The 70s included the big move to Annandale, MN, which is where the current U.S. Malco headquarters is located, as well as entering a new product market, releasing Zip-in® Screws, […]
1962
The 60s were comprised of continued company growth, personally training sales reps, new product development/updates, and ramping up trade show attendance. Malco’s sales rep force, an essential link to wholesale […]
1954
Operations move from Al’s garage to Mark’s basement, with Al leaving the company. Malco’s first business office consisted of the kitchen table, a shoebox filing system, and a manual typewriter. […]
1950 | Malco is born!
The origin of the Malco name came from combining Mark’s first name and the first name of an early associate named Al, who owned the garage where initial operations began. […]
