History of BLACK+DECKER
From a modest machine shop in Baltimore to the surface of the moon, we’ve proudly provided innovative solutions for over a century. Discover the pioneering history of BLACK+DECKER.
About Us
Over a century of DIY innovation
Since our founding in 1910, we’ve been at the very forefront of DIY product innovation. From the iconic BLACK+DECKER Workmate® to the world’s first cordless drill and hedge trimmer, we’ve used ingenuity and integrity to help people turn their houses into homes.
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1911 Two Young Men + A Dream
With just $1,200 between them, two young entrepreneurs—S. Duncan Black and Alonzo G. Decker—launch a machine shop in Baltimore. Early products include machines for making milk bottle caps and candy dipping.
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1916 Patented + Portable
Featuring a pistol grip and trigger switch, BLACK+DECKER lays the groundwork for today’s power tool industry by filing a patent application for a ½-inch portable electric drill.
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1917 First Plant Opens
The company opens its first large-scale manufacturing facility in Towson, Maryland, a suburb north of Baltimore.
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1919 Booming Sales + Continued Growth
Just nine years after its founding, BLACK+DECKER's annual sales exceed $1 million. The same year, the company completes a new 20,000-square-foot factory in Towson.
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1925 Education + Expansion
BLACK+DECKER crosses the United States in two buses, offering product demonstrations to salesman and plant operators in mobile classrooms. The same year, BLACK+DECKER, Ltd. is launched as a subsidiary serving the UK.
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1929 Flying Showrooms
BLACK+DECKER demonstrates its newest power tools for servicing aircraft engines on a customized six-passenger Travel Air Monoplane.
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1936 Opening Bell
BLACK+DECKER common stock enters the New York Stock Exchange.
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1946 The DIY Revolution
BLACK+DECKER introduces the world’s first portable electric drill for consumers. The company launches a Home Utility line of drills and accessories. The DIY revolution begins.
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1951 Millionth Drill
The one-millionth BLACK+DECKER ¼-inch home utility drill comes off the assembly line.
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1956 Robert D. Black Named President
Robert D. Black, brother of S. Duncan Black, is named president of BLACK+DECKER following the death of co-founder Alonzo G. Decker, Sr.
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1957 Lawn + Garden Revolution
BLACK+DECKER revolutionizes the consumer lawn and garden market with the first electric outdoor tools designed for everyday homeowners.
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1961 Cordless Innovation
Powered by nickel-cadmium cells, BLACK+DECKER introduces the world's first cordless electric drill.
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1962 The Great Outdoors
BLACK+DECKER introduces the world’s first cordless Hedge Trimmer.
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1963 Space Race
BLACK+DECKER develops a cordless, minimum-torque space tool for NASA astronauts to use under weightless conditions on Project Gemini.
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1964 Alonzo G. Decker, Jr. Named CEO
Alonzo G. Decker, Jr., son of late BLACK+DECKER co-founder Alonzo G. Decker, Sr., is named chief executive officer.
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1971 Moon Drill
With a BLACK+DECKER-built power head, the Apollo Lunar Surface Drill successfully removes core samples from the moon during NASA's Apollo 15 mission. The drill later sees duty on the Apollo 16 and 17 missions.