November 2019 Volume 1

ASSOCIATION NEWS

108 West Randolph Street, Chicago

1936 employees with 20-54 years

Carroll Avenue plant in Chicago. In 1940, at a dealer show, Howard met Charles Norcross of C.S. Norcross & Sons, a garden tool manufacturer in Bushnell, Ill. The conversation between Howard and Charles naturally turned to the coincidence of names. Impressed by Norcross’ description of Bushnell, Howard and other company officers made several visits, culminating in the purchase of a building there in the summer of 1940. The company decided to consolidate all of its manufacturing operations there in 1950.

Vaughan & Bushnell Mfg. Co. has grown from a small maker of hand tools to one of the world’s largest manufacturer of striking tools. Charlie Vaughan joined the company in 1993, navigating the company through a much different world than previous Vaughan leaders. With the rise of cheap imported products and direct-to-consumer sales, Charlie

Howard Jr. became president of the company in 1966 and initiated a major modernization of Vaughan’s manufacturing process. New high efficiency forges were installed, and many manual finishing procedures were automated for better control and quality. In 1963, the company established new administrative headquarters

Charlie Vaughan

fought to maintain the quality of tools for the professional and DIY er alike, keeping the high standards set by previous generations. In 2018, Vaughan acquired DASCO Pro, a company specializing in USA-made punches, chisels and nail sets. Additional property was purchased in Bushnell, where full manufacturing of DASCO Pro tools was completed in 2019. What hasn’t changed over the years is Vaughan’s dedication to quality and exceptional attention to detail—a dedication that spans five generations. The Vaughan family and the dedicated craftsmen who produce their products care a great deal about the tools that carry the Vaughan name. That care shines through to this day.

Howard Vaughan Jr.

in Hebron, Ill., which included new offices, a warehouse and manufacturing. V&B Mfg. Co., a subsidiary, was formed in 1966 in Walnut Ridge, Ark., to manufacture hickory handles, Vaughan’s strength in the marketplace to this day. Howard Jr. also spearheaded a successful drive to increase distribution, both nationally and internationally.

FIA MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2019 41