HISTORY
Our History
Known as ITW Shakeproof Industrial today, the company is the result of a 2010 merger of ITW businesses that have a long, rich history in the industrial fastener market. This history dates to the 1920s, when two of ITW Shakeproof Industrial’s main product lines were created.
Shakeproof was formed in 1923 when it introduced the Twisted Tooth Lock Washer.
Rein Leitzke, established in 1929, was created through the merger of well-known fastener manufacturers Medalist Rein Leitzke and Hobbs.
Together, these companies have decades of problem solving, product design, and manufacturing experience, which is demonstrated in the quality of the products you receive.
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Shakeproof was formed with the introduction of the Twisted Tooth Lock Washer, addressing the need to prevent bolted joints from loosening by using friction
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Rein Leitzke Incorporated was established in Hustisford, WI as a manufacturer of various pins and washers
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25 Year Anniversary
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SEMS Machine Screw, first screw to captivate a washer under the screw head, was created and patented
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TEKS Metal Thread Forming Screw designed and patented ensures all voids and material thicknesses are accounted for
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Hi-Lo Plastic Thread Forming Fasteners was designed and patented to address performance challenges of fastening in low pressure environments (plastic, particle board, Masonite, etc.)
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Rein Leitzke was purchased by Medalist Industries, forming Medalist Leitzke
To improve thread engagement and joint strength the GX Self-Extruding Metal Thread Forming Screw created and patented
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50 Year Anniversary
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Tap/R Metal Thread Forming Fasteners engineered and patented to roll their own perfect mating threads in an un-threaded pilot hole
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Square Cone Washer created and patented to provide a reliable low-torque, controlled-tension fastener
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Mellowes Company acquired by ITW and became ITW Shakeproof
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Rein Leitzke was purchased by ITW
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Bee Industries, manufacturer of pins and stampings (Watertown, WI) was acquired by ITW
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75 Year Anniversary
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Bee & Rein facilities merge and became ITW Bee Leitzke
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Hobbs Fasteners, pin manufacturer, is acquired
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AlignRite created and patented
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Facility in Iron Ridge, WI is acquired for all shipping and warehousing activities
Hobbs facility in Worcester, MA was closed and work was moved to Hustisford and Watertown, WI
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Innovative Plastic Thread Forming Fastener, BosScrew, engineered and patented. This is the only screw engineered to not loosen in plastic application
SinuLOC Machine Screw patented, providing a reusable thread forming specialty machine screw with locking threads
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ITW Bee Leitzke joined ITW Shakeproof, forming ITW Shakeproof Group
Current facilities in Milwaukee, Iron Ridge, Hustisford, Watertown, Machesney Park, and Broadview
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Hustisford plant was closed. All jobs moved to Watertown or Milwaukee
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Machesney Park becomes strictly automotive based and Watertown becomes Industrial based
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Became known as ITW Shakeproof Industrial
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GripTide™ patented as a low-cost steel insert for plastics that surpasses brass inserts in quality, cost, and performance
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Operations in Wisconsin (Watertown, Milwaukee, & Iron Ridge) and Illinois (Broadview)
