Wahl marks it's 90th Anniversary
STERLING, ILL (March 22, 2009) – WAHL® Clipper Corporation celebrates a milestone in 2009: Its 90th Anniversary. Founded on the strength of Leo Wahl’s patent for the first electromagnetic hair clipper in 1919, Wahl has consistently been a pioneer in the innovation of professional and home grooming products.
In those 90 years, the company has continued to bring quality and innovation to both the professional and home grooming categories by anticipating customer needs to consistently stay ahead of the curve. From the first hair clipper to the first lithium ion powered trimmer, Wahl brings high quality products and new conveniences to the professional market as well as people's homes.
Wahl has grown and diversified over the past nine decades to become a leading privately held American based professional and home grooming company in the country. Today, they are the leader in many product categories and are the product of choice for barbers, hair stylists, pet groomers and people who want to cut their own hair. Their diverse line-up of products for people and animals include hair clippers, trimmers, shavers, hair styling appliances and even massagers. Last year was Wahl’s biggest year ever with increased sales in all business segments worldwide.
1919 to 2009 – A History of Firsts
Since 1919, with the invention of the first practical electric hair clipper, Wahl has been the leader in the professional and home grooming category. In 1965 Wahl introduced the first
vacuum clipper allowing a person’s hair to be cut without the use of a cape; and in 1967 they produced the first cordless hair clipper using its own rechargeable battery technology. In ?1975 the company released a line of back and foot massagers using the same motor technology used in their hair clippers. In 1984 Wahl created the trimmer category with the first cordless beard and mustache trimmer. Today, Wahl continues to lead category innovation with the first lithium ion powered trimmer.
Sticking to its Roots
The tradition of innovation, hard work, integrity, family values and the goal of exceeding customer expectations with products of lasting value continues today under the leadership of Leo Wahl’s grandsons Greg Wahl, President and CEO and Jim Wahl, Executive VP Professional Sales.
“Throughout our history, Wahl has consistently introduced innovative products to answer the needs of the marketplace,” said Greg Wahl. “Even during the current turbulent economy times, Wahl is poised to continue its growth well into the future.”
In fact, most recently, Wahl stepped up its promotion of home hair cutting kits in response to the economy and the understanding that consumers are looking to save time and money more than ever before.
While Wahl has stayed current and cutting edge, the company has never turned its back on its heritage and core business – professional and home hair grooming. The company continues to call Sterling, Ill., home and manufactures more than 75 percent of the clippers sold in the U.S. Today, their products are sold in approximately 165 countries worldwide with five global manufacturing facilities as well as eight sales offices.
“At Wahl we are proud of our heritage of excellence as well as our remarkable list of groundbreaking innovations from the present and those to come in the future. Our products remain the finest and most innovative in the industry. We provide our retail partners with service that sets the global standard for integrity, value and efficiency. We are proud of our past and excited about our future,” added Wahl.
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