General Factory Supply

Waltz-Dettmer Supply Co. (WDS) was established in 1946. In August, 1988, Tom Haarmeyer purchased the company from the founder's son. Tom had worked over 19 years at Waltz-Dettmer prior to the acquisition. He had worked in every phase of the business during his career at WDS. In October, 1994, Bob Stautberg purchased stock in the company and became... the President. Waltz-Dettmer has evolved since the mid-80's in many ways. All changes have been driven by changing customer needs. A major upgrade in computer technology in 1994 improved WDS's inventory management capabilities resulting in shorter lead-times and lower costs for the company's customers. Value added services complement the company's major product lines. Many customers asked the company to enhance the company's repair service and parts for the company's pneumatic power tools. This request lead to a major component of the company's business that provides factory-authorized repairs for a broad range of pneumatic and hydraulic power tools. The June, 1997 acquisition of Dayton Pneumatic Tool Co. and the April, 1998 acquisition of Queen Hydraulics have greatly added to the company's product lines and expertise. Customer need also drove WDS to expand into welding supplies and gases. Three experienced professionals with over 60 years experience were recruited to insure that the company could provide quality products and service. The expansion was begun by building expertise in welding supplies during 1996 and expanding to welding gases in 1997. WDS is clearly focused on meeting the company's customers' needs into the next century. In addition to proactively seeking strategic alliances with top quality distributors, the company plan to add expanded system capabilities including EDI, barcoding. And the company has now added Internet access.Read More