What an unforgettable year. With 2021 rapidly approaching, we’d like to take this opportunity to cheer that we made it! It’s no secret that 2020 will be one for the books, so we’re providing a year-end recap from Malco’s perspective. As always, one thing that won’t ever change is our commitment to the trades. During this year, we’ve been able to remain open to provide our valuable distributors and trade pros with the products they need when they need them. Rest assured that we’re here for you and will continue to provide the quality service and tools you trust. From company milestones to awards and new products, let’s explore this year in review.
Year-End Recap Overview
Malco Milestones & Updates
70th Anniversary
Founded in 1950, Malco celebrated a major milestone of 70 years in business this year. Moving forward, we will continue our founder’s legacy of lasting quality and innovation, always striving to exceed our customers’ expectations with tools that Work. Perform. Outlast.
COVID-19 Response
From office associates working at home to manufacturing employees observing safety guidelines such as wearing masks and undergoing temperature checks, we’ve been doing our part to ensure our staff’s overall health and well-being. Together, we’ve been working as a unified team to continue operations without delay, including voluntary overtime on several Saturdays.
35-Year Employee Anniversaries
We celebrated some exciting employee milestones, including the 35th anniversary of New Product Development Tool & Die Maker/Prototype Specialist 3 Jerry Fries, Accountant 3 Jeanne Lommel, and Punch Press Operator Steve Raymond.
HVAC Trade-Pro of the Year Award Winners
This annual Malco award program recognizes outstanding HVAC professionals from across the country who are dedicated to the industry, on-the-job safety, and giving back to their local communities. Congratulations to all the 2020 winners: Pablo Estrada, Shannon Godlewski, Tyler Norton, Dan Sorenson, and Michael Williams.
Head of the Class Winners
As a strong supporter and advocate of careers in the trades, Malco unveiled this unique program in 2005 to recognize and reward exceptional HVAC, construction, and autobody trade school graduates for their commitment and hard work. We congratulate all of our 2020 winners and wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.
Jeannette Rieger-Borer Scholarship by Malco
Named after one of our long-term associates who served many years on the Annandale School Board, Malco is proud to award this new annual scholarship of $1,500 to an Annandale High School graduate who will be pursuing a trade school education. As a local, employee-owned business in the area, supporting our community and future careers in the essential trades is vital to us. Congratulations to our first-ever recipient, Jacob Welter.
Celebrating a Decade in the Automotive Market
Ten years ago, we entered the automotive market, which presented opportunities to manufacture specialty tools that cut, prep, repair, and weld vehicle door panels and surfaces. Since then, we’ve expanded our range of automotive tools that help users to save time and energy, as well as increase safety and productivity.
Company Awards
ACHR News 2020 Dealer Design Awards: C-RHEX®
Malco was recognized for excellence in product design at the 17th annual Dealer Design Awards Program sponsored by The Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News magazine, the leading trade publication in the HVAC industry. Our 5/16” and 3/8” C-RHEX Cleanable, Reversible Magnetic Hex Drivers earned gold recognition in the hand tools category.
2020 All-Star Company by the Great Game of Business®
We were named the 2020 Great Game of Business All-Star Team at the 28th Annual “Gathering of Games” conference hosted by the Great Game of Business (GGOB). We’ve implemented the GGOB approach of open-book management by utilizing financial projections, weekly management and company huddles, scoreboards, and financial literacy training for all associates.
Outstanding Achievement Award from the Minnesota Safety Council
Malco earned the 2019 Outstanding Achievement Award in Occupational Safety during the Governor’s Safety Awards ceremony at the Minnesota/South Dakota Safety & Health Virtual Conference. We’ve earned recognition through the program 12 times since 2004 and are proud to have better incident numbers than the industry average.
New Products & Enhancements
Slimmer C-RHEX®
Contractors asked, and we delivered. The 1/4” side of our popular 1/4” and 5/16” C-RHEX Cleanable, Reversible Magnetic Hex Drivers now features a 16% slimmer profile, a design enhancement that allows for easier access in confined spaces.
Universal Oil Filter Wrench
Here’s a new, handy automotive tool that was released in 2020. Rely on three spring-loaded arms and a magnetic base to provide a secure grip on oil filters upon removal. Its universal design works on popular 2.4” to 3.6” filters.
Blue Impact-Grade Magnetic Hex Chuck Drivers
Featuring a spring-loaded, floating magnet that prevents breakage, these new drivers are a distinctive blue color, signaling quality performance that can withstand impact driver stress for each fastening application.
Millimeter C-RHEX®
To better serve the trades, Malco continuously recognizes end-user needs for new or enhanced tools. Our new millimeter line of C-RHEX Cleanable, Reversible Magnetic Hex Drivers feature 8 mm and 10 mm or 6 mm and 8 mm hex sizes for construction or automotive pros to enhance productivity and flexibility on the job.
That concludes our year-end recap of 2020. As a company, we’re striving to reflect on the positive. Despite this year’s challenges, Malco’s sales are going strong. This wouldn’t be possible without our wonderful customers, wholesale distributors, sales rep agencies, and employees. We are so grateful for your ongoing support and hope that this new year brings you peace, joy, and happiness!