How iTOOLco Scaled Production with Bailey International

Summary

iTOOLco, a rapidly growing electrical tool manufacturer, needed a reliable partner to produce custom hydraulic cylinders for their innovative "Canon 20K" puller and other OEM equipment. By partnering with Bailey International, iTOOLco secured accurate lead times, superior product quality, and responsive technical support. This collaboration allowed iTOOLco to transition all hydraulic cylinder production to Bailey, streamlining their supply chain and supporting their mission to innovate the electrical industry.

Based in Clinton, Tennessee, iTOOLco is a family-owned business that has evolved from a small production shop into a leading designer and manufacturer of electrical tools. Founded by brothers who were former electrical contractors themselves, iTOOLco understands the unique challenges of the trade.

Over the last 13 years, the company has grown from offering just four products to over 150, constantly seeking ways to better the industry through innovation. With a decentralized leadership structure and a focus on "lean" manufacturing processes like Kanban, iTOOLco prides itself on efficiency, quality, and American manufacturing excellence.

The Problem

As iTOOLco expanded its product line to include heavy-duty equipment—such as the "Real Big Jack" and the "Canon 20K" (a 20,000 lb. puller)—they faced a critical engineering challenge. They required custom hydraulic cylinders that could withstand rigorous use in data centers, hospitals, and large-scale construction sites.

The team needed more than just a vendor; they needed a collaborative partner who could:

• Provide custom engineering support for specific product designs.
• Deliver accurate drawings and prototypes quickly.
• Maintain reliable lead times to keep their lean manufacturing lines moving.
• Offer consistent quality to match their high standards for finished goods.

Finding a supplier who could meet these demands while offering friendly, accessible support was essential for their continued growth.

The Solution

iTOOLco turned to Bailey International to address their hydraulic needs. The relationship began with a single project: sourcing a custom hydraulic cylinder for a specific piece of equipment.

Bailey's team immediately demonstrated their commitment to partnership through:

• Rapid Engineering Response: Bailey provided quick turnaround times on technical drawings and prototypes, allowing iTOOLco to test and iterate designs without delaying production schedules.
• Collaborative Design: The partnership evolved into a co-design process. As Dave, iTOOLco's co-founder, explains, "We just jump in and design things together... When we have an idea, we reach out and ask what kind of support we can get."
• Scalable Production: Impressed by the initial experience, iTOOLco expanded the relationship. Bailey now handles the production of hydraulic cylinders for all of iTOOLco’s OEM equipment sold to the electrical construction market.

The integration of Bailey’s components into iTOOLco's manufacturing floor—which operates on a strict Kanban system—ensured that parts were available exactly when needed, preventing bottlenecks in the assembly of their heavy-duty pullers and benders.

Result

The partnership with Bailey International has become a cornerstone of iTOOLco’s manufacturing success. By entrusting their hydraulic cylinder production to Bailey, iTOOLco has achieved significant operational improvements.

Key outcomes include:

• 100% Production Shift: iTOOLco was confident enough in the partnership to move production of all hydraulic cylinders for their OEM equipment to Bailey.
• Reliable Supply Chain: "The experience has been great. They're accurate with lead times... and all their people are super friendly," says Scott Jordan, Director of New Product Development.
• High-Quality Finished Goods: The durability of Bailey’s cylinders ensures iTOOLco’s flagship products, like the 20K puller, perform reliably in the field.
• Technical Synergy: Bailey’s technical support team acts as an extension of iTOOLco’s R&D department, enabling them to bring new inventions to market faster.

"We utilized Bailey with numerous of our products and they're really very good quality... [We] just love being able to call on them, ask them questions. Technical support is always great."
— Dave, Co-Founder, iTOOLco

iTOOLco’s journey from a small shop to an industry leader with over 150 products is a testament to the power of innovation and reliable partnerships. By choosing Bailey International, iTOOLco secured a supply chain partner that values quality and efficiency as much as they do.

As iTOOLco continues to "change the industry" and develop new solutions for electrical contractors, Bailey International remains ready to support their growth with customized solutions and unwavering support.

Ready to streamline your supply chain with a partner that puts your needs first? Contact Bailey International today to discuss your custom component needs.

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