STERLING, Ill. (March 1, 2019) – Housewares Show Booth # L12115 -- Who says old age is the time to slow down? According to Wahl Clipper Corporation, the 100-year-old company is just getting started. Be it the advancements in online shopping, the DIY-grooming craze or the phenomenon that is facial hair, many factors have contributed to Wahl’s exponential growth, especially in the last decade. This progression, however, all stems from a family who has been steadfast in their dedication to its products, employees and customers for the past century.
“Since its inception, Wahl has been committed to incorporating feedback from its customers, and to continually improving upon its products,” said Steven Yde, division vice president for Wahl. “As we celebrate our centennial, we look back on past innovations and look forward to future possibilities. Our products are designed for quality and performance, attributes that make our customers a customer for life.”
Quality products, strong marketing and a committed workforce has set the company’s stage for success. Globally, Wahl has created thousands of jobs with the expansion to seven manufacturing facilities and 22 sales and marketing offices. Today, Wahl continues to be rated number one in both the hair clipper and trimmer categories.
A History of Firsts
For 100 years, Wahl has been at the forefront of firsts. As hair continues to grow, so does the brand and the product line.
It all started in 1919 with Leo Wahl and his invention of the first hair clipper. Created for the professional barber market, the clipper and its motor would be the foundation for hundreds of grooming tools around the world.
1984 was a groundbreaking year for Wahl’s consumer products with the release of the first cordless facial hair trimmer for men. Recognizing the need for an easier way to keep facial hair well-groomed, the company introduced the Wahl Groomsman. This innovative new product was the first step in the facial hair phenomenon that would later define the brand.
In 1989 new products included a rechargeable wand massager, a specially designed shaver for black men, and a "Stubble Device" to keep facial hair cut one to three days long.
2001 marked the introduction of the Color Pro – the first hair clipper with color coded guide combs to make mistake free haircutting safe and easy.
One of the biggest innovations came in 2009 when Wahl introduced the first grooming tool to harness the power of lithium ion. Recently, the Wahl Lithium Ion Trimmer has been named one of the Top 25 Innovations in the Last 25 years by Home World Business.
In 2012 Wahl expanded its lithium ion technology into the hair clipper and pet clipper categories.
Today, this best-of-class technology has been perfected and incorporated into the 100th Anniversary Limited Edition Trimmer, which boasts a 6-hour battery life, extreme precision blade and beautiful 18-carat gold plating.
Today & Tomorrow
With fourth generation family member, Phil Wahl, at the forefront of the company’s latest venture, an all-new line of beard care and personal care products, the company again re-invents itself now as a one-stop shop for all grooming needs and satisfies the desires of a new generation. The product line features 12 new products, including beard wash, beard softener, shampoo, body wash, beard oil and more.
After 100 years of innovation, Wahl continues to adapt and improve products in alignment with advances in technology and consumer needs. Still family-owned and operated, Wahl products may evolve, but the company’s commitment to integrity, value and efficiency will always remain constant. And as part of founder Leo J. Wahl’s intent to keep Wahl products made in America, as well as the following four generations, in 2016 Wahl Clipper Corporation invested in a brand new multimillion dollar headquarters in it hometown of Sterling, Ill.
About Wahl Home Products
Wahl Home Products is a division of Wahl Clipper Corporation, based in Sterling, Ill. For the last 100 years, the company has remained a trusted name and industry leader, manufacturing products for consumer personal care, animal grooming and professional beauty and barber salon trade. For more information, visit WahlUSA.com.
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