Acme United Corporation

What Acme United Corporation does

Acme United Corporation, headquartered in Shelton, Connecticut and listed on NYSE American under ticker ACU, is a U.S. public company that has manufactured and distributed cutting, measuring, first aid, and safety products since 1867. The company operates a multi-brand portfolio spanning school, home, and office cutting tools (Westcott, Clauss, C-Thru), sharpening (DMT Sharpeners, Western), sporting and outdoor cutlery (Camillus, Cuda), and first aid/safety (First Aid Only, PhysiciansCare, Pac-Kit, Spill Magic, First Aid Central, Med-Nap, Safety Made, Elite First Aid, My Medic). Proprietary technologies include Titanium Bonded blades (titanium carbonitride coatings claimed to be more than three times harder than stainless steel), CarboTitanium, ceramic blades, hot-forged construction, and the SmartCompliance first aid system with patented SmartTab ezRefill reminders and the SafetyHub mobile app for OSHA compliance tracking.

Acme United sells primarily through one-time product transactions to retail, wholesale, industrial, and consumer end-markets. Distribution is multi-channel: mass retail and office superstores, warehouse clubs, supermarkets, drug stores, specialty stores, major online platforms (Amazon.com and brand websites), industrial and hardware distributors (SP Richards, United Stationers), direct enterprise sales to accounts such as Walmart, Staples, and Office Depot, and promotional-products channels via the Safety Made brand. Pricing is quote-based for bulk and enterprise orders and is not publicly disclosed. Named enterprise customers span food service (McDonald's, Subway), grocery (Kroger, Safeway, Publix, Albertsons, Walmart), and nonprofit (Canadian Red Cross), but the business is otherwise supported by long-tail retail and consumer volume.

The business model is anchored by an aggressive, decades-long bolt-on acquisition strategy. Since 2004 Acme United has acquired Clauss Cutlery (2004), Camillus Cutlery brand and IP (2007), Pac-Kit (2011), C-Thru Ruler Company (2012), First Aid Only (2014), Diamond Machining Technology (2016), Spill Magic (2017), First Aid Central and Med-Nap (2020), Safety Made (2022), Elite First Aid (2024), and My Medic (2026). FY2025 revenue was approximately $196.5 million with $10.2 million of net income, Q1 2026 net sales of $52.3 million were up 14% year-over-year, and the company has paid dividends for 23 consecutive years.

Name

Acme United Corporation

Legal name

ACME UNITED CORPORATION

Website

https://acmeunited.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

1867

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Acme United Corporation (NYSE American: ACU) is a U.S. public supplier of branded cutting, measuring, first aid, and safety products — including Westcott scissors, Clauss shears, DMT sharpeners, and a portfolio of acquired first aid brands (First Aid Only, PhysiciansCare, Pac-Kit, My Medic) — sold through retail, wholesale, online, and enterprise channels across more than 35 countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cutting Tools and First Aid Products

NAICS

Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing (3391), Office Supplies (except Paper) Manufacturing (339940), Medical, Dental, and Hospital Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers (423450)

SIC

Cutlery, Handtools & General Hardware (3420), Sporting & Athletic Goods, Nec (3949), Wholesale-Durable Goods, Nec (5099)

akta.pro primary industry

First Aid & Wound Care (Bandages, Dressings, Antiseptics, Burn Care) (CRADAMAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Medical & Hygiene Disposables (Underpads, Disposable Washcloths, Bed Bath Products) (CRADALAK), Away-from-Home (AFH) Tissue & Wipers (Commercial/Institutional) (IMAMAGAB), General Office Supplies Retail (CRALABAA)

Keywords

• Cutting tools manufacturing
• First aid supplies
• Industrial safety products
• Consumer scissors brands
• Sharpening equipment

Headquarters

HQ city

Fairfield

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices12 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Hardware/Consumer Product Sales: Sale of cutting tools, measuring instruments, first aid products, and sharpening products through retail and wholesale channels
2. First Aid Kit and Safety Products: Manufacturing and sale of first aid kits, refills, OTC medications, and safety supplies to industrial, retail, and institutional customers
3. Promotional Products: Safety Made brand serves the promotional products industry with branded first aid and safety kits

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Acme United Corporation manufactures and sells branded cutting tools (scissors, shears, knives), measuring instruments, diamond sharpening products, first aid kits and refills, over-the-counter medications, and spill/slip prevention products under its portfolio of brands (Westcott, Clauss, First Aid Only, PhysiciansCare, DMT, Camillus, Cuda, Western, Spill Magic, Med-Nap, First Aid Central, Safety Made, Elite First Aid, My Medic, Pac-Kit). The company supplies school, home, office, hardware, sporting goods, industrial, food service, retail/grocery, and promotional products markets with operations spanning the United States, Canada, Europe (Germany), and Asia (Hong Kong and China).

Product overview

Acme United Corporation is a worldwide supplier of innovative cutting, measuring, first aid and sharpening products to school, home, office, hardware, sporting goods, and industrial markets. The company operates a multi-brand portfolio spanning first aid/medical products (Elite First Aid, First Aid Only, First Aid Central, Med-Nap, PhysiciansCare, Safety Made, Spill Magic), office/commercial cutting tools (Westcott, Clauss), and sporting goods (DMT Sharpeners, Camillus, Cuda, Western). The first aid segment offers ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2015 compliant SmartCompliance kits with modular refills and the SafetyHub mobile app for inventory management. The cutting tools segment features Titanium Bonded and CarboTitanium coating technologies across Westcott scissors and Clauss professional shears. The company also acquired diamond sharpening technology through DMT and operates in the United States, Canada, Europe (Germany), and Asia (Hong Kong and China).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Clauss: Professional cutting tools and shears for industrial, floral, and food service markets since 1877
• DMT Sharpeners
• Elite First Aid
• First Aid Central
• First Aid Only
• Med-Nap
• PhysiciansCare
• Safety Made
• Spill Magic
• Westcott

Products and services

• First Aid Only First Aid Kits and Refills First Aid Only is Acme United's flagship first aid brand offering ANSI 2015 and OSHA compliant first aid kits, refills, and safety products. It includes the SmartCompliance modular cabinet system with the patented SmartTab ezRefill reminder tabs and integrates with the SafetyHub mobile app for inventory management and OSHA compliance tracking. Sold primarily to enterprise customers requiring workplace first aid compliance (Class A and Class B kits).
• PhysiciansCare First Aid and OTC Medications PhysiciansCare is a leading supplier of innovative first aid kits, refills, and over-the-counter (OTC) medications for school, home, office, hardware and industrial markets. The brand owns and operates an FDA approved facility for first aid kit assembly. Subject to a March 2022 and May 2023 recall for OTC medications needing child-resistant packaging per the PPPA.
• Westcott Scissors and Cutting Tools Westcott is the world's favorite scissors brand established in 1872 and the leading scissors and ruler brand in the USA. It features Titanium Bonded and CarboTitanium coatings, Glide Technology with adjustable frictionless pivot, Non-Stick coating, Microban antimicrobial protection, and Ergo Jr. ergonomic scissors certified by US Ergonomics to reduce stress on children's muscles by 50%. Sold through office superstores, mass retail, schools, and online.
• Clauss Professional Shears and Cutlery Clauss is a professional cutting tools brand since 1877, chosen by professionals and discriminating home users for scissors, shears, and cutting tools in floral, hardware, industrial, and food processing segments. Products feature hot-forged, thru-hardened steel construction with the proprietary Transfer of Power technology (ridged bows, oversized fulcrum, industrial blade backbone). Includes the BlackLine Carbide Titanium Shears for industrial users.
• DMT Diamond Sharpening Tools DMT Sharpeners is a leader and innovator in diamond sharpening products since 1976. Patented and award-winning diamond abrasive sharpeners for knives, scissors, chisels, and other cutting tools, with superior quality made in Marlborough, MA. Sold to woodworkers, chefs, gardeners, and industrial users.
• Camillus Knives and Outdoor Tools Camillus is one of the oldest knife manufacturers in the United States (brand and IP acquired by Acme United in 2007). Known for innovative knives with exceptional quality, including the Eagle Scout collection, Carnivore Inject, Pocket Block multitool, Bushcraft folding knife with Sandvik steel, and a Darrell Ralph collaboration folding frame-lock knife with VG10 steel and carbon fiber handle.
• Cuda Fishing Knives and Tools Cuda is Acme United's fishing knife and tools brand launched in 2014 with over 100 products including fillet knives, pliers, snips, and accessories. Products feature German 4116 steel, titanium bonding, and full tang construction for corrosion resistance in marine environments. Cuda Grip & Scale won ICAST 2016 Best of Show in FishSmart Tackle and Good Design award at ICAST 2016.
• Western Pocket, Sheath, and Tactical Knives Western is a knife brand acquired through Camillus, with Western States Cutlery heritage dating back to 1911. Offers pocket knives, sheath knives, and tactical knives for sporting goods dealers and outdoor consumers.
• Spill Magic Spill and Slip Prevention Products Spill Magic manufactures absorbent products for slip and fall prevention used by retail, grocery, restaurant, hotel chains, and governmental agencies. Offers the Spill Response System along with a Biohazard Cleanup Kit and Hazmat Cleanup Kit. Customers include Walmart, Safeway, Kroger, Publix, and Albertsons.
• Med-Nap Towelettes and Alcohol Prep Pads Med-Nap is an FDA-registered manufacturer of Towelettes and Alcohol Prep-Pads specialized in food and medical service applications. Operates under FDA, cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practice), CFR-21 (Code of Federal Regulations Title 21), and USP (United States Pharmacopeia) standards from a Brooksville, FL facility.
• First Aid Central Canadian First Aid Kits First Aid Central is a Canadian owned and operated manufacturer of first aid kits and safety supplies, holding a valid Medical Device Establishment Licence (MDEL # 2690, Company ID: 125102) issued by Health Canada. Ensures regulatory compliance for medical products offered in Canada. Employs over 30 people from the Laval, Quebec facility.
• Safety Made Promotional First Aid Kits Safety Made manufactures first aid kits for the promotional products industry and is the exclusive source for Dorcy, Life Gear and DieHard flashlights in the promotional products channel, as well as branded safety kits for first aid, travel, emergency preparedness, golf, and other giveaways. Sold through promotional products distributors rather than standard retail channels.
• Elite First Aid Tactical and Emergency Response Kits Elite First Aid is a producer of inexpensive, quality medic first aid kit products since 1995. Offers tactical, trauma, and emergency-response kits for professional and consumer emergency preparedness.
• My Medic Tactical and Emergency Response First Aid My Medic is Acme United's tactical and emergency response first aid brand acquired in January 2026, offering medic and trauma kits for tactical, outdoor, and emergency response users with approximately $19 million in annual sales at acquisition.
• SafetyHub Mobile Application SafetyHub is the patented mobile application from First Aid Only for Apple and Android that allows users to register first aid cabinets, track supplies, manage inspections, and maintain OSHA compliance. Includes barcode scanning for replenishment, push-notification reorder reminders, and tracking of expiration dates for fire extinguishers, AEDs, and respirators.

Quantifiable outcome

• Ergo Jr. scissors reduce stress on children's arms and wrists by 50% compared to regular scissors
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature9 records

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Fiskars Group: Fiskars is a Finnish consumer goods company and one of the world's largest scissors and cutting tool manufacturers (Fiskars, Gerber, Iittala brands). It directly competes with Acme United's Westcott and Clauss scissors lines in the school, office, and craft categories, making it the most directly comparable peer in cutting instruments.
• Medline Industries: Medline is one of the largest privately-held manufacturers and distributors of medical supplies, including first aid kits, OTC medications, and surgical/clinical consumables. It directly competes with First Aid Only, PhysiciansCare, and Pac-Kit in the first aid kit and refill business.
• Adventure Medical Kits: Adventure Medical Kits (a brand of Tender Corporation) is a leading manufacturer of emergency and outdoor first aid kits, directly competing with First Aid Only, Elite First Aid, and the newly acquired My Medic in the tactical/outdoor/emergency preparedness category.

Broad incumbents

• 3M Company: 3M is a diversified industrial conglomerate with significant exposure to workplace safety (PPE, respirators, first aid) and consumer office products (Post-it, Scotch, Command). It competes with Acme United across multiple first aid and safety product categories but at vastly larger scale and with a broader portfolio.
• Stanley Black & Decker: Stanley Black & Decker is a global leader in hand tools, cutting tools, and industrial fastening products (Stanley, DeWalt, Craftsman, Irwin). It competes with Acme United's Clauss industrial shears and Camillus knife lines in the hardware and industrial channel.
• Honeywell International: Honeywell's Personal Protective Equipment and industrial safety division competes directly with Acme United's first aid and workplace safety product portfolio, particularly in industrial channels. Honeywell is a much larger, diversified industrial conglomerate with safety products as one of many segments.
• Newell Brands: Newell Brands owns a portfolio of consumer products including office and cutting tool brands (Scotch, Elmer's, Paper Mate) and competes with Acme United in mass retail channels for school, home, and office products. It is a much larger conglomerate with overlapping but broader categories.
• Johnson & Johnson: Johnson & Johnson's Band-Aid brand and consumer health division compete with PhysiciansCare and First Aid Only in OTC first aid and wound care products. J&J is a healthcare giant where consumer first aid is a small portion of overall business, making it a broad incumbent rather than direct competitor.
• Cardinal Health: Cardinal Health is one of the largest U.S. medical product distributors and competes with Acme United's first aid/medical supply wholesale business through its medical segment. It is much larger and serves healthcare providers more broadly, but overlaps in the first aid and medical consumables space.

Emerging players

• Cricut Inc. Cricut is a consumer crafting and cutting platform with a strong presence in the school, home, and craft markets where Acme United's Westcott brand competes. While Cricut focuses on electronic cutting machines and consumables, it represents adjacent cutting-related competition in shared retail channels.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xlinkedin.com/company/acme-united-corporation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/acme-united-corporation

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors3 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A11 records

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Acme United Corporation