Palmgren

Name

Palmgren

Legal name

C.H. Hanson Company

Website

https://palmgren.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1919

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Palmgren, founded 1919 and a brand of C.H. Hanson Company since 2013, manufactures and distributes industrial metalworking machinery and precision workholding products — including vises, drill presses, band saws, and abrasive finishing equipment — to machine shops, fabricators, MRO, automotive, and technical education customers via major industrial distributors and direct e-commerce.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Metalworking Machinery

NAICS

Metalworking Machinery Manufacturing (33351), Cutting Tool and Machine Tool Accessory Manufacturing (333515)

SIC

Machine Tools, Metal Cutting Types (3541), Cutlery, Handtools & General Hardware (3420)

akta.pro primary industry

Metal Cutting Tools, Tooling & Workholding (Cutters, Inserts, Chucks, Fixtures) (IMAHADAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Industrial Saws & Cutting Systems (Band/Circular Saws, Abrasive Cutting) (IMAHADAL), Metal Forming & Fabrication Machines (Presses, Bending, Shearing, Stamping) (IMAHADAC)

Keywords

• Bench vises
• Machine vises
• Drill presses
• Band saws
• Metalworking machinery

Headquarters

HQ city

Naperville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Industrial Machinery Sales: Palmgren generates revenue through the sale of industrial metalworking machinery and workholding products including bench vises, machine vises, drill presses, band saws, lathes, abrasive finishing machines, presses, and metal forming equipment. Products range from entry-level bench vises ($128-$500) to heavy-duty industrial machinery ($4,500+).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels11 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Palmgren manufactures and sells industrial metalworking shop machinery and precision workholding products, including bench vises, machine vises, CNC vises, drill press vises, straight-line pull vises, drill presses, band saws, lathes, milling machines, abrasive finishing equipment, arbor and H-frame presses, and 3-in-1 shear/brake/roll machines. The products serve machine shops, fabrication shops, MRO operations, automotive and agricultural service facilities, and technical/vocational training programs, with price points ranging from about $128 for entry-level vises to $4,500 for heavy industrial band saws.

Product overview

Palmgren is a manufacturer of industrial metalworking shop machinery and workholding products founded in 1919, now a brand of C.H. Hanson Company based in Naperville, IL. The product portfolio centers on precision workholding solutions (bench vises, machine vises, drill press vises, CNC vises, straight-line pull vises) andshop machinery (abrasive finishing machines including belt grinders and buffers, drill presses, band saws, lathes, milling machines, tapping equipment, 3-in-1 shear/brake/roll machines, arbor presses, H-frame presses). The Straight-Line Pull Bench Vise technology represents their flagship innovation, featuring a proprietary power tunnel design developed to extend spindle/nut life. The vise line spans from 4" to 12" jaw widths in various configurations (utility, industrial heavy duty, combination bench & pipe, machinist, multi-position/ball), all constructed from 80,000-000 PSI SG ductile iron. Abrasive finishing products include bench grinders (1"-4" belts) and larger 2"x72" variable speed belt grinders with buffers. Accessories include copper jaw caps and pan/box brake attachments. Products are distributed through major industrial suppliers including McMaster-Carr, Grainger, Fastenal, and MSC Industrial.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Straight-Line Pull Bench Vises Premium line of bench vises featuring a proprietary straight-line pull power tunnel design that maintains spindle and nut alignment and prevents wear. Constructed from 65,000 PSI ductile iron (50% stronger than gray iron) and 80,000 PSI SG ductile iron in professional models, available in combination bench and pipe and machinist configurations with a lifetime warranty. Sold to industrial metalworking professionals and machine shops.
• Bench Vises Complete range of bench vises including utility, industrial heavy duty, combination bench and pipe, and machinist styles in 4" to 12" jaw widths, featuring 80,000 PSI SG ductile iron construction with replaceable hardened serrated steel jaws. Targeted at machine shops, fabrication shops, MRO, and trade professionals.
• Machine Vises Precision machine vises for CNC and milling applications, featuring a Dual-Force holding mechanism that locks workpieces using two pressure angles for maximum holding power. Sold to CNC machinists and milling operations.
• Drill Press Vises Vises designed for drill press applications including traditional and heavy-duty models in various jaw widths. Used on drill press stations in machine shops and trade classrooms.
• CNC Vises Specialized vises engineered for CNC machine environments with precision clamping capabilities. Targeted at CNC machining cells and production shops.
• Clamps & Pliers Range of clamping solutions including C-clamps, L-clamps, spring clamps, and locking pliers for various workholding applications. Sold to shops and MRO buyers needing general clamping tools.
• 3-in-1 Shear, Brake & Roll Machines Multi-function metal forming machines combining shear, brake, and roll functions in a single unit, available in 30", 40", and 52" widths. Capable of processing up to 16-gauge mild steel with spring-loaded sheet hold-down and hinged slip roll guard. Sold to fabrication shops.
• Arbor Presses Manual arbor presses including a 2-ton deluxe model with steel anvil and bit set, used for pressing, staking, and light production operations. Targeted at machine shops and trade classrooms.
• H-frame Presses H-frame hydraulic presses for heavy-duty pressing, straightening, and fabrication operations in industrial shops.
• Abrasive Finishing Machines Complete line of abrasive finishing equipment including bench grinders, belt grinders, disc grinders, buffers, and polishers, with features such as variable speed motors, tool-free belt changes, and dust collection on select models. Sold to machine shops and fabrication facilities for surface finishing work.
• Belt Grinders Industrial belt grinding machines ranging from 1" bench models (1800 SFPM) to 2"x72" variable speed floor models (up to 6280 SFPM), in single and dual station configurations with buffer attachments. Features include tool-free belt changes and graphite platens.
• Drill Presses Complete drill press lineup including benchtop, floor, gear head, and radial arm models with various speeds and capacities for metalworking operations. Sold to machine shops, fabrication shops, MRO, and trade classrooms.
• Band Saws Horizontal and vertical band saws for metal cutting and wood cutting applications, featuring cast iron wheels, adjustable blade guides, and safety interlocks. Sold to fabrication shops and metalworking operations.
• 20" Vertical Wood & Metal Band Saw Dual-pulley vertical band saw that allows high speeds for wood and low speeds for ferrous and non-ferrous metals, replacing two machines in a single footprint. Features a 2.5 HP motor, 4" dust collection port, welded steel frame, cast iron blade wheels, and adjustable precision bearing blade guides. Targeted at woodworkers and metalworking shops that need both wood and metal cutting. Listed at $4,500.
• Lathes Benchtop, engine, and variable speed lathes for turning operations in metalworking applications. Sold to machine shops, fabrication facilities, and technical schools.
• Milling Machines Gear head and mill drill machines along with positioning tables for precision milling operations in machine shops and trade classrooms.
• Tapping Equipment Pneumatic and powered tapping machines with tap holders and accessories for threaded hole production in metalworking and production environments.
• Positioning Tables & Rotary Tables Precision positioning and indexing tables for milling and machining operations, originally developed by founder Clarence Palmgren in the 1920s. Used in machine shops and production environments.
• Pan and Box Brake Attachment Bench vise attachment for box, pan, and reverse bending of sheet metal, with removable fingers for angle, channel, box, and complex bending. Compatible with 4", 5", 6", and 8" wide jaw vises, with max 1" sheet thickness and 12-1/2" material width.
• Copper Jaw Cap Sets Protective jaw caps that convert serrated vise jaws to a smooth surface for protecting softer materials, available in 4", 5", 5.5", 6", 6.5", 8", and 8.5" sizes. Made from polished copper with pliable extensions.
• 6" Professional Bench Straight-Line Pull Vise 6" professional straight-line pull vise built from 80,000 PSI SG ductile iron, with up to 6,160 lbs clamping force, 7" max jaw opening, hardened replaceable steel jaws, swivel base with dual lockdowns, and 3"x4-1/2" integrated anvil. Priced at $484.00 and targeted at professional machinists.
• 5" Professional Bench Straight-Line Pull Vise 5" professional straight-line pull vise built from 80,000 PSI SG ductile iron, with up to 5,060 lbs clamping force, 6-1/4" max jaw opening, and 2-3/4"x5" anvil. Priced at $359.00.
• 4" Professional Bench Straight-Line Pull Vise 4" professional straight-line pull vise built from 80,000 PSI SG ductile iron, with precision machined slide bar, hardened replaceable steel jaws, and swivel base with dual lockdowns. Priced at $237.00.

Quantifiable outcome

• Ductile iron construction provides 50% greater strength than standard gray iron vises and 20% stronger than competitive ductile iron offerings
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major, standard and minor.

• McMaster-CarrcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNational industrial distributor offering Palmgren products through their catalog and e-commerce platform serving manufacturing, industrial, and commercial customers across the United States
• GraingercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor industrial distributor offering Palmgren products to maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) professionals across industrial, commercial, and government markets
• FastenalcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIndustrial distributor serving the United States and Canada with Palmgren workholding and metalworking machinery products through their extensive branch network
• KBC Tools & MachinerymajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTool and machinery specialty distributor offering Palmgren products to metalworking professionals and industrial customers
• MSC Industrial SupplycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor industrial distributor serving manufacturing and metalworking customers with Palmgren precision workholding products
• Global IndustrialmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIndustrial equipment distributor offering Palmgren products to manufacturing, warehouse, and industrial customers
• Travers Tool ComajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTool specialty distributor for precision metalworking tools, serving machinists and industrial professionals with Palmgren products
• Production Tool SupplystandardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorProduction tool and supply distributor offering Palmgren industrial products
• Beaver Industrial SupplystandardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIndustrial supply distributor offering Palmgren products to manufacturing and metalworking customers
• Canada Welding SupplyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternet-only distributor specializing in welding equipment and supplies, serving Canadian industrial customers
• Hansler SmithminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternet-only distributor serving industrial and manufacturing customers
• WeldreadyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternet-only distributor specializing in welding and metalworking supplies, serving Canadian markets
• C.H. Hanson CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParent company of Palmgren brand. In October 2013, C.H. Hanson acquired Palmgren and invested in rebuilding the brand based on real-world customer feedback, expanding product lines and modernizing manufacturing while maintaining brand heritage. Also owns C.H. Hanson and Superior Tool brands.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• JET Tools (JPW Industries): JET manufactures metalworking machinery including drill presses, band saws, lathes, milling machines, and abrasive finishing equipment — directly overlapping Palmgren's machinery portfolio. Both brands sell through the same industrial distributors and target the same machine shop, fabrication, and MRO customer base.
• Yost Vises: Yost manufactures bench vises, drill press vises, and pipe vises that compete directly with Palmgren's vise portfolio. Both target hobbyist-to-professional metalworkers, schools, and MRO buyers, often sold through overlapping industrial and e-commerce channels.
• Grizzly Industrial: Grizzly sells a broad catalog of metalworking machinery (drill presses, lathes, band saws, mills) and workholding accessories that competes head-to-head with Palmgren in the small-shop and prosumer segment. Both rely on direct e-commerce and distributor relationships to reach the same end customer.
• Wilton Tools: Wilton is a direct competitor in bench vises, drill press vises, and workholding products, with overlapping SKUs across utility, machinist, and combination bench & pipe categories. Both brands compete on the same industrial distributor shelves and target the same professional machinist and MRO buyer.
• Shop Fox (Woodstock International): Shop Fox produces a comparable line of metalworking shop machinery (drill presses, band saws, lathes, mills) and workholding tools, competing with Palmgren in the same price band for small shop and hobbyist-to-professional metalworking customers.
• Vertex Machinery: Vertex manufactures precision machine vises, milling vises, and workholding accessories that compete directly with Palmgren's milling machine vise and CNC vise lines. Both target precision machining customers and sell through overlapping industrial channels.
• Baileigh Industrial: Baileigh manufactures metal fabrication and metalworking machinery including band saws, shear/brake/roll machines, and press equipment, directly overlapping Palmgren's metal forming and saw categories. Both brands serve fabrication shops and industrial metalworking customers through similar distribution channels.
• Kurt Workholding: Kurt is a leading precision machine vise and CNC vise manufacturer directly competing with Palmgren's machine vise line. Both serve CNC machining and milling customers, with comparable premium positioning, ductile iron construction, and precision clamping force claims.
• Rikon Power Tools: Rikon manufactures band saws, lathes, and metalworking machinery directly overlapping Palmgren's sawing and turning product lines. Both brands target the small-shop and serious-hobbyist metalworking buyer, often sold through the same woodworking/metalworking retail channels.

Broad incumbents

• Powermatic (JPW Industries): Powermatic is an established premium brand of metalworking and woodworking machinery (lathes, drill presses, band saws) that competes in the same industrial and vocational channels as Palmgren. As a larger incumbent within JPW Industries, Powermatic serves a broader portfolio and overlaps in machinery categories where Palmgren competes.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

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Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Palmgren