Tomlinson Manufacturing

What Tomlinson Manufacturing does

Tomlinson Manufacturing Company, Inc. (TMCi), founded in 1980 by Tom Tomlinson and headquartered in Franklin, Indiana, operates a dual-revenue model combining a niche proprietary hardware product line with a general contract machine-shop and fabrication service. The proprietary portfolio spans two product families: the American Wire Kaddy electrical line (AWK-1A, AWK-10A, AWK-2B, AWK-3, plus large wire racks and 46CR telescoping spool systems), and a transportation/trucking safety line (Rig Ray rechargeable LED dock light, Strap Winder, Easy Latch Back trailer door holders, Pin Pullers/Tire Hammers for 5th wheel hitches, Sure Cylinder gas-cylinder restraints, Cargo Retainer CR-001 E-Track holders, Ladder Racks, and laser-cut industrial peg boards).

Manufacturing capability covers CNC vertical machining (table sizes up to 30x20 inches), CNC turning (6 inch and 12 inch chucks), NC miter sawing, manual lathe work, surface grinding, hydraulic wire bending up to 3/4 inch steel diameter, Di-Acro wire forming up to 7/8 inch aluminum diameter, wire straightening/cutting from 0.062 to 0.25 inch diameter, plus MIG/TIG/spot welding, fabrication, assembly, and mechanical engineering and design. The company works in steel, aluminum, brass, stainless steel, and industrial plastics.

Revenue is generated via quote-based direct sales for both custom contract work and proprietary products, supplemented by a six-partner electrical supply distributor network (All Phase, Atlantic Coast Electric Supply, Aurora Parts, GEM Electric, Idlewood Electric, UIS Supply) that resells electrical products to contractors. Customer segments are SMB-led across transportation/trucking, electrical contractors, general manufacturing, and industrial miscellaneous verticals (medical, powder coating, food service, rescue, retail signage, athletic equipment). Notable non-commercial projects include 58,307 pieces of bent stainless steel wire for the 2001 Above and Beyond Vietnam Memorial at the National Veterans Art Museum and 2016 Red Bull Air Race Indianapolis trophies. The company is founder-owned with no institutional investment, 11-50 employees, and continuously operating since 1980.

Name

Tomlinson Manufacturing

Legal name

Tomlinson Manufacturing Company, Inc.

Website

https://tomlinsonmfg.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1980

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Tomlinson Manufacturing is an Indiana-based contract metal fabricator and proprietary product maker, serving electrical contractors and trucking fleets with the American Wire Kaddy wire dispenser line and trucking safety accessories like Rig Ray, Easy Latch Backs, Pin Pullers, and Cargo Retainers, sold direct and through electrical supply distributors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Manufacturing Services

NAICS

Other Fabricated Wire Product Manufacturing (332618)

SIC

Sheet Metal Work (3444), Screw Machine Products (3451)

akta.pro primary industry

Metal Forming & Fabrication Machines (Presses, Bending, Shearing, Stamping) (IMAHADAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Wiring Harnesses & Pre-Fabricated Assemblies (IMADAMAN)

Keywords

• Wire dispensing equipment
• Trucking safety products
• CNC machining services
• Wire forming services
• Custom fabrication services

Headquarters

HQ city

Indianapolis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Proprietary Products Sales: Manufactures and sells proprietary products including wire caddies/dispensers, trucking accessories and safety products. Products include American Wire Kaddy (AWK-1A, AWK-10A, AWK-2B, AWK-3), Easy Latch Backs, Sure Cylinders, Cargo Retainers, Pin Pullers, Tire Hammers, Rig Ray lights, Strap Winders, Ladder Racks, Industrial Peg Boards, and custom wire racks.
2. Custom Manufacturing Services: Provides CNC machining, CNC turning, sawing, wire straightening and cutting, wire forming, mechanical engineering and design, and fabrication/welding/assembly services. Serves various industries with component manufacturing, prototype runs, and small to medium production volumes.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Tomlinson Manufacturing (TMCi) designs, engineers, and manufactures proprietary wire dispensing equipment under the American Wire Kaddy brand for the electrical industry, and a line of trucking safety accessories (cargo retainers, ladder racks, pin pullers, easy latch backs, safety lights, strap winders, gas cylinder restraints, peg boards) for the transportation industry. In parallel, the company operates as a contract machine shop offering CNC machining, CNC turning, sawing, wire straightening/cutting, wire bending/forming, mechanical engineering and design, and fabrication/welding/assembly services.

Product overview

Tomlinson Manufacturing (TMCi) offers a portfolio of proprietary products and contract manufacturing services focused on the electrical and trucking/transportation industries. The electrical product line centers on the American Wire Kaddy family of wire dispensers: the AWK-1A (original 1980 portable wire caddy), AWK-10A (longer version for 10-gauge wire), AWK-3 (6-8 gauge cable dispenser), AWK-2B (non-metallic ACBX/Romex dispenser), plus Large Wire Racks (custom heavy-duty spool holders up to 10,000 lbs) and 46CR flexible telescoping wire rack systems. The trucking product line includes safety equipment: Rearview RIG RAY LED dock lights, Strap Winder drill attachments, Easy Latch Back trailer door holders (SDL-1/SDL-1R), Pin Pullers/Tire Hammers for 5th wheel hitches, Sure Cylinder gas cylinder restraints, Cargo Retainer CR-001 adjustable holders, Ladder Racks, and Industrial Peg Boards with hooks. Contract services encompass CNC machining (vertical machining centers), CNC turning, sawing, wire straightening/cutting, wire bending/forming (up to 7/8" diameter), mechanical engineering and design, and fabrication/welding/assembly. The company specializes in small to medium production runs and custom projects.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• American Wire Kaddy: Wire dispensers and cable caddies for the electrical industry, including AWK-1A, AWK-10A, AWK-2B, and AWK-3 models. The original product line dating back to 1980.

Products and services

• AWK-1A American Wire Kaddy Best-selling, most economical, longest-lasting portable wire dispenser and payoff stand with a patented wire guide brake that prevents wire unspooling; holds 5 spools of THHN 12 or 14 gauge wire, or 2 spools of 10 gauge wire. Made in USA since 1980 for professional electricians.
• AWK-10A American Wire Kaddy Wire dispenser with all AWK-1A features but 4 inches longer to accommodate 3 spools of 10-gauge wire (black, white, and green); features 5/8" diameter solid stainless steel axle and powder-coated steel frame.
• AWK-3 American Wire Kaddy 6-8 Gage Cable Dispenser 26" wide frame for dispensing 6-gauge and 8-gauge wire on 12" wide spools; can hold up to 2 spools of 12" diameter x 14" long, 6 or 8 gauge wire, or 500' spools of non-metallic wire; features two handles for easy lifting and loading.
• AWK-2B Non-metallic ACBX Cable Dispenser Wire dispenser specifically designed for 100 ft of AC/BX or 250 ft of nonmetallic wire; wire dispenses from center of plastic spool with holes showing remaining material; easy to load and carry on trucks.
• Large Wire Racks / Cable Racks Custom-designed wire racks and cable dispensers for large spools; heavy duty, industrial strength design holds up to 10,000 lb spools; uses simulation to determine load capacity, space requirements, and storage needs; 98% made in Indiana.
• 46CR Wire Rack Dispenser Flexible multi-spool wire rack with telescoping square tubing design (1.75" and 1.5" square tubing) that expands or contracts in all 3 dimensions; holds up to 1000 lb spools of wire with optional bearing spool holders.
• Rearview RIG RAY Safety Light Rechargeable LED safety light designed to fasten to semi-trailers to illuminate dock area during backing; features USB-C charging, 8-12 hours lighting time, zoomable, waterproof, and multiple modes (100%, 70%, 50%, strobe, SOS).
• Strap Winder Hexagon drill bit attachment for cordless impact drills to easily wind cargo straps; fits 2", 3", 4" straps; saves time winding cargo straps during truck and trailer operations.
• Easy Latch Back (SDL-1, SDL-1R) Safety device for holding semi-trailer doors in open position during loading/unloading; SDL-1 for regular trailers, SDL-1R for regular or refrigerated vans; features stainless steel latch bar and grease fitting for long-lasting use.
• Pin Pullers / Tire Hammers Pin pullers and tire hammers for 5th-wheel trailer hitches that prevent reaching under trailers to release 5th wheel; can also be used as pallet hooks, grate pullers, freight pullers; features powder-coated steel, 0.375" diameter wire, various handle options.
• Sure Cylinder Gas cylinder safety equipment for transporting and storing compressed gas cylinders; attaches to E-Track horizontally or vertically to hold 9" diameter and smaller cylinders; includes 2" ratchet with 12' strap rated at 1200 lbs; made in USA.
• Cargo Retainer CR-001 Adjustable cargo holder for trucks, semi-trailers, and tractor trailers that works with E-Track and attaches horizontally to securely hold cargo; powder-coated steel construction with 1200 lb rated strap included; patent pending.
• Ladder Rack Ladder safety device that bolts to trailer or van body to securely hold ladder during transport; features locking swing arm strap, all-metal construction; dimensions 19" L x 8.5" T x 6.5" W; colors silver, black, red.
• Industrial Peg Boards and Hooks Laser-cut aluminum peg boards designed to organize straps, chains, and tools in commercial trailers, box trucks, sprinter vans, and landscape trailers; includes standard (27.5" x 22"), small (19.375" x 3.5"), and angled (28.125" x 4.25") versions with matching hooks.
• CNC Machining Services CNC machining and milling services including 2 CNC Vertical Machining Centers with table sizes up to 30" x 20", Bridgeport, NC Miter Saw, Hardinge Manual Lathe, and Surface Grinder; excels in small to medium production runs for industrial customers.
• CNC Turning Services CNC turning services with CNC Lathe 6" Chuck with 1-13/16" through bore and CNC Lathe 12" Chuck with up to 3" bar feed capacity; works with steel, aluminum, brass, and industrial plastics.
• Sawing Services NC Saw production cutting services for stainless steel, various steel materials, tubing, aluminum, and industrial plastics; saw capabilities up to 12" x 10".
• Wire Straightening and Cutting Services Wire cutting and straightening services utilizing machines dating from 1941 to 2022; handles annealed to bright basic wire, straightening and cutting .062 to .25 wire diameter; packaging to customer request.
• Wire Bending and Forming Services Wire bending and forming using a unique hydraulic wire bender (up to 3/4" diameter steel) and Di-Acro equipment for wire forming up to 7/8" diameter aluminum; examples include OEM trailer parts, literature holders, and exhaust hanger brackets.
• Mechanical Engineering and Design Services Mechanical engineering services for design, simulation, evaluation, and investigation needed to safely manufacture products; includes design, mechanical/manufacturing engineering, prototype development, material investigation, and product evaluation.
• Fabrication, Welding, and Assembly Services Fabrication and welding services with CNC saw, miter saw, hydraulic bender, MIG, TIG, and spot welding; builds fabrications and weldments to print, assembly parts, powder coat line racks and carts, packaging to customer requirements.

Quantifiable outcome

• Wire Kaddy has been in use for over 42 years
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• All PhasecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorElectrical supply distributor selling Tomlinson's electrical products to electricians and contractors. Located in Lima, Ohio.
• Atlantic Coast Electric SupplycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorElectrical supply distributor along the Atlantic Coast selling Tomlinson's electrical products.
• Aurora PartscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorElectrical supply distributor selling Tomlinson's electrical products and trucking accessories.
• GEM Electric SupplycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorElectrical supply distributor selling Tomlinson's electrical products.
• Idlewood ElectriccoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorElectrical supply distributor selling Tomlinson's electrical products to contractors.
• UIS SupplycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUtility industrial supply company selling Tomlinson's electrical products.
• Quality HydraulicsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner company for wire bending when wire diameter exceeds Tomlinson's capabilities. Referenced for larger diameter wire forming projects.
• Indy Urban Hardwood (Brian Presnell)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerHead designer of Indy Urban Hardwood invited Tomlinson to collaborate on the Red Bull Air Race Indianapolis Trophies project in 2016. Project involved multiple tenants of Circle City Industrial Complex.
• National Veterans Art MuseumflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommissioned Tomlinson to create 58,307 pieces of bent stainless steel wire for the Above and Beyond Vietnam War Memorial installation in 2000. Memorial is the only one other than The Wall in D.C. to list all those killed in action during the Vietnam War.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Xometry: Online marketplace connecting buyers to CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, and injection molding suppliers. Directly comparable to TMCi's contract CNC machining, turning, and fabrication services business, serving similar industrial OEM customers.
• Fictiv: Online manufacturing platform for custom mechanical parts including CNC machining and sheet metal. Peer on the contract manufacturing side of TMCi's business, serving similar engineering-led small-batch production needs.
• Hubs: Global custom manufacturing platform offering CNC machining, injection molding, sheet metal, and 3D printing. Directly comparable on the contract manufacturing services business model and customer type (engineers and procurement).
• Buyers Products: Manufacturer and distributor of truck and trailer accessories including cargo securing, lighting, and ladder/equipment racks. Closest peer to TMCi's trucking safety accessories line (Easy Latch Back, Cargo Retainer, Ladder Rack, RIG RAY, Strap Winder).
• Protolabs: Digital manufacturer offering CNC machining, injection molding, sheet metal fabrication, and rapid prototyping with automated quoting. Overlaps directly with TMCi's CNC machining, milling, turning, and small-to-medium production run focus.
• Tramec Sloan: Manufacturer of heavy-duty truck and trailer components including cable products, fasteners, and cargo accessories. Directly comparable to TMCi's truck and trailer safety/accessories product lines targeting similar fleet customers.

Broad incumbents

• Southwire: One of North America's largest wire and cable manufacturers, supplying electrical contractors with complementary cable handling tools and solutions. Adjacent incumbent to TMCi's wire caddy and cable rack products sold through electrical distribution.
• Gardner Bender: Manufacturer of electrical tools, wire connectors, and cable/wire management solutions. Overlaps with TMCi's electrical products category in serving electricians and contractors, though much larger in scale and product breadth.
• Ideal Industries: Diversified manufacturer of electrical tools, connectors, and wire management products serving electrical contractors. Comparable on the electrical industry customer base served by TMCi's Wire Kaddy and wire rack product lines, though with a much broader portfolio.

Emerging players

• DECKED: Manufacturer of in-bed storage and organization systems for pickup trucks and commercial vehicles. Comparable on the trucking storage and organization category intersecting with TMCi's Industrial Peg Boards and trailer accessories, focused on a similar end user.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/tomlinson-manufacturing-company-inc-

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

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 Tomlinson Manufacturing