MANUFACTURER AND DISTRIBUTOR

Much information pertaining to the manufacturing and distribution history is found on Bernzomatic's lawsuit pleading filed June 2008.  In summary the manufacturer and distributor structure is as follows:

 

1.  Newell Rubbermaid is a global marketer of consumer and commercial products, including Irwin and Lenox construction tools and accessories.  Irwin and Bernzomatic are its subsidiaries.

 

2.  Irwin Industrial Tool Company states on its complaint against Worthington that it is "doing business as "BernzOmatic" and "Newell Operating Company."

 

3.  Bernzomatic represents in its Court pleadings that it is an "Unincorporated Division of Irwin Industrial Tool Company."

 

4.  Worthington Cylinder Corporation goes under the names of WORTHINGTON CYLINDERSWISCONSIN, LLC, WORTHINGTON CYLINDER CORPORATION, and WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC.

 

5.  Western Industries, Inc. (Chilton, Wisconsin facility) manufactured the MAPP gas cylinders for Bernzomatic, et al. for 20 years or more, then on September 17, 2004 it sold its manufacturing facility to Worthington for $64.5 million.

 

It appears that regardless of the label on the products, ultimately Newell Rubbermaid and its subsidiaries, Irwin Industries and Bernzomatic, are the distributors of the product, while Worthington appears to have manufactured most or all of the cylinders involved in the various litigations.  As of early 2007 Worthington allegedly breached its supply agreement with Bernzomatic and began marketing and selling the cylinders with its own label, though at the time of this publication many Bernzomatic cylinders remain on the market (sold through Home Depot, Lowes, Osh, etc.).  See "Internal Disputes."