About Iwen Tool Supply Company

A Brief History

In 1974, Ralph and Janet Iwen created a sole proprietorship called Iwen Tool Supply Company. Ralph, who had previous launched and run RICO Tool Company for 15 years, brought in his son-in-law, Ermin Sallmen, and the two men worked part time out of a bedroom in the Iwen’s home. Things moved more quickly than anyone expected.

Shortly thereafter, Ermin devoted himself full-time to ITSC as a sales rep. The Iwens’ youngest daughter, Shawn, joined the team to manage accounts receivable while simultaneously attending college. This was the birth of the company motto: Lowering cost by increasing productivity.

Even when the business grew to four times its size, the Iwens kept things close, bringing in friends to process the orders that were constantly flowing in, continuously maximizing productivity and, in turn, keeping costs low for customers.

It goes without saying customers appreciate low costs and efficient timetables, and it led to ITSC finally incorporating in 1988, with all the principles remaining and Ermin taking the helm as president. Although Janet passed away in 2001 and Ralph in 2003, the Iwen team continues in their original vision.

Tools, Band Saws and Inventory Management

Following Ermin’s retirement in 2007, Darrell Thayer, another son-in-law of the Iwens who had previously worked his way up from sales rep to vice president, took over as president, and Darrell’s son, Travis, earned the role of VP in 2008.

ITSC specializes in cutting tools and industrial products, with thousands of items available request a catalog or order online. A natural extension of so many available tools is inventory management, and proprietary iCrib software keeps you in full control of your warehouses.

Plus, a dedicated band-saw division will cut and weld blades to length to fit your machines and eliminate downtime.

Efficient, productive and cost-effective, Iwen Tool Supply Company is everything you need in a tool supplier.

Why Iwen Tool Supply Company?

Lowering Cost By Increasing Productivity

When you work with us, you save more than money-you save time. Time is often more valuable than money, and that’s why we have always been devoted to productivity. If we are productive, we lower costs.

Availability, Accountability, and Trackability

Iwen Tool Supply Company has tens of thousands of products from more than a hundred manufacturers available for purchase, virtually ensuring we have the cutting tools, MRO supplies, abrasives, accessories and more to meet your needs. We quote promptly, deliver on time and keep you inventory stocked.

With iCrib Commodity Management software, you always have a full knowledge of exactly what you have on hand, what you need to re-order and when.

Because you have full control over inventory management and full access to orders and re-orders when you need them, all through ITSC, efficiency is unmatched, productivity is high and cost is low.