Black & Decker(R) Celebrates 100 Years Of Innovation

TOWSON, Md., Jan. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- This year marks the 100-year anniversary of Black & Decker (NYSE: BDK), one of the most trusted and recognizable brand names in the world.  From patenting the first portable electric drill with pistol grip and trigger switch, to supplying the first drill to take samples from the Moon, to creating some of today's best lithium-ion technology tools, Black & Decker is a proven pioneer in power tool and home products innovation.

During the last one hundred years, Black & Decker has evolved from a small machine shop in Baltimore, Maryland to a global manufacturing and marketing powerhouse with a broad line of quality products. Power tools, once the company's only product line, is now joined by a wide range of power tools accessories, outdoor yard care equipment, home cleaning products, automotive and lighting products, hardware and home improvement products, and technology-based fastening systems.

"Black & Decker – through a focus on customer needs and innovation – has become a part of the American landscape," says Bruce Brooks, president of the consumer products group for Black & Decker. "We provide consumers with products that help make everyday living and working easier and more efficient.  We've been doing it for 100 years, and we plan to continue doing so, with the same passion and innovation we've been known for."

To celebrate this significant milestone, Black & Decker will launch an interactive microsite in January that will take a look back at the history of the company, share stories and memories of Black & Decker employees and allow site visitors to share their experiences with Black & Decker's products. The company also will unveil an all-new centennial logo chosen in a design contest among company employees.

For the future, Black & Decker will continue to pave the way as an industry leader in power tools, accessories, hardware, home improvement, and fastening systems.  Consumers can look to the Black & Decker Corporation to provide innovative solutions that make work more efficient and tasks easier to accomplish.