The L.S. Starrett Company

Where It Began

The L.S. Starrett Company was founded 1880 in Athol, MA, which is still the Company’s World Headquarters. The company's founder, Laroy S. Starrett invented the combination square in 1877. He started the company to manufacture this product. The company grew rapidly with a broadening product line, additional employees and penetration into an increasing number of markets. Starrett has a history and reputation so rich and solid that the words “quality” and “Starrett” have become virtually synonymous.

Today, the company employs about 1,800 people worldwide. Most precision tools continue to be manufactured in the Athol plant, where it is not uncommon to see devoted generations of toolmakers with 30 or more years of experience.

Precision Tools, Gages and Instruments

The broad Starrett product line includes precision measuring tools (micrometers, calipers, rules, etc.), levels, electronic gages, dial indicators, gage blocks and granite surface plates and custom engineered products.

The company offers metrology equipment including optical measuring projectors, vision systems and multi-sensor measuring systems, many of which are custom engineered.

The precision group also includes M1 lubricant, precision ground flat stock and drill rod. Starrett hand measuring tools and other precision products are used by manufacturing companies of many types and sizes to ensure the quality of their products.

Saws & Hand Tools

While best known for precision tools in the United States, Starrett is also a major, worldwide manufacturer of saw blade products. The saw blade product group includes three categories. Band saw blades are used primarily in manufacturing facilities. The Power Tool Accessories and Hand Saws group include hole saws, jig and reciprocating blades and hacksaw products. The jobsite and workshop group includes tape measures, levels, protractors and other tools used primarily on construction jobsites and workshops.

Wide Market Penetration and Distribution

Starrett tools are essential for the many products that are measured, cut, formed or assembled. They are used in a broad range of manufacturing facilities as an essential part of metalworking, the manufacturing of durable goods, for working with exotic materials and in a wide variety of traditional and newer industries such as electronics, aerospace, energy and many others.

Starrett products are sold throughout the United States and worldwide through distributors, dealers, and retailers and online. In recent years, the Company has broadened its product offering through acquisitions and innovative product line expansion.Today, Starrett has eight manufacturing locations worldwide: Brazil, The U.K. and China and five in the United States. See Manufacturing Facilities Worldwide for more detailed information. Annual sales of the company are in the vicinity of $250 million and the company is traded publicly on the NYSE.

Primary Activity

Manufacturer of precision tools.