Warner Tool
A Legacy of Innovation and Time-tested Quality

Warner Tool, standing strong on a 98-year-old legacy, is a trusted name in the painting and drywall tools manufacturing industry. As a family-owned business rooted in the Midwest, the company has evolved from a regional player to an international leader, demonstrating steadfast commitment to quality, innovation, and long-term customer relationships.

“We believe in our foundational ethos of hard work, quality craftsmanship, and strong community ties, and value for the customer,” says Keith Herwig, President and CEO of Warner Tool. “Our ability to adapt to changing market dynamics and embrace modern trends while staying true to our roots has helped Warner remain relevant in an increasingly competitive industry.”

Strong U.S. Manufacturing Foundation

While most companies have shifted their entire production overseas to cut costs, Warner produces high-quality products domestically. This approach—supported by its corporate office and distribution center in Minneapolis and manufacturing facility in Sacred Heart, Minnesota— gives the company greater control over product quality, cost efficiency, and overall supply chain management compared to its competitors.

“As one of the only U.S.-based manufacturers in the space, our customers appreciate the benefits of our shorter supply chains, especially in an industry where delays can cause significant disruptions. They value our ability to respond swiftly and adapt to their requests, ensuring quicker turnaround times than foreign suppliers,” says Phil Perkins, vice president of sales at Warner Tool.

Additionally, Warner Tool supplements its offerings with products from overseas sources when necessary.
The benefits of having a domestic manufacturing presence are particularly significant now, as many customers are shifting from branded products to private labels. This transition has often resulted in increased reliance on offshore imports for private label products, leading to concerns about quality.

“Recently, one of our customers reversed this trend by transitioning from private label products back to the Warner brand. They found the brand more valuable, and relevant to their customers given our 30 percent increase in market share within the drywall category over the past five years,” adds Perkins.

Customer-Centric Innovation

Warner boasts a catalog of approximately 1,200 active SKUs, catering to both professional painters and drywall contractors.

The company’s guiding motto, “If we get the pro, the consumer will follow,” underscores its focus on developing high-quality tools specifically for professional users (pros). The strategy recognizes that once the professionals are satisfied with the products, DIY customers will naturally be drawn to the same trusted offerings because they want to achieve beautiful results too.

But Warner’s success isn’t just about its products; it lies in understanding and addressing the real-world challenges of its customers. Serving both large big-box retailers and strategic professional accounts, the company identifies customer needs across multiple channels and distribution points, ensuring access to its products through various customized retail solutions.

“Our U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities are an added benefit, enhancing flexibility in meeting the specific demands of retail partners and allowing us to bring products to market more quickly than foreign suppliers,” says Herwig.

To ensure its offerings align with customer needs, Warner actively listens to its customer base by conducting focus groups at both the DIY and professional levels. This feedback is invaluable, as they come directly from the end users of their products and help identify gaps in the product line and informs the development of new products. The company also participates in various industry trade groups, gaining further market insights and understanding trends across the industry.

All the information gathered feeds into the product design and selection processes. In addition, Warner’s internal team, collaborates with external engineering and ergonomics experts during the design process to ensure that the products are comfortable and safe for professionals who may use them for extended periods.
Warner’s approach to innovation is supported by a team of skilled engineers who spend time on the ground observing how contractors use their tools and identifying potential areas for improvement. This continuous feedback loop allows the company to stay ahead of industry trends and customer demands, ensuring its product line evolves with the market.

Over the years, Warner has developed several products by collaborating with customers who have contributed their concepts. This collaborative approach has been successful, with these co-created products performing well over the past 23 years. By actively listening to customer insights for new ideas, feedback, or suggestions, the company has enhanced its products and strengthened its innovation pipeline for future developments.

A Culture that Promotes Long-term Partnerships

Warner’s customer relationships are not just transactional—they are long-term partnerships that drive mutual growth. Many of its clients have been with the company for decades.

This is not by chance. The team meets proactively with clients for planning sessions to drive maximum value.

“We sit down with our key customers at least once a quarter to review where we are, what the challenges are, and how we can mutually grow together. It’s not just about supplying tools; it’s about being a trusted partner in their success,” says Perkins.

This level of collaboration is possible due to the cohesive efforts of the team who contribute their expertise to various manufacturing processes, including metal treatment, plastic injection molding, and packaging.
“As a fourth-generation family-owned company, everyone feels like a part of the project, and their input is appreciated. The family atmosphere allows us to work closely with all team members, fostering a culture where each contribution is valued and everyone is invested in our shared success,” says Herwig.

Quality that Endures

Warner has spent almost a century perfecting its craft and has stood the test of time despite fluctuating material costs and supply chain disruptions. The main reason is stringent quality control measures at each production stage to ensure that its products meet the highest standards. Additionally, as a domestic manufacturer, the company avoids shipping and container-related quality issues commonly associated with global logistics.

Whether it’s adjusting processes to account for variances in raw materials or working with experts to improve product ergonomics, Warner builds quality into the production process rather than inspecting it out.

The company has also invested heavily in automation and robotics at its manufacturing facility, with plans to increase capacity by 20-30 percent. This forward-thinking stride enhances production efficiency while remaining cost-competitive in a global marketplace.

Warner is also expanding its product offerings in the masonry and industrial-grade lighting categories, which have grown significantly over the last few years. The company has transformed its traditional lighting products into high-powered LED solutions that are safer and more energy-efficient, further broadening its appeal across various sectors.

By staying true to its core values while embracing new technologies and customer insights, Warner Tool is well-positioned to remain a leader in the drywall tools industry. The company’s skillful blend of tradition and innovation positions it as a trusted partner, consistently delivering solutions that adapt to ever-evolving market demands.