After acquisition, Marlborough diamond sharpener looks forward
Rick Constantine, vice president and marketing of general manager for Camillus, Clauss, Cuda, DMT and Western Brands at Acme United.
Since its founding 40 years ago this month, Marlborough-based Diamond Machining Technology has grown into a leader and innovator of hand tool and knife sharpeners. The company developed a new way to manually sharpen knives in a cleaner, more efficient way than traditional sharpening stones in repurposing a center punch-out of a diamond grinding wheel.
In February, DMT was acquired by Acme United Corp. of Connecticut, which adds DMT to its parent’s list of brands. Together, the companies hope to continue to innovate in the diamond sharpening realm.
Rick Constantine, vice president and marketing of general manager for Camillus, Clauss, Cuda, DMT and Western Brands at Acme United spoke about company growth, recruitment and opportunities as a result of the acquisition.
What’s the breakdown of your business?
DMT offers an assortment of sharpeners to address a wide variety of edges, interests and skill sets. DMT’s conical, round and half-round diamond files handle convex, concave and serrated edges, and the innovative Diamond Wave -- the first diamond sharpener to combine convex and concave abrasive surfaces featuring diverse sharpening radii -- is ideal for woodworkers, carvers and wood turners. DMT portable sharpeners enjoy a following with hunting and fishing enthusiasts as well as gardeners and crafters. DIYers and home chefs appreciate both portable and bench stone sharpeners to maintain their edges.
Speedskaters and woodworkers are the most ardent followers, trusting DMT precision-flat sharpeners to maintain a razor-sharp edge for peak performance! For the consumer who owns many edged tools and knives but is nervous about sharpening, DMT’s guided sharpening systems offers a solution.
Whether shopping in the U.S. or around the world, DMT sharpeners can be found in hardware and home center stores, sports and hunting/fishing merchants, industrial catalogs, cutlery and gourmet shops, woodworking outlets and of course, online at many popular sites. DMT’s overseas business continues to be very strong. In fact, in May 2014, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker presented DMT with the President’s “E” Award for Exports.
What sets your products apart?
Today there are a variety of options for diamond sharpeners. Most competitors use polycrystalline diamond which wears more quickly. Others have adopted monocrystalline diamond for increased durability, but DMT remains true to its origins, using only micronized monocrystalline diamonds. These narrowly and precisely sized diamond crystals offer more consistent and even coverage on the sharpener resulting in superior performance, durability and reliability. Although this leads to a premium price, the DMT difference in quality and durability translates to a value investment.
Diamond quality and concentration are paramount, but so too is the quality of the surface on which it is deposited. DMT uses an extremely precise surface preparation to ensure the highest degree of surface flatness is achieved prior to the diamond coating process. This flatness guarantees a true flat-sharpened edge on all tools and knives.
The “Made in USA”label has enjoyed some renewed excitement over the last few years, setting DMT apart from much of the competition. Additionally, DMT uses local and national sources for packaging and support materials. Although this too translates to higher costs, the DMT quality, support and commitment to the consumer speaks to many merchants; even our export market appreciates this difference.
Where are you seeing the largest areas of growth?
With the benefit of corporate resources, DMT production capacity will greatly expand, affording additional opportunities with previously untapped merchants and distributors. DMT anticipates growth opportunities in the sports and marine categories as a direct result of the R&D initiatives supported by Acme United Corp.
How do you recruit new employees and what positions are you currently hiring for?
DMT benefits from a stable workforce, with many employees with more than 15 years of service. Recruitment includes temp-to-perm agencies, online job agents, as well as posting “Help Wanted” signs outside the facility. As DMT grows this year, additional manufacturing associates are anticipated with potential for adding another shift. DMT also actively recruits from local colleges such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Worcester Polytechnic Institute for special project-based internships.
As seasoned workers transition, other positions in all aspects of the company will become available.
What are your major initiatives right now? Are you making a big investments or looking to expand into any specific markets?
Business is expanding in all markets. Acme United Corp. is committed to DMT’s future growth, investing in several pieces of equipment, adding capacity in injection molding, surface finishing, electroplating and 3-D printing.
With the influx of capital to research and development, DMT expects to launch several new products next year and exciting innovations in sharpening within the next few. Several new product designs are in development that will widen DMT’s portfolio, with some specifically designed to take the mystery and guesswork out of sharpening process.
How do international operations affect your bottom line?
Export markets serve to help DMT keep its quality standards at the highest level in order to satisfy the most stringent standards in world markets. DMT’s diversity in markets and channels provides a stable business foundation, which is able to weather global market fluctuations.
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