Acme United Corp. (ACU)

Acme United Corporation supplies cutting, measuring, and safety products to the school, home, office, and industrial markets in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Its cutting device products include scissors, shears, guillotine paper trimmers, rotary paper trimmers, rotary cutters, hobby knives and blades, utility knives, manicure products, medical cutting instruments, and pencil sharpeners. The company’s measuring instrument products comprise rulers, math tools, and tape measures. Its safety products include first aid kits, personal protection products, and over-the-counter medication refills. The company markets its products primarily under the Westcott, Clauss, and PhysiciansCare brands. Acme United Corporation distributes its products through independent manufacturer representatives and direct sales forces to wholesale, contract, and retail stationery distributors, office supply super stores, school supply distributors, industrial distributors, wholesale florists, and mass market retailers. The company was founded in 1867 and is headquartered in Fairfield, Connecticut.

For the nine months ended 30 September 2006, Acme United Corporation's revenues rose 15% to $44.8M. Net income rose 61% to $3.5M. Revenues reflect an increase in revenues from U.S. segment as a result of sales initiatives and higher sales in Europe and Canada primarily driven by new sales to a large pan-European superstore. Net income also reflects improved operating margins and the absence of provision for loss on property demolition.