Midwest Tool: Somebody Still Cares About Service!

In these technological times, personal service is often a forgotten commodity. But when Warren A. Pouyer purchased Midwest Tool in 1968, he gave the company a motto: "SOMEBODY STILL CARES ABOUT SERVICE." The employees at the time took pride in the motto, and still do. Some customers and employees have been with the company since that time, and others are fairly new. But one thing hasn't changed, a concern by Midwest's employees for the needs of the customer. They strive to go above and beyond to give you the terrific service you deserve.

Midwest currently has three outside sales people covering a 100-mile radius around St. Louis, Missouri. They are experienced and very knowledgeable about the tools the company sells. They would be happy to set up an appointment and come to your facility to help with machining ideas or problems. Midwest Tool also sells all types of abrasives, including 3M, whose factory personnel work hand in hand with Midwest Tool's sales staff to give customers access to the very best technology available.

Midwest Tool's inside sales staff assures that each and every order receives prompt attention. Most in-stock items ship within 24 hours by U.P.S. In-house band saw blade welding is also provided, with quick turnaround.

Many flexible-buying options are available when working with Midwest Tool. Customers can purchase online, make credit card or vendor managed purchases, blanket orders, and even lease or make special terms. To discuss any of these options or to schedule a visit to your facility, please contact Midwest Tool by phone, fax or e-mail. Contact information is at the top of the page.

History

Midwest Tool & Supply was founded in 1937, just as the country was striving to pull itself out of the Great Depression. The three original owners, Oliver J. Smith, Harry A. Miller and George A. Barnes, started the mill supply business with $500 worth of inventory, which they kept in one desk drawer.

The three owners each made individual contributions: Smith decided what product lines to carry and established strong and enduring relationships with vendors; Barnes, a financial genius, took over the company finances; and Miller, an extrovert, attended industry meetings and social gatherings, spreading the word about the new company and making valuable customer and industry contacts.

When the company moved from its first location in a small warehouse in the 400 block of Franklin, the first full time employees were hired. As the company grew over the years, the owners invested in many new technologies to assist in the day-to-day upkeep of the business, which made it possible to service customers more efficiently.

It was the employees though, who should be credited with the company's success, according to present owner Warren Pouyer. "Our strength is in our people," he said. "You can talk all you want about office automation — buying and using all the most advanced time-saving and cost-saving devices — but automation is just an assist. All the automated equipment in the world will do you no good if you lack the good people to run it."

In 1989, Midwest Tool's owner purchased Brown Machinery & Supply Co., an industrial machinery supplier since 1877, merging the two companies. It was a remarriage, of sorts. The two firms were owned, prior to 1968, by Ollie Smith and Harry Miller. When the two men retired, Warren Pouyer purchased Midwest Tool & Supply and became its new president. At the same time, Smith turned over the reins of Brown Machinery to his three sons, Jack, Bill and Bob.

For 21 years, the companies were independently owned and operated. Then, in March, of 1989, the purchase of Brown Machinery & Supply Co. by Pouyer was announced, bringing the two companies under the same ownership once again. Under the guiding hand of Pouyer, the two firms are now positioned to better serve the needs of the industrial machine and supply user.

The merger of the two companies made sense for two reasons. First, geographically, both companies served the area in and around St. Louis, Missouri. Second, the products the two companies sell are complementary. Businesses that purchase industrial tools also have a need for machinery, and vice versa, so customers are more thoroughly served. While selling band saw blades, for example, Midwest Tool can supply the machines as well.

As it serves the industrial community with tools and equipment Midwest's motto is as true today as ever. Midwest Tool, the place where "Somebody Still Cares About Service."

Today, Midwest Tool & Supply Co. provides products from the following manufacturers: