Freud Tools appoints new Managing Director

Derek Thomas to lead Freud through new period of growth

Derek Thomas has been appointed as the new managing director of Freud Tools UK, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of woodworking tools.  Thomas, the former marketing director of Spear & Jackson, the UK’s oldest tool manufacturer, has been tasked with gearing Freud for a new period of growth.

Freud Tools has four key manufacturing facilities in Europe, all of which are ISO9002 quality certified.  The company has a built a reputation for its high standards of innovation, advanced technology and quality service in the development of market leading products for the woodworking industry.  Freud’s manufacturing excellence is maintained through continual investment in research and development, capital expenditure in plant and equipment.

Derek Thomas, Managing Director, Freud Tools said:

“Major investments are being made in the UK during 2006 to position Freud for sustained growth over the next 15 years. This is a long term commitment to the UK market and our customers. In 2007, there will be an extensive new product development programme, bringing superior products to the market and led by our world class R&D teams.

Our company has a global reputation for excellence and innovation in manufacturing. Substantial investments in plant and equipment over the last 2 years have been made to increase capacity and these will be used to our advantage.  Our primary focus will continue to be on providing our customers with a first rate service and growing the market where consumers demand quality, precision and performance.”

Thomas has significant experience in the tooling and DIY industry.  Prior to joining Freud Tools, he was the marketing director of Spear & Jackson, where he was responsible for developing products such as the award-winning Predator woodsaw; the phenomenal success of Predator significantly increased the turnover of Spear & Jackson’s woodsaw division leading to a £350,000 investment in capital to keep up with demand.  Prior to this he was marketing communications manager of Hepworth Building Products, which is now part of Wavin plc.