STAY GROUNDED! Breakthrough Innovation from Hopkins® Solves for #1 Electrical/Lighting Failures
Emporia, KS, February 20, 2023 – Stay Grounded with Endurance™ Replacement Ground Kits from Hopkins Towing Solutions®.
“Our unique rust-proof design with Endurance™ Replacement Grounds provide the remedy for most electrical and lighting failures” said Dan Scheller, the company’s Director of Product Marketing for Towing & Lighting. “Rusty or broken grounds cause all kinds of electrical issues from lights not working, lights flickering or wrong lights blinking” he added.
Hopkins Names Barrie C. Green to Vice President – Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer
Emporia, KS, February 14, 2022 – Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation announces the addition of Barrie C. Green as Vice President – Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer. Barrie will have responsibility for all aspects of Hopkins’ human resources strategy, including talent management, leadership development, compensation and benefits, and leading the human resources function globally, including Emporia, KS, Miami, OK, Edgerton, KS, Torrance, CA, Scottsdale, AZ, Arlington Heights, IL, Juarez, Mexico, Ningbo, China and Blenheim, Ontario. Barrie will work closely with the executive team to further evolve the Hopkins culture to attract, retain and develop the best team.
Hopkins Acquires Lumax
Emporia, KS, January 6, 2022 – Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation announced today that it has acquired Charlotte, North Carolina based Lumax LLC, one of the leaders in grease guns, grease fittings, pumps and fluid management related products in North America.
The acquisition strengthens Hopkins’ leadership position in fluid management products, which adds grease guns and related products to complement its market leading fluid management business. In addition to lubrication products, the Lumax product line includes funnels and drains, pumps and accessories, oil measurers, and filter wrenches.
Hopkins Announces Launch of Redesigned 2x4 Basics® Website
Emporia, KS, January 3, 2022 – Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation is excited to announce the complete overhaul and remodel of the 2×4 Basics® website. The complete redesign streamlines the user experience by improving access to essential information. This includes easy to follow instructions, in depth product details, creative product builds from customers, as well as many other features and benefits.
Hopkins Announces Launch of New Winter Websites
Emporia, KS, December 1, 2021 – Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation is excited to announce the official launch of the new SubZero® and Mallory® Winter Brand websites. The new websites streamline the user experience by providing access to essential brand and product information.
Hopkins Acquires Roadsport Splash Guards from NuVue
Emporia, KS./Blenheim, Ontario April 29, 2020 – Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation announced today that it and its subsidiary, Hopkins Canada, Inc. have acquired the market leading retail automotive splash guard product lines from NuVue Products Inc., Buffalo, New York and NuVue Products LTD. of Ontario, Canada, formerly known as Powerflow. The acquisition includes the established brand names RoadSport, Big Mudder, ProFit, BadgeZ, RoadGuard, and Defender Tow Guard; plus the inventory, patents and intellectual property for the splash guard and mud flap lines.
Hopkins Acquires the RCR Automotive Line from Loxcreen
Emporia, KS./Blenheim, Ontario February 28, 2020 – Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation announced today that its subsidiary, Hopkins Canada, Inc. has acquired the automotive related product lines from Loxcreen Canada LTD., Ontario, Canada, a subsidiary of M-D Building Products, Inc. (“M-D”), Oklahoma. The acquisition includes the established brand names PolarGrip®, Topsi®, Eskimo®, and Essentia®, inventory, patents and intellectual property for the winter ice scraper and snowbrushes; vehicle cleaning; automotive, window and floor squeegees; and the log stacker. These product lines were part of M-D’s March 2018 acquisition of the hardware related assets of Québec-based RCR International, Inc. and its Chicago-based wholly-owned subsidiary, W.J. Dennis.
Hopkins Introduces New Brake Buddy® 3 Series
Emporia, KS, August 5, 2019 – Brake Buddy® has introduced two entirely new portable auxiliary braking systems, the Classic 3™ and Select 3™ that raise the industry’s highest level of performance, safety and ease of use for consumers.
“Brake Buddy has pioneered nearly all of the major innovations since we invented the portable auxiliary category back in 1996” said Mike Williams, the company’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Our redesign strategy was guided by a focus on the key problems experienced by consumers” he added.
Hopkins Earns Multiple Industry Innovation Awards with OxiClean™
Emporia, KS, December 4, 2018 – Emporia based Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation earned the industry’s most prestigious packaging innovation award at the 2018 Automotive Aftermarket Product Expo (AAPEX) held October 30 – November 1, 2018 in Las Vegas.
Based on voting by automotive buyers from around the world, OxiClean™ Total Interior Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner was named most innovative packaging in the car care category.
OxiClean™ Total Interior
The award-winning product combines a patent-pending cleaning tool design, a powerful upholstery and carpet cleaning solution and one of the most highly recognized consumer brands for a fresh, bold look to the automotive aisle.
Hopkins Announces the Acquisition of Tiger Accessories Group
Blenheim, Ontario, January 5, 2018 – Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation announced today that it has acquired Tiger Accessories Group, a leading supplier of Vehicle Lighting and Cleaning products in North America. Tiger Accessories was a subsidiary of MAT Holdings, Inc. a diversified automotive and consumer products company.
The acquisition strengthens Hopkins’ leadership position in towing products, which adds trailer lighting products to complement its market leading vehicle towing electrical solutions business. Tiger has also established a leading position in auxiliary lighting, including LED Light Bars. The added vehicle and janitorial cleaning products bolster Hopkins’ market leading position in cleaning.
“We are pleased to add the Tiger Accessories products to our portfolio. The acquired products are complementary to our existing towing electrical and cleaning products,” said Bradley T. Kraft, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hopkins. “The addition of the Tiger lighting and cleaning products will drive significant benefits to our customers,” added Mr. Kraft.
Hopkins Announces the Acquisition of Acme Chamois
Blenheim, Ontario, Sept. 5, 2017 – Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation announced today that it has acquired Acme Chamois, the market leading supplier of genuine leather chamois products in North America. For 65 years, the company’s chamois has been marketed under the widely recognized Tanner’s Select® brand. Acme Chamois has been a part of Acme Sponge and Chamois Co., Inc.
The acquisition strengthens Hopkins’ leadership position in vehicle cleaning accessories, complementing its existing cleaning tools and soft goods, including its synthetic drying towels. The Acme Chamois product offering includes its genuine leather chamois and synthetic cloth for drying and chamois-based wash sponges.
“We are pleased to add the Acme Chamois product line and the Tanner’s Select® brand to Hopkins’ portfolio. The Tanner’s Select® brand bolsters our growing line-up of market leading automotive cleaning brands, including: Auto Spa™, Carrand™ and Pacific Coast™” said Bradley T. Kraft, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hopkins. “Bringing the Acme chamois products together with our automotive cleaning products will be a win for our customers,” added Mr. Kraft.
Hopkins Announces the Acquisition of AirPower America
Blenheim, Ontario, March 27, 2017 – Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation announces it has acquired certain assets of Kristus, Inc. d/b/a AirPower America. AirPower is a leading supplier of oil/ fluid extractors and air pumps marketed under the TopSider, LiquiVac and MaxAir brands.
The AirPower product offering includes the MaxAir air pump and the TopSider and LiquiVac (for Large and Small Engines) oil change/extractor systems.
“We are pleased to add the AirPower product line, the leader in oil fluid extractors, to Hopkins’ FloTool branded fluid management product offering. AirPower’s unique designs will be a great addition for Hopkins, capitalizing on a growing trend where extractors are required to remove oil from newer vehicles” said Bradley T. Kraft, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hopkins.
“We are excited with the reach of Hopkins and their ability to further the growth of the AirPower product line” said Barry Kearns, President of Kristus. “Hopkins has an outstanding reputation in the industry and the fit with the FloTool line of products is perfect!”
Hopkins Expands Blenheim Offering
Blenheim, Ontario, June 1, 2015 – Hopkins Canada® has announced the availability of more than 300 new products in its Blenheim, Ontario distribution center. This makes it easier than ever for Canadian retailers to access market-leading consumer products from seven different Hopkins’ consumer brands, including:
• Hopkins Towing Solutions®, the #1 consumer brand of vehicle-and-trailer electrical solutions in North America
• Sub-Zero® Snow & Ice Tools, the #1 consumer brand of vehicle winter tools worldwide
• FloTool®, the #1 consumer brand of automotive fluid change and maintenance accessories in North America
• Carrand® and Auto Spa®, the #1 family of consumer branded car care accessories and tools in North America
• nVISION®, the award winning back-up safety products brand
• DUO™, the innovative brand of automotive air fresheners that includes a patented odor eliminator
Bell Automotive Recognized for Excellence
Blenheim, Ontario, May 29, 2015 – AutoZone, one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States, recognized Bell Automotive with their prestigious WITTDTJR (What It Takes To Do The Job Right) award. The award is given to companies who demonstrate extra initiative to satisfy the employees and shoppers at AutoZone.
“This award is a reflection of how the entire Bell team pulls together to drive innovation and creativity resulting in customer and consumer satisfaction,” said Michelle Wood, Sales Director for Hopkins, who was on hand to accept the award.
Hopkins Announces the Acquisition of Bell Automotive
Blenheim, Ontario, May 14, 2015 – Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation announces it has acquired Bell Automotive Products. Bell is a leading supplier of Interior Protection, Tire Safety and Vehicle Accessory products marketed under the Bell®, Victor® and Monkey-Grip® brands. The combination of the Bell product offering, including: Steering Wheel Covers, Seat Covers, Interior Organizers, License Plate Frames, Tire Safety, Emergency Kits, with the related Hopkins’ vehicle organization products creates the most comprehensive assortment of vehicle accessories available in North America.
“We are pleased to add Bell, one of the most recognized consumer brands in the industry, to Hopkins’ portfolio of consumer brands. The Bell brand draws on the rich heritage for protection and safety from its pioneering designs in auto racing, motorcycle and bicycle helmets, and will be a powerful asset for Hopkins,” said Bradley T. Kraft, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hopkins. “Bringing the array of vehicle accessories together under one supplier will be a win for our customers,” added Mr. Kraft.
Hopkins Opens New Distribution Center in Miami, OK
Blenheim, Ontario, February 18, 2015 – Hopkins announces completion of a state-of-the-art 84,000 square foot distribution center in Miami, OK. The new facility will utilize cutting-edge technology to assist in meeting the growing demand of Hopkins’ global customer base while significantly improving its logistics capabilities.
“We are very pleased to announce the opening of our new distribution center in Miami,” said Brad Kraft, President & CEO. “This new facility will enhance our overall presence and will enable us to bring greater efficiencies and added value to our customers.” The new facility will be used to warehouse and distribute DIY fluid management accessories and organization/outdoor furniture kits manufactured by Hopkins in Miami, OK.
Visit the Hopkins Booth, #227, at the NATM Show in New Orleans
Blenheim, Ontario, February 9, 2015 – Hopkins announces that they will be attending the NATM Tradeshow in New Orleans February 12 and 13. The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers is the voice of trailer manufacturers and suppliers in the areas of trailer safety regulations. NATM will open its doors from 1:30 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. on Thursday February 12, 2015 and 8:00 A.M. to Noon on the 13th at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
Hopkins continues to bring innovation to the trailer manufacturing landscape. Visit Hopkins at booth #227 and check out the trailer industry standard Engager™ Trailer Break-Away Kit system and the new LED Test Series of trailer side connectors.
Hopkins Names Rick Stempien to Vice President of Sales
Blenheim, Ontario, December 15, 2014 – Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation announces the addition of Rick Stempien as Vice President – Sales. Stempien will lead and direct the sales activities for Hopkins with its leading market positions in the automotive and recreational vehicle aftermarket.
“We are pleased to have Rick join our team at Hopkins,” said Bradley T. Kraft, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hopkins. “His extensive background in consumer products, sales management and the automotive aftermarket will be an asset to our organization.”
Hopkins Wins Industry’s Top Innovation Award
Blenheim, Ontario, November 20, 2014 – Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation earned the top innovation award at the 2014 Automotive Aftermarket Product Expo (AAPEX) held November 4-6, 2014 in Las Vegas.
Pre-registered buyers and show attendees recognized the Suds-N-Spray Foaming Wash System™ as the best new product in the appearance chemicals and car care category.
Hopkins Establishes Hopkins Canada, Inc.
Blenheim, Ontario, November 20, 2014 –
Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation announced that it has established Hopkins Canada, Inc. in Blenheim, Ontario Canada.
“Establishing this location and renaming as Hopkins Canada, Inc. is a natural evolution of our strategy to expand our presence in Canada,” said Bradley T. Kraft, Hopkins’ President and CEO. The company purchased Mallory Industries, Inc. in August of 2013, the leader in winter tools and automotive squeegees in Canada.
Hopkins Wins Product Showcase Award at AAPEX Show for the SmartHitch™ Camera and Sensor System
Emporia, KS, November 10, 2013 – Hopkins Manufacturing earned the top innovation award at the 2013 Automotive Aftermarket Product Expo (AAPEX) held this week in Las Vegas. Pre-registered buyers for this year’s showcase cast nearly 5000 votes and recognized the Hopkins Towing Solutions® – Smart Hitch™ Camera and Sensor System as the best new product. The Smart Hitch is an easy to use backup camera with two separate modes.
Hopkins Announces the Acquisition of Mallory
Emporia, KS, August 5, 2013 – Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation announced that it has acquired Mallory®. Founded in 1891, Mallory is the leading Canadian provider of winter snow tools and the North American leader in automotive window squeegees. The combination of the Mallory snow tools with the Hopkins’ SubZero® brand of snow and ice tools represents the most comprehensive assortment available in North America today.