Sparks, Maryland—May 14, 2019—If 2018 was a toe in the water for the relationship between Apex Tool Group and Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports (Arrow SPM), 2019 is officially a cannonball. Apex Tool Group (ATG), one of the world’s largest manufacturers of professional hand and power tools, is making a splash as Arrow SPM’s official tool partner.
Apex brands, including GEARWRENCH (hand tools and storage), Cleco (power tools) and Weller (soldering equipment), make up the bulk of the sponsorship, filling out the Indianapolis-based NTT IndyCar Series team’s garages with tools and tool storage options that far exceed the initial investment just a year ago. Product development and content creation are two other areas that will see dramatic growth from the previous season.
“We couldn’t have picked a finer partner,” said Jim Roberts, CEO of Apex Tool Group. “We realized quickly that our two organizations share a set of values that center around celebrating the whole team. It’s as much about the guys turning the wrench as it is about the guys turning the wheel, and we’re proud to help shine the spotlight on them through this partnership. It’s about putting the best tools in the hands of the best mechanics the racing industry has to offer.”
The partnership includes two of the four IndyCar drivers on the Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports team — James Hinchcliffe and Marcus Ericsson — along with their more than 50 crew members. That team of skilled mechanics and engineers will use Apex-supplied tools every day to get the most out of their cars. The impact will be on display with GEARWRENCH branding taking over the space in the team’s garage in Gasoline Alley at Indianapolis Motor Speedway leading up to the 103rd Running of the Indianapolis 500.
The collaboration also creates a testing ground for advanced tool development. Arrow SPM mechanics and engineers will get to test-drive new concepts and tool prototypes from ATG designers, provide real-time feedback and impact future products. The result is better tools for better performance.
“We’re always pushing for that little bit of extra edge,” said Jon Flack, President of Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports. “Apex puts bright people in our business, and we innovate together, we collaborate together and we’re finding advantages at every turn. It’s not a sponsorship, it’s a partnership.”
From a content standpoint, the ATG and Arrow SPM teams are finding new ways to showcase the highly skilled work being done in the garage and the top-of-the-line tools that are used to do it. To get a view behind the scenes, fans can follow Cleco on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
About Apex Tool Group
Apex Tool Group, LLC is one of the largest worldwide producers of industrial hand and power tools, tool storage, drill chucks, chain, and electronic soldering products. Apex serves a multitude of global markets, including automotive, aerospace, electronics, energy, hardware, industrial, and consumer retail. Apex brands include GearWrench, Cleco, Weller, Crescent Tools, SATA, and Apex. For more information, visit www.apextoolgroup.com.
About Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports
Established in 2001 and owned by former IndyCar driver Sam Schmidt and Canadian businessman Ric Peterson, along with major support from Arrow Electronics which has partnered with the organization since 2015, Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports (Arrow SPM) currently competes in the NTT IndyCar Series. With a storied history in the Indy Lights Series with over 70 wins, over 70 pole positions and seven championship titles, the Indianapolis-based team has also found success in IndyCar with six wins, two Indianapolis 500 pole positions and five poles claimed overall, as well as three top-five finishes in the championship points standings. For more information, please visit www.spmindycar.com.
About Cleco® Production Tools
Cleco is a global leader in manufacturing and delivering world-class assembly solutions including DC electric and pneumatic assembly tools, and pneumatic power motors. Cleco’s tools enhance user productivity, safety and comfort and are supported around the world. Founded in 1894 as Cleveland Pneumatic Tool Company in Cleveland, Ohio, USA, Cleco’s expertise is the culmination of 120-plus years of delivering assembly tools and systems for a wide range of applications in the automotive, energy, aerospace and general industries. For more information, visit www.clecotools.com.
Media Con tact for Apex Tool Group
Paul Gangarossa
Paul_gangarossa@dixonschwabl.com
585-899-3258
Media Contact for Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports
Veronica Knowlton
veronicak@spmindycar.com
317-341-3488
