L.S. Starrett chief builds on 125 years of expertise
The L.S. Starrett Co. is nestled in the hills of western Massachusetts. The company started when Laroy S. Starrett invented and patented the combination square in 1877. In 1880, he formed his own company and since then the company has produced myriad hand and measuring tools for industrial, consumer and commercial markets. This year the company celebrates its 125th anniversary.
The L.S. Starrett Co. has a history of "firsts." Besides its introduction of new measurement tools, the company was a pioneer in global sales. The company is a public company managed by the Starrett family for five generations. The current president and CEO, Douglas A. Starrett, has been in the business for nearly 30 years. He started in the shop making tools, and took the full reigns of the company in 2001. He sat down with Quality magazine to discuss the history of his company, technology challenges, the state of manufacturing and attracting qualified workers.