Johnson Level

Building on Our Heritage of Quality and Craftsmanship
Back in 1947, after World War II, George and Lawrence Johnson were like a lot of Americans. They could see the opportunities that the booming post-war economy presented, and they dreamed the industrial dream.

As cottage industries were springing up all over the country, the Johnson brothers decided to take the leap themselves. These two sons of Swedish immigrants called on their family tradition of fine woodworking and opened their own custom woodworking shop… never anticipating, however, the future growth of the company that bore their family’s name.

The Early Years
The Johnson Products Company opened its doors on the southern fringe of Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s warehousing and manufacturing district. In this area, called Walker’s Point, the Johnsons’ fledgling business joined the ranks of other small enterprises. Together they formed a close-knit community with its roots steeped in the traditions of Milwaukee’s original settlers and their European heritage.

Focusing on wood and metal specialties, the artisans at the Johnson Products Company handcrafted custom products with pride. From shoeshine kits to wooden toolboxes, their sense of artistic accomplishment was ever present. They really excelled, however, with the wooden boxes the company made for merchandising jewelry, fountain pens and various promotional specialties.

Following old-world business practices, jobs flowed into the company’s doors through word-of-mouth advertising. It was in this way that a representative from Skill Craft found his way to the Johnson Products Company. He asked George to craft a miniature working level as part of a child's toolbox. And so the first Johnson level was created—as a toy!

A Time for Growth
Over time, the little toy levels evolved into the highest quality professional levels and the company’s product lines grew to include mitre boxes and a broad assortment of leveling and layout tools for tradesmen. The Johnson Products Company was making its mark.

One innovative addition to the levels line included the creation of the first bulls-eye level not constructed solely of metal and glass. George had used an acrylic lens to cover the circular vial instead of the then standard glass lens. By using this new-fangled material, he added both lightweight and safety features to this ordinary product.

Over time, the results of the brothers’ partnership were apparent as their company grew and its name developed into a strong brand. They were becoming known as innovators in extruded aluminum and plastics. And to accomplish this shift in manufacturing focus, Lawrence moved the manufacturing of wood levels to a new Tomahawk, Wisconsin plant in 1962. This change set the stage for another milestone in 1965 when George received his first patent on an adjustable, shockproof plastic vial assembly that he used to expand the company’s extruded aluminum and wood level lines.

The Next Generation
In 1970, George’s two sons, William and Robert Johnson, took the company’s helm. Following in their father’s footsteps, the brothers Johnson began expanding their existing product categories with innovative new offerings. They also added some completely new lines and set about enhancing the company’s manufacturing capabilities.

All this expansion was paralleled by significant increases in demand for Johnson products. In response, the brothers Johnson doubled capacity… again, and again. They continued to develop their own facilities and forged a few key joint-manufacturing ventures.

Just two years later, William and Robert purchased Lawrence’s interest in the Johnson Products Company. They then totally focused the wood level production at the Tomahawk plant, and changed the name of their business to Johnson Level & Tool Manufacturing Company.

Together the brothers Johnson skillfully steered their business as it grew by leaps and bounds. They continued to expand their product lines, manufacturing capabilities and number of employees. Realizing the need for larger facilities, Johnson Level & Tool moved to its current headquarters to Mequon, Wisconsin in 1985.

The Tradition Continues
Today, Johnson Level & Tool sells hundreds of products to contractors and do-it-yourselfers in over 30 countries around the globe. And William and Robert have successfully focused their company to be the most complete manufacturer of quality measuring and layout tools in the world. To date, they hold over 50 patents for innovative, value-added products that professionals reach for every day.

Yet, Johnson Level & Tool remains, as it began… family-owned and intent on crafting quality hand tools for the home and industry. William and Robert continue to embrace the same "can do" attitude that allowed their father, George Johnson, to hand craft that first toy level over 50 years ago. The brothers Johnson continue their family’s legacy of fine craftsmanship while creating their own history from many new, exciting 21st century materials and manufacturing processes.

Johnson Level Tools Categories: Measuring & Layout Tools, Levels, Laser Levels, Measuring Tools & Line, Surface & Specialty Levels.