Date: January 21, 2025
What happens when you combine a broken-down Fiat, a trip through Europe, and a passion for engineering? You get the world-famous Leatherman multi-tool.
This week, our STEAM Connect “Next Gen Pros” went behind the scenes at Leatherman’s Portland headquarters to see exactly how these iconic tools are born—from raw metal sheets to the finished products in our pockets.
From a “Fiat Fail” to Global Innovation
We kicked off our tour in the hallway of history. We heard the story of Tim Leatherman, who was inspired to create his tool while traveling Europe in a cranky Fiat. He needed something more than a scout knife; he needed pliers and a toolkit that fit in his pocket. It was the perfect lesson for our students: STEAM starts with solving a problem.
The Magic of the Manufacturing Floor
Stepping onto the manufacturing floor, the first thing we noticed was how incredibly clean and organized the facility is! We watched in awe as:
- Progressive Dies at Work: We saw the “stages of birth” for a tool. Metal sheets moved through massive dies where, in 10-15 progressive steps, the metal was folded, pressed, and shaped into complex parts before finally “popping” out at the end.
- Robotics & Humans: We saw a seamless dance between robots moving heavy parts and skilled humans on the assembly line putting the final pieces together.
- Art Meets Industry: We headed to the customization area where the tools get their “personality.” We saw the painting booths and learned about the precision laser-etching machines that can decorate a tool with intricate designs, words, and custom patterns. It was a perfect example of how graphic design and technology intersect to create a product people are proud to carry.
- The 25-Year Promise: We visited the warranty department where talented technicians repair tools that have been in the field for decades. It was a great reminder of the importance of sustainable engineering and quality.
The Lab: Where We Try to Break Things
A highlight for many was the testing lab. We saw machines designed to whack, bend, and stress-test tools 10,000+ times to ensure they exceed their specifications. We also visited the Design Hub, where 3D printers allow engineers to hold a “prototype” of a new knife or tool within hours to test how it feels in the hand.
Career Pathways: No Two Journeys are the Same
We wrapped up in the conference room for a Q&A that proved there is no “one way” into a STEAM career:
- Charlie (Mechanical Engineer): Shared his journey from designing rocket parts and for Whirlpool appliances, and to becoming a Technical Project Manager, before landing as Senior Design Engineer at Leatherman.
- Jillian (Product Business Management): Proved that you can pivot! She started as a Rockette dancer before going to engineering school, working in Engineering, and eventually transitioning into Product Management.
- Kimi (Industrial Design): Shared how she blended her love for fine arts and graphic design with 3D product design to bring products to life. She’s now a Senior Industrial Designer.
The common thread? They all spoke of Leatherman as a “family” and a place where creativity is valued just as much as technical skill.
A Huge Thank You
Every student walked away inspired (and with a lovely small multi-tool of their own!). A massive thank you to Kimi, Jillian, and Charlie for being such incredible guides and mentors for the afternoon. Thank you also to Leatherman, and especially all of the amazing hard-working associates in the factory, who went out of their way to keep us safe, but also show us the Leatherman way! So thankful!
