A Powerful Partnership

March 10, 2025

By Milwaukee^®

Milwaukee^® believes in the power of relationships. The global leader in hand tools and power tools has built its reputation over the past 100 years from the combination of producing high-quality tools designed for the jobsite, while continuing to go above and beyond their user’s expectations.

A perfect example of Milwaukee’s^® dedication to going above and beyond is its 100th-anniversary giveaway of 100 Milwaukee^® Premium Hand Tools. This giveaway, with each kit valued at over $250, was exclusively available to members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in Canada (IBEW). Milwaukee^® has built a solid relationship with IBEW Canada over the past 10 years, as a reliable supplier of the tools union members need to get their jobs done.

One long-standing member that appreciates the relationship between Milwaukee^® and IBEW Canada is the union’s training director, Peter Caesar. A member of IBEW since 2007, Peter has held a variety of roles in the construction sector including service electrician, foreman, and general foreman. In 2018, he started teaching part-time at his local union hall. Shortly afterwards he became a full-time instructor, and in 2020, became the training director of IBEW Canada Local 804.

Peter was happy to learn that Milwaukee’s^® 100th anniversary Made-in-USA Hand Tools giveaway was exclusively for IBEW Canada members.

“I was impressed. It shows that we have a good relationship with Milwaukee^®. Anytime you give free tools to tradesmen and tradeswomen, they get excited,” he says.

Peter recalls buying his first Milwaukee^® tool kit back in 2002 as an apprentice, which came with a cordless hammer drill, a SAWZALL reciprocating saw, flashlight, Rockford Fosgate radio, and two battery packs. The kit served him well over his five years before joining IBEW Canada, and says the kit is still in his set of tools at home.

“Their tools are just built better. They’re heavier duty, they last longer. All the innovation they put into them, especially lately, they really have a crazy amount of different products, which is good,” he says.

Peter says the relationship between Milwaukee^® and IBEW Canada is really positive, and he wouldn’t change anything about it.

“They keep putting out good tools and keep getting me the tools when I put in big orders,” he says. “During COVID, it was a little tricky getting the product in, but they did a good job of making sure that when my classes started, I had what I needed.

They would prioritize getting me the tools. It’s good having someone reliable that I can count on if we’re having issues.”

Back in 2018, IBEW Canada started up a new training program that was designed on the fly very quickly. Milwaukee^® stepped in immediately to ensure the union had the tools it needed to train its members.

“To me, that’s a highlight of our partnership. We haven’t switched to anyone else. They’ve been here from the start and it’s working,” Peter says.

Peter Caesar isn’t the only one who appreciates Milwaukee’s^® partnership. Russ Shewchuk, International Vice President of IBEW Canada, loves that Milwaukee^® regularly partners with IBEW Canada to assist in enhancing the union’s training programs and overall operations anyway they can.

“Our training facility has been stocked with Milwaukee^® for the last 10 years. Our apprentices and trainees use Milwaukee^®. They have faith in them, they’re excellent quality, and as they transition throughout their careers, they continue to support the company because it’s a good product” Russ says.

A game changer

Another long-time member of IBEW Canada that appreciates the relationship between Milwaukee^® and the union is Red Seal electrician and certified teacher Chris Taran. Chris joined IBEW Canada in 1995 and is currently an international representative for the union.

“I was thrilled to hear about Milwaukee’s^® 100th anniversary giveaway. It’s heartwarming to see a company recognize and appreciate the hard work and dedication of IBEW Canada members. It truly shows their commitment to our community,” he says. “This initiative is a clear demonstration of Milwaukee^® Tool’s dedication to supporting the union and its members. It highlights their appreciation for our contributions and their commitment to our success.”

Chris has relied on Milwaukee^® hand tools and power tools for many years, and says they’ve been a “game changer” for his career.

“The reliability and performance have significantly improved my efficiency and quality of work, and I can always count on Milwaukee^® Tool to get the job done right,” he says.

Milwaukee’s^® unwavering commitment to quality and innovation has made the company stand out against its competitors, and their tools are designed with the user in mind, making them both durable and easy to use, Chris notes, adding that the company has been a great partner for the union.

“Their proactive approach to incorporating the latest technology and understanding our evolving requirements has been impressive. Milwaukee’s^® partnership has been instrumental in providing top-notch training, tools and resources. Their support has enhanced our members’ skills and productivity leading to better job performance and career advancement opportunities,” he says.

Not only are they a reliable supplier, but Milwaukee^® has also been extremely supportive of IBEW Canada’s mission.

“By providing high-quality tools that enhance our work, efficiency and safety, their values of innovation, reliability and customer focus align perfectly with our union’s goals,” Chris says.

The partnership also helps keep IBEW’s Canada curriculum aligned with current industry standards and technological advancements.

He adds that he sees the partnership between Milwaukee^® and IBEW Canada only growing stronger over time.

“With continued collaboration and innovation, Milwaukee’s^® ongoing support underscores their long-term commitment to our union and its members,” Chris says. “This partnership is invaluable, providing our members with the best tools and training and support. It is a collaboration that enhances our quality and safety and fosters professional growth.”

Chris recommends other organizations with similar needs to IBEW Canada reach out to Milwaukee^® to discuss future partnerships.

“I would highly recommend partnering with Milwaukee^®. Their dedication to quality, innovation and customer support is unmatched. They truly understand and cater to the needs of their partners,” he says.

To learn more about Milwaukee’s^® 100-year journey, visit: www.milwaukeetool.ca/Company/Milwaukee-Story.