It’s not often that we can find a made in Canada success story like that of Picquic. Founded by Mr. A.M. McKenzie (Mac) Picquic is the standard for the inventive spirit and entrepreneurial drive that we find in Canadian companies. Enjoy the Story Behind the Brand – Picquic.
The original Picquic concept appeared on A.M. (Mac) McKenzie’s drawing board in 1984. Mac, whose life long career was flying, said of his inventive nature: “when I flew aeroplanes in those days, I was either scared stiff or bored to tears, so I had a lot of time to think.”
Due also to his career, Mac’s life depended on the equipment he flew. This meant he had no patience or interest in things that would break. So when his old fashioned, hollow handled multi tip screwdriver broke (the kind with the screw off cap that gets lost or broken, then loses its bits) he decided to fix the problem once and for all…
Some time later, patent and prototype in hand, Mac made his best effort to license the invention to an established Canadian multi bit screwdriver company. The royalty offered to Mac was unfair, so he decided to license the invention to his son Paul and his business partner. In 1987, P.R. Innovations Inc. was formed, now called Picquic Tool Company Inc. The company set about the task of further developing the concept of the ‘Picquic’.
In August 1988, the first Picquic Sixpac came out of the mould. It didn’t break or lose its bits! The design was an instant hit and the Sixpac soon became the dominant Canadian Multi on the market. The company worked day and night to keep up with demand.
In February 1989, the Canadian Hardware and Housewares Manufacturer’s Association judged the Sixpac as the ‘Best Canadian Hardware Product’. This award lent credibility to both the company and the product. Soon the ‘big hardware companies back east’ took notice of the fledgling Picquic name.
In 1991, the success of the original Sixpac became recognized in the U.S. by winning The Popular Mechanics Magazine’s Design and Engineering Award. Also in 91, a new Picquic was born. The STUBBY was a short version of the design that allowed for working in tight spots.
Now, with millions of the original Sixpac sold and many different Picquic models made, Picquic truly has become the one-stop-shop multi-bit screwdriver company.
At Picquic our primary goal has been to provide a product that is better than high-quality single blade screwdrivers, while combining the convenience of multiple bits in one handle. Our objective is to put the right bits in the right handle, instead of burdening the customer with numerous bits that aren’t always needed. Our product is made with the highest-grade materials and with great attention to detail to ensure consistently superior and long-lasting products. We use modern manufacturing processes in order to keep our products affordable for everyone who appreciates honest quality combined with true functionality.
Picquics have always been built right here in Canada by smart people. Picquic employees work an honest day and are paid an honest buck. The people at Picquic enjoy many other benefits that are commensurate with their excellent efforts and devotion in making Picquics the best way possible. Picquic employees have cars, raise families, and pay taxes here in Canada. And guess what? Every Picquic employee shows up for work fifteen minutes early each morning. You know why? Because we actually like working here. We look forward to having a chat with co-workers, drinking a coffee, and preparing to make each day’s orders.
When you buy a Picquic, you are endorsing a product from a company of people that believe their products should and will last. We think that building longevity into our products is the least we can do in terms of respecting the planet and respecting our customers. At Picquic Tool Company, we believe that a lot more people need to make things properly instead of just selling ‘stuff’.
Picquic tools, having been around since 1988, and being #1 in our field in Canada for many years now, serves as undeniable proof that we can do it “Right here… in Canada.”
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