Westward® Tools has been a leader in quality tool storage solutions for over 50 years. Our story begins in the 1960s when our founder, John Westward, started the company out of his garage. John was an avid handyman and collector of tools, but he was frustrated by the lack of good options for organizing all his equipment. So he decided to design his own tool boxes, chests, and cabinets to meet his specific needs.
Word spread quickly about John’s thoughtfully designed products and custom fabrication services. Before long, he was getting more orders than he could handle alone. So in 1965, John rented a small warehouse space, bought some new equipment, and hired his first employees. That’s when Westward® Tools was officially born.
Our Mission: Empowering Makers, Fixers & Doers
From those humble beginnings, Westward® Tools has grown into one of the most trusted names in tool storage and organization. But our commitment to helping makers, fixers, and doers hasn’t changed. We believe that having the right tools close at hand saves time, increases productivity, and enables people to do their best work.
That’s why our team pours so much care into designing solutions that are:
- Durable – Made to last through years of heavy use and abuse.
- Customizable – Offering endless options to organize tools your way.
- Efficient – Keeping tools secure while allowing quick access.
- Ergonomic – Ensuring comfort and reducing fatigue.
- Protective – Shielding valuable assets from damage.
- Portable – Moving seamlessly from job site to garage and back again.
We know that when your tools are protected and organized, you can stay focused on the joy of making and fixing. And we love being a part of that experience!
American Madesince 1965
From day one, Westward® Tools has been proudly manufacturing our products in the USA. Keeping production domestic allows us to closely monitor and control quality. It also reflects our commitment to supporting American jobs and reducing environmental impact.
We operate multiple manufacturing facilities throughout the Midwest, employing generations of skilled workers from the communities around us. Our dedicated production team members know they are building not just storage products, but the very foundations of people’s workshops, garages, jobsites, and hobbies. We think that instills an extra sense of care and craftsmanship you can feel in every Westward® item.
As an American company, we actively seek out partnerships with domestic raw material suppliers as well. The high-grade steel used in our signature powder coated finishes is sourced from US foundries whenever possible. And the lumber for our wooden storage comes from sustainably managed North American forests.
Built to Last – The Westward® Warranty
Since John Westward fabricated that first tool box back in 1965, we’ve approached manufacturing with longevity in mind. We want our products to outlive their owners if possible, passing down from generation to generation.
To back that intention, we offer an industry-leading warranty on our full product range.
- Tool Boxes, Chests & Cabinets – Lifetime warranty
- Tool Bags & Belts – 5 year warranty
- Carts & Workbenches – 10 year warranty
Of course, wear and tear is expected over years of use. But if there ever is a defect in materials or craftsmanship, we will repair or replace the product free of charge. In the unlikely event you’re not completely satisfied, you can return any new, unused item for a refund within 30 days of purchase.
We firmly stand behind the durability and performance of everything we make. When you invest in Westward® storage and organization, you are making a purchase for the long haul.
Endless Customization
While our warranties are ironclad, your needs are bound to change over time. That’s why the Westward® design team is obsessed with modular, customizable products that can adapt and evolve.
No two makers organize their tools exactly alike. So we offer thousands of options to build the perfect storage solution including:
- Multiple sizes – From portable tool bags to giant rolling shop cabinets.
- Interchangeable components – Mix and match drawers, shelves, trays, hooks, bins, accessories and more.
- Customizable interiors – Use our foam inserts or design your own layout.
- Choice of materials – Durable polymers, rugged steel, or classic hardwoods.
- Locking options – Protect your expensive gear with standard locks or digital keypads.
- Wheels and casters – Make stationary storage mobile.
- Companion products – Find tool bags, belts, and carts that integrate seamlessly.
- Expansion potential – Combine individual units for unlimited capacity.
With so many ways to arrange your tools, there is no end to the organizational possibilities. As your needs change over the years, Westward® products adapt and grow with you.
Built for the Toughest Environments
While we love serving home DIYers, Westward® was built on supplying professional-grade tool storage to some of the toughest job sites on the planet. That means we engineer our products to survive the most abusive real world conditions including:
- Hot and cold temperature extremes from -20°F to 120°F and beyond.
- Exposure to water, mud, grease, oil, and corrosive job site chemicals.
- The jolts, bumps, and impacts tools take on trucks and jobsites daily.
- Heavy loads exceeding 300+ pounds in larger units.
- Chemical stains and solvents that mar lesser cabinets.
- Locks and hardware that can’t easily be pried open by thieves.
Trade professionals from automotive techs to construction crews trust the Westward® name to protect thousands of dollars worth of tools and equipment every day. We take that responsibility seriously. Our storage solutions work overtime so you can keep business running smoothly no matter the environment.
Safety First
In addition to standing up to tough conditions over time, we also build Westward® products with workplace safety top of mind. Our in-house safety team works closely with engineers to eliminate hazards through thoughtful design.
Key safety features include:
- Heavy duty locking casters that prevent unintended movement on uneven surfaces.
- Gas struts for smooth, controlled drawer opening without hazardous slamming.
- Finger safe drawers and doors to avoid pinch points that cause injuries.
- Sturdy grab handles for secure control when moving heavy loaded units.
- Integrated power strips with circuit protection for safe organization of corded tools.
- Maximum weight ratings clearly identified for safe overhead storage.
- California Proposition 65 compliance to limit harmful substances.
For public institutions like schools and military bases, we meet strict regulations for flame retardancy and other safety protocols. Westward® puts safety first so you can focus on the job.
Green Choices
In recent years, Westward® has also increased our focus on environmental responsibility and offering “green” choices. Efforts include:
- Recycled steel and eco-friendly materials – We use recycled content whenever durability allows along with earth-friendly plastics and composites like bamboo.
- ** Responsible forestry** – Our solid wood products come exclusively from sustainably managed forests.
- Energy efficiency – Our facilities utilize solar power, energy-saving lighting, and low-emission processes.
- Minimizing waste – State of the art facilities allow tight control of scrap materials and yield optimization.
- Reusable packaging – Cardboard boxes, crates, and padding can be recycled or reused after delivery.
- Carbon offset shipping – Customers can select carbon neutral shipping options at checkout to reduce environmental footprint.
No company is perfect, but we strive to make incremental improvements each year through innovation. Our hope is that Westward® products will serve you well for decades to come while also taking care of the planet we all share.
Giving Back
Last but certainly not least, the team at Westward® believes in giving back by supporting skilled trades programs that invest in the next generation.
We are proud partners of several industry and educational initiatives including:
- The Home Depot Foundation’s YouthBuild Program
- Goodwill’s Veterans Vocational Training
- The SkillsUSA National Competition Series
- ACT Foundation’s Advanced Technician Apprenticeships
By funding scholarships, donating products, and volunteering mentor hours, we aim to strengthen the skilled labor workforce. Westward® was built by makers and tradespeople. So we believe the greatest investment is in empowering the makers and tradespeople of tomorrow. When they succeed, we all do!