The collaboration blends new technology and durability with a trusted brand name

FAIRFIELD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr. 4, 2013-- Acme United Corporation (NYSE AMEX:ACU) and The ScottsMiracle-Gro (NYSE:SMG) Company formed a licensing partnership to create two new lines of innovative lawn and garden tools which will enter the home and garden market this May- Scotts® AirShoc®, aimed at lawn care professionals and serious ‘DIY’ers, and the Miracle-Gro® EnviroLine, developed for home gardeners.

The two product lines will be officially unveiled at the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas, May 7-9, and thereafter made available through multiple retail channels, including specialty and national chains.

The collaboration marks the first time The ScottsMiracle-Gro Company will introduce lawn and garden cutting tools to its repertoire of successful lawn and garden-care products: a full range of tools including pruners, loppers, hedge shears, snips, floral knives, and more.

Acme United, the owner of the Clauss® brand is the leader in the floral cutting tool market since 1877 and ScottsMiracle-Gro has been a trusted name in lawn and garden care for over 130 years. Through this licensing partnership, Acme will market and sell lawn and garden tools branded Scotts® and Miracle-Gro®, and powered by Clauss® technology.

Rick Constantine, vice president of Marketing with Acme United, said all product design on the new line has been in close collaboration with ScottsMiracle-Gro’s professional staff.

Constantine said, "this partnership leverages both of our strengths, combining ScottsMiracle-Gro’s knowledge and presence in lawn and garden with our expertise in cutting tool designs, bonding technologies and manufacturing.”

The tools feature titanium-bonded stainless steel, making them both corrosion resistant and up to five-times harder than untreated stainless steel. Integrated Microban® antimicrobial technology helps prevent the growth of bacteria and fungus on both the handles and cutting blades. The Miracle-Gro® products and packaging are built from recycled materials.

The AirShoc® line also features break-through “Tool-Less Blade Change” technology, allowing the user to change from a bypass blade to an anvil blade to a snip in seconds. This technology provides multiple cutting options while simplifying sharpening and cleaning.

Constantine noted that the AirShoc® designs have already earned a Good Design Award for Innovation and an IDEA Award from the Industrial Designers Society of America.

“By combining the know-how of ScottsMiracle-Gro in lawn and garden with Acme United’s innovation and technology, we’re providing consumers with differentiated, long-lasting products backed by a well-known, trusted name.”

“We are excited to be working with the team at Acme United. ScottsMiracle-Gro is always focused on ways to make a better lawn and garden experience for consumers and we know these Scotts® and Miracle-Gro® innovative tools from Acme United will deliver,” said Lisa Zierten, Director of Marketing for ScottsMiracle-Gro.

ACME UNITED CORPORATION is a leading worldwide supplier of innovative cutting, measuring and safety products to the school, home, office, hardware and industrial markets. Its leading brands include Clauss®, Camillus®, Pac Kit®, Physicians Care®, Westcott® and Western®. Visit us at www.acmeunited.com

About The ScottsMiracle-Gro Company

With nearly $3 billion in worldwide sales and more than 8,000 associates, The ScottsMiracle-Gro Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, The Scotts Company LLC, is the world's largest marketer of branded consumer products for lawn and garden care. The Company’s brands are the most recognized in the industry. In the U.S., the Company's Scotts®, Miracle-Gro®, and Ortho® brands are market-leading in their categories, as is the consumer Roundup® brand, which is marketed in North America and most of Europe exclusively by Scotts and owned by Monsanto. In the U.S. the Company operates Scotts LawnService®, the second largest residential lawn care service business. In Europe, the Company’s brands include Weedol®, Pathclear®, Evergreen®, Levington®, Miracle-Gro®, KB®, Fertiligene® and Substral®. For additional information, visit us at www.scotts.com.

Forward-looking statements in this report, including without limitation, statements related to the Company’s plans, strategies, objectives, expectations, intentions and adequacy of resources, are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, the following: (i) the Company’s plans, strategies, objectives, expectations and intentions are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the Company; (ii) the impact of current uncertainties in global economic conditions and the ongoing financial crisis affecting the domestic and foreign banking system and financial markets, including the impact on the Company’s suppliers and customers (iii) currency fluctuations (iv) the Company’s plans and results of operations will be affected by the Company’s ability to manage its growth, (v) the Company’s ability to successfully integrate acquired business; and (vi) other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Source: Acme United Corporation

Acme United Corporation
Paul G. Driscoll, 203-254-6060
FAX: 203-254-6521