Since 1898, when Harvey Mark Thomas founded the company with its first property, Hardware and Kindred Trades, Thomas has remained a privately owned business dedicated to serving the information needs of industry. During the company's first century, the United States rose to its position as the world's greatest industrial power. Mr. Thomas' insight, that business required accurate, up-to-date sourcing information, was the right idea at the right time. As American industry matured, Thomas matured with it, surviving two World Wars, one major depression, and several business cycles. Working hand-in-hand with companies large and small, we helped provide the building blocks for the fabulous success of American industry. With the paradigm shift that the current 'information age' gave rise to, the Thomas offerings have transitioned into formidable tools and resources for most of the world. Thomas products provide information worldwide to decision makers across all industries in electronic formats and print. Given the profound changes brought on by the Internet, many of our newest initiatives focus on helping buyers/specifiers get instant detailed information and we're helping suppliers grow their business through web-based strategies.
Today, we and our affiliates offer a range of regional, national and international industrial buying guides, product news magazines, information news services and magazines focusing on the most critical industrial topics, including technology solutions for production facilities and supply chain management. In addition, we have forged strategic partnerships where appropriate, to extend our presence in this fast-moving digital economy. As our second hundred years unfolds, the industrial marketplace faces ever greater challenges. With unmatched resources and expertise to offer this marketplace, Thomas has refined and extended its role in bringing buyer and seller together, for mutual benefits, via information products.