The purchase of Wallboard Tool Co. (WAL-BOARD TOOLS) marks the largest acquisition in MARSALLTOWN company’s history, adding about 300 products and nearly 200 jobs. The Long Beach, Calif.-based manufacturer was established by Mel Masterson in 1946 as the “first in drywall tools.” His son, John Masterson, later took the reins as the company president. Drywall grew in popularity during this time, eventually becoming the favored alternative to plaster. MARSHALLTOWN plans to integrate the new products into its existing catalog. Manufacturing and distribution operations begin this week at the Marshalltown, Iowa and Fayetteville, Ark. facilities. In the past 12 years, MARSHALLTOWN has acquired 10 companies while maintaining an extraordinary pace of new product development. The manufacturer has developed and released more than 280 new products in the past two years.

Zach Tomesch, KFJB News Reporter