60 Years of All Metal…All the Time
2025 marks KBC’s 60th anniversary since Karel Bass started the ball rolling with a determination to sell the best tooling at the best prices. In 1965, KBC—then Kabaco Tools—began in a 1,000-square-foot warehouse on 8 Mile Road in Detroit, Michigan. Today, KBC supplies North America from six branches in the U.S. and Canada, offering more than 100,000 industrial SKUs from over 600 world-class manufacturers. Sixty years later, KBC Tools & Machinery continues to keep North America working—one tool at a time.
Then vs. Now: 60 Years of Industry Evolution
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Machines
A Kabaco Tools catalog from 1979. Today, KBC Tools & Machinery, offers products to support your needs, whether you are running a manual or CNC facility or doing any type of MRO work for industry. 1965: Manual Bridgeport milling machines dominated shops.
2025: CNC machines run 24/7, though manual mills remain a classic favorite.
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Workforce Evolution
1965: Less than 5% of the metalworking workforce were women.
2025: Over 30% are women, with KBC Tools & Machinery proudly woman-owned.
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Precision
1965: Tolerances of ±0.001 inches were impressive.
2025: CNC technology achieves ±0.0001 inches with advanced materials.
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Tooling Technology
1965: High-speed steel was standard.
2025: Carbide, ceramic, and diamond-coated tools now define performance.
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Manufacturing Speed
1965: Complex parts took hours or days.
2025: Additive manufacturing and CNCs complete them in minutes.
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Safety Standards
1965: Safety gear was minimal.
2025: Full PPE, sensors, and monitoring systems are standard.
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Material Science
1965: Steel and aluminum led the way.
2025: Titanium and carbon composites are common for strength and lightness.
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Environmental Impact
1965: Little regulation on waste disposal.
2025: Sustainability and eco-friendly lubricants like Anchorlube define best practices.
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Data-Driven Manufacturing
1965: Operators relied on manual calculations and logbooks.
2025: Real-time analytics and AI optimize production efficiency.
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Global Connectivity
1965: Communication relied on phone or fax.
2025: Digital platforms connect teams worldwide in real-time.
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Education & Training
1965: Learning was hands-on.
2025: VR and simulation training shape the next generation of machinists.
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Industry 4.0
1965: NC machines ran on punch cards.
2025: IoT and digital twins drive smart factories.
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Quality Control
1965: Manual micrometers and calipers ruled inspection.
2025: Laser scanners and SPC-equipped tools deliver zero-error measurement.
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Cutting Fluids
1965: Cutting oils were messy and toxic.
2025: Anchorlube and other biodegradable fluids protect workers and the planet.
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Industry Perception
1965: Metalworking was seen as blue-collar.
2025: It’s a high-tech career path in robotics, AI, and engineering.
These milestones showcase six decades of evolution in precision, safety, diversity, and sustainability. KBC Tools & Machinery continues to serve both manual and CNC facilities with everything from HSS drill bits to advanced CNC machines—keeping the tradition of quality alive.
So, how far has your shop come since 1965? Share your story—KBC would love to hear how your facility has evolved.
About KBC Tools & Machinery
KBC Tools & Machinery has supplied the metalworking industry with the best tools at the best prices since 1965. The company offers cutting tools, fluids, abrasives, measuring equipment, machinery, and more. KBC is certified as a WBE company in Canada and WBENC in the U.S. With locations in Mississauga, Oldcastle, and Delta in Canada, and Sterling Heights, Elk Grove Village, and Fullerton in the U.S., KBC Tools continues to stand by its motto: All Metal… All The Time!
