For many Towson residents, Stanley Black & Decker is simply a familiar name on the skyline. But the company's newly released 2025 Impact Report offers a reminder that one of the world's largest industrial manufacturers continues to operate from right here in our own backyard while influencing industries across the globe.

With approximately 43,500 employees operating in 59 countries and more than 100 facilities worldwide, Stanley Black & Decker remains one of the region's largest global employers and one of Towson's most recognizable corporate headquarters. The company's latest report focuses not only on financial performance, but on workforce development, sustainability, innovation and community investment.

One of the report's most significant themes is preparing the next generation of skilled trades workers. Through its DEWALT Grow the Trades initiative, Stanley Black & Decker invested more than $7 million during 2025, bringing its total investment to $27 million since 2023 toward a long-term commitment of $60 million by 2030.

The program has already supported more than 350 organizations with cash and product donations, trained over 11,000 tradespeople across the United States, expanded scholarships for trade school students and donated more than 4,250 professional toolkits to graduating apprentices at 68 schools across 23 states. The company says addressing the shortage of skilled tradespeople is one of its highest strategic priorities because it directly impacts construction, manufacturing and infrastructure nationwide.

Internally, Stanley Black & Decker also continues investing heavily in its workforce. Employees completed more than 67,000 hours of professional learning during 2025, while the company logged over 3,000 volunteer hours supporting community organizations. New Business Impact Groups were also established to strengthen employee engagement around culture, talent development, workplace safety and community outreach, including activities centered in Towson.

Environmental initiatives make up another major portion of the report. Since 2021, the company has eliminated approximately 2.2 million pounds of problematic plastics from product packaging, diverted 93 percent of operational waste from landfills, and achieved Zero Waste to Landfill status at 45 percent of its manufacturing and distribution facilities worldwide.

Stanley Black & Decker also reports significant progress toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Since establishing its 2022 baseline, the company has reduced its operational Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 33 percent, while implementing energy efficiency projects expected to save more than $650,000 annually. Employee-led efficiency programs generated an additional $5.6 million in utility savings during 2025 alone.

Innovation remains central to the company's strategy. New DEWALT safety products, expanded battery-powered equipment, improved recyclable packaging and enhanced repair and recycling programs all reflect a growing emphasis on extending product life while reducing environmental impact. During 2025, the company completed more than 247,000 product repairs and recycled over 50,000 tools through its TerraCycle partnership.

For Towson, Stanley Black & Decker represents something increasingly rare: the global headquarters of a Fortune 500 manufacturer that continues to invest in workforce development, community partnerships and long-term innovation while maintaining deep roots in the local community.

While many residents drive past the company's campus every day without giving it much thought, the 2025 Impact Report serves as a reminder that one of Towson's largest employers continues to influence industries around the world—while calling Towson home.

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