Snap-on Inc. Launches Lifestyle Magazine; Publication to Reach 1 Million Technicians Nationwide

KENOSHA, Wis., Mar 15, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Snap-on Inc. today announced the launch of Tech, a new lifestyle publication geared specifically to technicians. The 52-page glossy magazine will be distributed four times a year to 1 million technicians.

"Our dealers visit customers every week, and there is more to the relationship than tools," said Chris Pfaus, Snap-on vice president of marketing. "Dealers and customers talk about family, vacations, hunting, fishing, NASCAR, hot rods - even financial planning and career development. Tech magazine is representative of what our customers talk to dealers about - and therefore what the customers care about."

Tech is the first and only publication dedicated exclusively to the professional technician. The inaugural issue of Tech includes:

-- A journal from an off-road motorcycling adventure that several technicians took in the deep woods of British Columbia.

-- Nationally known fishing and hunting pro Joe Bucher's tips on catching spring bass.

-- A close-up look at the Snap-on Chopper, built on the Discovery Channel's hit show "American Chopper(R)."

-- A VIP tour of the RCR racing shops detailing how Richard Childress builds his winning NASCAR NEXTEL Cup cars.

-- A feature on Lee Getzelman, who converted a 1932 Ford deuce coupe into the ultimate street rod, only to be involved in an accident. Getzelman, seriously injured in the crash, struggled to rebuild the car - and his own life.

The magazine also features the latest information on gadgets, toys and other products on technicians' wish lists.

"2005 celebrates Snap-on's 85 years of excellence and this magazine gives Snap-on dealers the opportunity to be part of history in the making," said Michael Montemurro, Snap-on senior vice president and president of Snap-on Worldwide Dealer Group.

Tech magazine will be hand delivered quarterly by more than 4,000 Snap-on dealers nationwide. No subscription is necessary and the publication is available only to technicians, not general consumers.

The magazine is supported through advertisers interested in reaching this audience of a million in a unique manner. Charter advertisers include Georgia Boots, which is providing technicians with an exclusive 25 percent discount; and Diamond Cut Jeans, which is offering a free pair of jeans to technicians who purchase two pairs.

Snap-on Inc. is a leading global developer, manufacturer and marketer of tool and equipment solutions for professional tool users. Product lines include hand and power tools, diagnostics and shop equipment, tool storage products, diagnostics software and other solutions for the transportation service, industrial, government, education, agricultural, and other commercial applications, including construction and electrical. Products are sold through its franchisee dealer van, distributor channels and company direct sales, including snapon.com. Founded in 1920, Snap-on is a $2 billion-plus, S&P 500 company headquartered in Kenosha, Wis., and employing approximately 12,000 worldwide.

SOURCE: Snap-on Inc.