Southbridge, Mass. — A fourth-generation member of the family that owns Hyde Mfg. Co. has taken over the reins at subsidiary Hyde Tools, Inc.

Richard Clemence, a process engineer who joined Hyde in 1995, was named president in January. Clemence was vice president before the appointment and had previously been a manufacturing manager for engineered products and general manager of American Paint Paddle Co. He replaces Ralph Lawrence, who retired after 20 years at the helm.

Hyde Tools makes a wide range of contractor's tools and accessories as well as industrial tools. Clemence said most of Hyde's business is in contractor tool sales, though the company also makes industrial hand and machine blades for cutting fabrics, leather and plastics.

"I'm just underway, meeting with managers and moving into the new position," the 41-year-old Clemence said in February.

He and his staff are busy launching new products for the spring market, which includes a large home improvement line-up. Hyde Tools is also continually improving existing products.

"There is always a better way of doing things that comes along," Clemence said.

An industrial and manufacturing engineer, Clemence is working toward an MBA at Nichols College in Dudley, Mass. He predicts a moderate economic pick-up in 2003, particularly in his product areas.

"About 70 percent of our products are consumer trade," he said. "That facet should do well by the end of the year and we're forecasting a single-digit increase. We're pretty optimistic."