Massachusetts-based distributor Chandler & Farquhar Co. celebrates its 125th anniversary this year.

The distributor of cutting tools, abrasives and precision measuring instruments marked the occasion with an open house in June, hosting more than 150 customers, suppliers, employees and their families.

Chandler & Farquhar was founded in 1882 in downtown Boston and has had just four owners in its history.

Now based in Randolph, Mass., the company was purchased by longtime employees Kathy Hersey and Greg Garbick in 2003. Hersey, CEO, and Garbick, president, were the subject of a September 2003 profile in INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION, in which they talked about the ownership change and the company's new direction.

“We distinguish ourselves competitively by our excellent customer service and pride ourselves on our customer focus,” Garbick said in announcing the anniversary.

“To that end, we have further concentrated our product offerings on cutting tools, abrasives and precision measuring instruments that shape, grind and polish metal for an array of market segments, including the high tech, health care, aerospace and power generation industries.”