THE STORY: Aargo Environmental Inc. takes “women power” to a whole new level. The North Kingstown-based tool manufacturer is a Rhode Island-certified women’s business enterprise with 45 years’ experience in the industry. The company produces a line of dust-capturing, vacuum-shrouded power tools and equipment for the abatement industry across the
world.
› Among the tools Aargo produces are shrouded roto peens, sanders, grinders and needle guns with pneumatic, electric or cordless power.
› Originally exclusive to the industrial sector, variations to these tools are increasing their popularity among residential contractors for their ability to grind, plane, resurface or remove paint, rust and other coatings.
› The tools are made with aluminum shrouds that are powder-coated and machined to fit corresponding motors.
› Each tool is hand-assembled by a single employee, taking one hour to assemble each tool.
› Tools made by Aargo are used by industrial, commercial and residential contractors, as well as homeowners.
› Aargo, responding to textile shortages due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is currently working with Polaris MEP, Rhode Island Small Business Development Center and R.I. Commerce Corp. to reposition and increase its manufacturing to establish a Made in the USA supply chain of nonwoven polypropylene material, needed to produce personal protective equipment.2020.
COVID-AFFECTED: While the company had an inventory of tools for sale, tool production at Aargo temporarily stopped due to the COVID-19 pandemic for several months. The company resumed production in fall 2020.
