Case Study: Leatherman Tool Group doubles new product output and cuts development time 33% with SolidWorks

Expanding multipurpose, complex tool and knife design with SolidWorks software

Leatherman Tool Group, Inc., the leading maker of multipurpose tools and knives, needed to move from 2D CAD to a more capable 3D system to support expanded tool and knife lines and complex organic shapes. After evaluating options, Leatherman selected SolidWorks 3D CAD—implementing 22 seats of SolidWorks Professional and a floating license for SolidWorks Simulation—to gain advanced modeling, surfacing, sheet‑metal design and integrated analysis tools.

SolidWorks delivered integrated modeling/surfacing, Simulation, Workgroup PDM and PhotoWorks, enabling Leatherman to double modeling productivity, increase annual new products by 100%, and shorten development cycles by about 33% (from 18–24 months to 13–15 months). The SolidWorks solution also supported lean manufacturing, improved supplier collaboration, and provided FEA, tolerance analysis and photorealistic rendering to accelerate higher‑quality product development.

Leatherman Tool Group

C.J. Goodrich

CAD Manager