Channellock Inc., Meadville, PA, a plier and hand tool manufacturer, is naming Jonathan DeArment as its president and chief operating officer, effective October 1.

The board of directors of Channellock Inc. voted DeArment, previously the company's vice president of manufacturing and engineering, to succeed William DeArment as the organization's president. Jon DeArment reports to William DeArment, his father, who continues as the company's CEO and board chairman. Both Ryan DeArment, Jon's brother and vice president of sales and marketing, and Stephen Sada, secretary/treasurer, report to Jon DeArment. 

Channellock has 375 employees and recently made investments in new technology and automation. The company has also recently implemented a lean manufacturing program including a certification program that focuses on safety, quality and lean production systems, and maintenance awareness for production operators.  A mechatronics apprenticeship program for the maintenance department was also implemented to help with the installation and care of new technologies.