Wahl Clipper Corporation is a global leader in the professional and home grooming industry, best known for inventing the first practical electric hair clipper in 1919. As of 2025, the company is a fourth-generation family-owned and operated business headquartered in Sterling, Illinois.

Company Overview and Global Presence

Wahl operates as an international manufacturer and distributor, serving customers in more than 165 countries.

Workforce:
The company employs approximately 3,300 to 4,000 people globally as of late 2025.

Facilities:
It maintains eight production plants across four continents and operates 22 sales offices worldwide.

Manufacturing Strategy:
Wahl is a vertically integrated manufacturer, producing almost every product component in-house since the 1940s.

Recent Activity:
In September 2024, the company announced a strategic reorganization including job cuts to adapt to shifting market demands.

Core Business Divisions

Wahl categorizes its operations into four primary divisions:

Professional:
High-performance tools designed for barbers and stylists, including the specialized 5-Star product line.

Home Products:
Consumer-level grooming kits, including the entry-level Groom Ease brand.

Animal:
Specialized clippers for pets and livestock, such as the KM Series (KM10+ and KM2+) featuring brushless motors.

International:
Managing global sales and localized product adaptations for various voltages and regional preferences.

Key Brands and Acquisitions
Wahl’s portfolio includes several brands, such as Sterling professional clippers and Groom Ease consumer kits. In 1996, Wahl acquired German-based Moser Elektrogeräte GmbH, later integrating brands like KUNO, CHROMSTYLE, and Genio under the Wahl Professional umbrella in 2024.

Innovation and Patents
Wahl holds over 274 patents and has a history of innovation in grooming technology. Key historical inventions include the first practical electromagnetic hair clipper (1919), the first vacuum-equipped clipper (Vac Clipper, 1965), the first cordless rechargeable trimmer (1967), and the first battery-operated facial hair trimmer (Groomsman, 1984). They also developed the first successful cordless soldering iron (1971) and had their Aero Clipper certified for space station use by NASA in 2004. More recently, they introduced the first lithium-ion powered trimmer (2009/2011).

Corporate Values and Sustainability
Wahl’s mission focuses on durability, quality, and supporting professionals. The company has increased its focus on sustainability since the 2010s, adopting eco-friendly packaging and promoting repair and recycling programs.