As Snap-on celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1970, it began a decade of explosive growth. The number and variety of products jumped 30% and capacity was added through plant expansions.

A new facility in Bensenville, IL was dedicated to the research and development of new manufacturing processes, and two new distribution centers were opened in Robesonia, PA and Carson City, NV to keep products moving efficiently. For the decade, Snap-on net sales grew from $76.5 million in 1970 to $373.6 million in 1979.