Brian began working at Wilson Tool in 1991 and has held a variety of manufacturing, engineering and leadership positions prior to becoming CEO in 2007. He has a tool & die education from Anoka Technical College and a mini-masters in Engineering from the University of St. Thomas.
His proudest career memory is helping the Wilson family transition their business into a generational ownership model to ensure the longevity and legacy of the company. His favorite thing about Wilson Tool is the everyday commitment its employees make to ensure the customer is “number one.”
Outside of work, Brian enjoys spending time with family and friends in Northern Minnesota relaxing on the pontoon boat.
Leadership Team
We are pleased to introduce the leaders of Wilson Tool International.
Brian Robinson
CEO of Wilson Tool Enterprises
Chris Lawless
President of Wilson Tool Inc.
Soon after Chris was hired by Wilson Tool in 1992, he helped create the first manufacturing engineering department and was the project manager of the SAP implementation. He became the VP of Operations in 2002 and was promoted to President in 2013. Chris received his degree in Industrial Engineering from Iowa State and an MBA in Finance with an emphasis in Venture Capitalism from the University of St. Thomas.
Chris is most proud of being part of a management team that has helped inspire a continuous improvement culture at Wilson Tool and helped to make a good company become even better. He is also pleased to have been involved in the expansion of Wilson Tool’s international presence by helping in the addition of manufacturing facilities in China, Canada, and Brazil.
Chris is very active. He enjoys hiking, fishing, and skiing among other activities while also reading a good book at the end of the day. He and his wife Camille have three children: Austin, Connor and Lauren. Chris enjoys watching his kids go through the college experience and explore new opportunities in life.
Chris is most proud of being part of a management team that has helped inspire a continuous improvement culture at Wilson Tool and helped to make a good company become even better. He is also pleased to have been involved in the expansion of Wilson Tool’s international presence by helping in the addition of manufacturing facilities in China, Canada, and Brazil.
Chris is very active. He enjoys hiking, fishing, and skiing among other activities while also reading a good book at the end of the day. He and his wife Camille have three children: Austin, Connor and Lauren. Chris enjoys watching his kids go through the college experience and explore new opportunities in life.
Paul Johnson
President of Corporate Development
Paul has a degree in Machine Technology from Century College. He was hired by Wilson Tool in 1987 and has held various positions within the company. In 2001 Paul became the VP of Operations for Wilson Tool Inc., and was promoted to President of New Business Development in 2013. Paul belongs to the North American Punch Manufacturers Association (NAPMA) of which he was president in 2009. He was also a member of the Paradigm Group, an executive manufacturing group focused on Lean Manufacturing.
Outside of Wilson Tool, Paul enjoys family activities, traveling, snowmobiling, fishing, hunting and other sports. He also owns a hobby farm and enjoys spending time with family and friends at his cabin.
Outside of Wilson Tool, Paul enjoys family activities, traveling, snowmobiling, fishing, hunting and other sports. He also owns a hobby farm and enjoys spending time with family and friends at his cabin.
Andrew Blackwell
Managing Director of Wilson Tool Ltd
Andrew joined us in December 2022 as Managing Director of Wilson Tool International (Europe) Ltd. Andrew started his career in mechanical engineering within the Automotive sector and held senior operational and commercial leadership positions in Aerospace, Defence and Industrial sectors.
When asked Andrew said, “I’m excited to have joined a well-established company in Wilson Tool. It’s well known in the Punching and Forming industries, focused on next day shipping of products across many OE ranges with high levels of customer service. Our aim is to keep increasing that range and expanding our press brake products with the same level of service our customers expect and require in their own sectors.”
Outside of Wilson Tool, Andrew has the usual active family life and has two children, Sam and Will, with his wife Sinja. He is a football (soccer!) coach for a local team which his children play for and also enjoys the odd round of golf. Any spare time after is enjoyed with the family travelling or just relaxing.
When asked Andrew said, “I’m excited to have joined a well-established company in Wilson Tool. It’s well known in the Punching and Forming industries, focused on next day shipping of products across many OE ranges with high levels of customer service. Our aim is to keep increasing that range and expanding our press brake products with the same level of service our customers expect and require in their own sectors.”
Outside of Wilson Tool, Andrew has the usual active family life and has two children, Sam and Will, with his wife Sinja. He is a football (soccer!) coach for a local team which his children play for and also enjoys the odd round of golf. Any spare time after is enjoyed with the family travelling or just relaxing.