IN THE LADDER BUSINESS, COMMODITY IS OUT AND INNOVATION IS IN

Little Giant® Ladders Systems, known as the innovators of the original articulating ladder, will introduce the new company vision at the 2009 National Hardware Show in Las Vegas. In an innovative strike into a boring ladder industry, Little Giant will unveil eight new products that signal the completion of the company's 35-year market strategy and the beginning of the company’s next 35 years.

The innovative, patent-pending products will be a mere sample of the company's new direction and focus, which expands the Little Giant's reach far beyond articulating ladders. The CEO, Ryan Moss explains, "Little Giant Ladder Systems has always avoided traditional ladder products. And that hasn't changed. We're preparing to release game-changing products that will turn the ladder world upside down."

The company’s goal is to inject some serious innovation into an otherwise stale category. Moss adds, "The essential design of the ladder hasn't improved for at least a hundred years. We're looking to change that." This new vision is best seen in three of the products to be unveiled at the Hardware Show: the Sumo^TM, MicroBurst^TM and Synergy^{TM ;}.

The Little Giant Sumo is equipped with two adjustable SumoStance^TM outriggers that more than triple its base width for unmatched stability. The patent-pending SumoStance outriggers also feature an innovative leveling mechanism with a full nine inches of vertical adjustment on each side for use on sloping or uneven surfaces. And in true Little Giant form, the SumoStance outriggers retract and fit into a lightweight, sleek carrying and storage position.

The Little Giant MicroBurst’s unique pivoting top cap and StableLock^TM spreader system allow the rails to fit neatly inside each other, creating a slim, easy-to-carry, 3½-inch storage profile. Also, the patent-pending StableLock spreaders lock securely in place, creating a solid A-frame structure with no risk of shifting or walking. And, unlike most traditional A-frame ladders, the MicroBurst has a wide-flare on both the front and rear legs, making it harder to tip from side to side.

The Little Giant Synergy, the world’s first fully adjustable stepladder, features deep, comfortable rungs and a wide-flared leg for extra security and stability. The Synergy can be used safely on stairs and uneven surfaces and is easier to open and close than traditional static stepladders. The Synergy’s innovative Rock Locks and Quick Adjust Handle allow you to telescope each side of the ladder; so you can use it at multiple heights, on uneven surfaces, and especially in those hard-to-reach areas on stairs.

Little Giant Ladder Systems manufactures and distributes a complete line of climbing products, tools, and accessories used by homeowners, professionals, and businesses throughout the world.