In a city rooted in manufacturing heritage, craftsmanship and grit, a new resource center opened its doors to provide Detroit organizations with the essential tools and equipment to strengthen their communities.

On Tuesday, April 21, Carhartt joined Ford Philanthropy and ToolBank USA for the grand opening of ToolBank Detroit.

Located in Detroit’s Milwaukee Junction neighborhood (575 E. Milwaukee St.), ToolBank Detroit provides charitable organizations, schools and community groups with access to thousands of high‑quality tools, equipment and hands-on training at a minimal cost – allowing organizations to focus on their mission and social impact.

The opening of the 7,000 square-foot facility is the result of the partnership between Carhartt and Ford. The new location marks a significant milestone in that collaboration – reinforcing the history of the brands and their commitment to their shared hometown of Detroit.

“Our partnership is about two iconic brands coming together around something bigger than both of us – building a better future for hardworking people,” said Linda Hubbard, President and CEO at Carhartt. “Opening this ToolBank location together is a real, tangible way to support the people and organizations doing the work every day.”

The grand opening was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new location, featuring remarks from Hubbard, Ford Philanthropy President Mary Culler and ToolBank Detroit Executive Director Dave Bartek, emphasizing the role ToolBank Detroit will play in community revitalization and preparing Detroiters for careers in the skilled trades.

“We’re excited to open our doors and start putting tools in the hands of nonprofits and volunteers,” Bartek said. “By removing cost barriers, we’re helping local organizations complete projects and keep more of their funding focused on their mission and where it can make the most impact in our communities.”

Carhartt has witnessed firsthand the impact tool lending can have on the local community. The Carhartt Workshop opened above its Cass Ave.Avenue, store in 2020, operating as a free tool-lending library. To date, the Workshop has loaned nearly 90,000 tools to support residents with DIY projects and community improvement. ToolBank Detroit will build on the Workshop’s momentum at a larger, regional scale.

And to accelerate early impact, Carhartt and Ford announced the launch of a seed fund to help cover lending fees for the first projects – ensuring that cost is not a barrier for organizations just getting started.

“Bringing ToolBank to Detroit is a natural extension of our work to support the people who build and sustain our communities,” Culler said. “By covering the initial lending fees with this fund, we are empowering local organizations to get to work immediately — helping them build stronger homes and revitalize neighborhoods right here in Detroit.”