ELYRIA, Ohio — Ridgid, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, recently hosted its seventh Ridgid Experience, an annual celebration of the skilled trades held at company headquarters in Elyria, Ohio.

Each year, the brand’s signature event rewards select trades workers with an all-expenses-paid, three-day trip that features hands-on factory experiences, fun, and camaraderie, a press release from Ridgid said.

“The enthusiasm for Ridgid Experience continues to grow, and this year’s trip was more epic than the last,” said Maddie Suvak, engagement marketing manager, Ridgid for Emerson. “We loved hosting life-changing experiences for attendees, who joined us from across the United States and Canada.”

“The best three days I could ask for,” said attendee Pat Finley of Frankton, Indiana. “Friends and memories for a lifetime.”

“Loved every moment! Great brand, great people, great team!” said Herb Lisone of Sylmar,  California. “Definitely felt the love.”

A highlight of the event was a factory tour during which each guest had the chance to build a customized pipe wrench. Guests also received a sneak peek at the tools in development and provided feedback and insights.

They also had the opportunity to network with attendees of the Greenlee Experience, a similar contest hosted by the Greenlee professional tools brand. The two events created a full-scale celebration of the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing trades, Ridgid’s press release said.

“Our team looks forward to the Ridgid Experience every year, and that’s especially true for our manufacturing team,” said Suvak. “There’s something special about having the people who use our tools get to shake the hands of the people who made them.”