CRANSTON, RI — Central Tools, Inc. of Cranston , RI , has announced that Robert Pond will become president of Central effective Oct. 1.

Central Tools is a manufacturer and supplier of tools and equipment for the professional automotive repair industry. Known for its Central Tools measuring tool line, Central Lighting’s BounceLite and the Storm value lines, the company will be celebrating its 100th anniversary next year.

Pond has been executive vice president of Central since 2005. He joined Central as vice president of marketing and sales in 1999 and started his career in the automotive aftermarket in 1984. Prior to joining Central, Pond spent many years involved with automotive systems training for ITT AIMCO and Allied Signal.

According to the company, Pond has played a critical role at Central as market conditions have led to the substitution of imported p rod ucts for traditionally U.S.-made p rod uct. While Central continues as a manufacturer of many items at its factory in Cranston, a transition to more imported p rod ucts continues to alter the everyday operations of the company. Many highly successful new p rod uct int rod uctions have been attributed to Pond’s active leadership role.