In the year 1939, William E. Bassett followed his dream to create a business for himself. He began by opening a contract machine shop in a small wooden building in Derby, Connecticut. From there he progressed to producing metal washers needed in rubber heels for the world's largest rubber heel manufacturer. Next he sub-contracted for the war effort by producing small munitions for the United States government during World War II.

This was the beginning of The W. E. Bassett Company. In 1947 after the war, William Bassett developed his own product, a fingernail clipper of exceptional quality and design using new manufacturing methods. The TRIM® Nail Clipper was an instant success that captured a worldwide market. The TRIM® product line was born.

Today the TRIM® line has grown to include over 100 personal care implements used by millions of customers all over the world. These products are manufactured to strict quality standards. The TRIM® line has expanded to include pedicure items under the Neat Feet™ by TRIM® brand, and holds patents under Easy Hold® by TRIM®, which was designed to meet the needs of aging customers. Expanding the brand to satisfy consumers is always the priority and TRIM® now includes lotions and the Home Beauty Tools line of machines for at home spa treatments. The most recent additions to The W.E. Bassett brands are a line of manicure, pedicure, and eye care kits called Totally Together™ by TRIM® and TRIM® solutions™ for the anti-aging category. In addition to these brands, which are exported to over 60 countries and sold domestically to wholesalers, mass merchandisers, food chains, convenience stores and drug chains; The W.E. Bassett Company also promotes the personal care lines GEM® and Kurlash®/Diamon Deb®. The W. E. Bassett Company is a major supplier of implements to the private label and OEM markets. For the past 30 years high-quality seasonal gift sets have also been sold to the mass market, food chains, and drug chains under the TRIM® brand name and private label.

While the scope of the company has changed, the philosophy has remained the same. That philosophy, to provide the finest quality implements at a price people can afford has served the company well and has allowed The W.E. Bassett Company to prevail as the number one implement company in unit market share in the United States.

William C. Bassett joined the company in 1963 and is now Chairman of the Board. Dedication and a willingness to work are family values that have remained top priorities at The W. E. Bassett Company. The "family" has grown to include many loyal employees who have made lifelong commitments to the company. Craig Finney joined the company in 1978, and is now the President of The W.E. Bassett Company. Each member of the organization takes pride in his/her work and continues the Company's reputation for excellence that has become synonymous with its products.