Power tool ownership – Who Really Owns The Brand You Like
When it comes to power tools, the brand name on the box doesn’t always tell the full story. Many well-known tool brands are owned by larger corporations, with manufacturing spread across multiple countries. Whether you’re a professional tradesperson or a DIY enthusiast, understanding who owns your favourite brand and where their tools are made can help you make an informed choice.
In this guide, DZ Electrical Solurions explores the biggest power tool brands, their ownership, headquarters, and manufacturing locations.
Stanley Black & Decker (USA)
- New Britain, Connecticut, USA
- Key Brands: DeWalt, Black+Decker, Craftsman, Porter-Cable, Bostitch, Irwin, Lenox
- Manufacturing: USA, China, Mexico, Brazil, Czech Republic, Italy
- Market Position: One of the largest power tool companies, offering everything from DIY tools (Black+Decker) to professional-grade tools (DeWalt).
- Notable Acquisitions: Acquired DeWalt in 1960 and Craftsman in 2017.
👉 DeWalt: A top choice for tradespeople, with some models assembled in the USA using global materials.
👉 Black+Decker: Aimed at homeowners and DIYers.
Techtronic Industries (TTI) (Hong Kong, China)
- Headquarters: Hong Kong, China
- Key Brands: Milwaukee, Ryobi (licensed for power tools), AEG, Empire, Hoover, Vax, Dirt Devil
- Manufacturing: Primarily China, with Milwaukee tools also made in the USA, Germany, and Vietnam.
- Market Position:
- Milwaukee: A leading professional-grade brand, especially in cordless technology.
- Ryobi: Ideal for DIYers but gaining traction with trade professionals.
- AEG: More popular in Europe and Australia.
Interesting Fact: TTI licenses the Ryobi power tool brand from Japanese company Ryobi Ltd.
Robert Bosch GmbH (Germany)
- Headquarters: Gerlingen, Germany
- Key Brands: Bosch, Dremel
- Manufacturing: Germany, Malaysia, Mexico, China, Switzerland
- Market Position: Bosch produces both professional-grade tools (Bosch Blue) and DIY tools (Bosch Green). Dremel dominates the rotary tool market.
Notable Strength: Bosch is a leader in European engineering and precision tools.
Makita Corporation (Japan)
- Headquarters: Anjo, Japan
- Key Brands: Makita
- Manufacturing: Japan, USA, UK, Germany, China, Thailand, Romania, Brazil
- Market Position: A major player in cordless tool innovation, popular among professionals for reliability and performance.
Interesting Fact: Makita started in 1915 as a repair company before making power tools in 1958.
Hilti AG (Liechtenstein)
- Headquarters: Schaan, Liechtenstein
- Key Brands: Hilti
- Manufacturing: Liechtenstein, Germany, Austria, Mexico, India, China, USA
- Market Position: Specialises in high-performance tools for heavy-duty construction. Unlike most brands, Hilti sells direct to customers rather than through retailers.
Notable Strength: Known for reliability in concrete drilling and fastening systems.
KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) (USA)
- Headquarters: New York, USA
- Key Brands: Hikoki (formerly Hitachi Power Tools), Metabo
- Manufacturing: Japan, Germany, China
- Market Position:
- Hikoki: High-end professional tools, widely used in Japan and Europe.
- Metabo: Known for German engineering, particularly in battery technology and angle grinders.
Interesting Fact: Hitachi Power Tools rebranded to Hikoki in 2018 after KKR acquired the division.
Chervon Holdings Ltd. (China)
- Headquarters: Nanjing, China
- Key Brands: Skil, Flex, Ego
- Manufacturing: China
- Market Position:
- Flex: A rising star in cordless innovation.
- Ego: A leader in battery-powered outdoor tools.
- Skil: Originally an American brand, now a budget-friendly option under Chervon’s ownership.
Retailer Own Brands
Parkside (Lidl – Germany)
- Headquarters: Neckarsulm, Germany
- Manufacturing: China
- Market Position: Budget-friendly tools for DIYers, available exclusively at Lidl.
Wickes Own Brand (UK)
- Headquarters: Watford, UK
- Manufacturing: China, Europe
- Market Position: Affordable tools and accessories aimed at DIYers and home improvement projects.
Screwfix (Kingfisher Group – UK)
- Headquarters: London, UK
- Manufacturing: China
- Market Position: Own-brand power tools, including Titan and Erbauer, positioned as budget and mid-range alternatives to premium brands.
Toolstation (Travis Perkins – UK)
- Headquarters: Northampton, UK
- Manufacturing: China
- Market Position: Offers own-brand tools such as Bauker, catering to budget-conscious tradespeople and DIYers.
Summary of Ownership & Key Locations
| Brand | Owned By | HQ Location | Manufacturing Locations |
| DeWalt, Black+Decker, Craftsman | Stanley Black & Decker | USA | USA, China, Mexico, Brazil |
| Milwaukee, Ryobi (licensed), AEG | TTI | Hong Kong, China | China, USA, Germany, Vietnam |
| Bosch, Dremel | Bosch | Germany | Germany, Malaysia, Mexico, China |
| Makita | Makita | Japan | Japan, USA, UK, Germany, China, Thailand, Romania, Brazil |
| Hilti | Hilti | Liechtenstein | Liechtenstein, Germany, Austria, Mexico, India, China, USA |
| Parkside | Lidl | Germany | China |
| Titan, Erbauer | Screwfix (Kingfisher) | UK | China |
| Bauker | Toolstation (Travis Perkins) | UK | China |
Final Thoughts
Understanding power tool ownership can help you choose the best brand for your needs. Whether you prioritise innovation, reliability, or affordability, knowing where your tools come from ensures you’re making an informed investment.
Which brand do you trust the most? Let us know in the comments! 🚀
Get in touch with DZ Electrical Solutuons for expert solutions that bring your garden to life!
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