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Metabo
Metabo
Metabo
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Metabo headquarters in Nürtingen

Key Information

Metabowerke GmbH is a manufacturer of power tools for professional users headquartered in Nürtingen, Germany. The company was founded in the 1920s and got its name from a hand drill, the so-called "Metallbohrdreher". Today, Metabo offers a wide range of power tools. The company is owned by the American investment firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.

History

[edit]

In 1923, Albrecht Schnizler built his first hand drill in his parents' bakery in Nürtingen. 50,000 copies of this drill were sold under the designation No. 18 and one year later the Schnizler GmbH was founded. Co-founder Julius Closs was the owner of a brewery called Sonnenbrauerei in Nürtingen. The company moved into the rooms of this brewery located in Church Street. Walter Rauch became an associate in 1927 and managed the national and international distribution of the machines. In 1932, the company was renamed Metabowerke Closs, Rauch & Schnizler KG. The plant was spared serious damages during the war years, but in late autumn of 1945, a fire destroyed close to 75% of the manufacturing facilities. The reconstruction was completed in 1948.

The company's rapid growth made it necessary to move to a new headquarters. Therefore, in 1953, the construction of a new plant in Nürtingen's industrial zone Steinach was initiated. The relocation was completed in 1969 with a new administrative building.

In the course of restructuring measures, the Metabo group acquired Elektra Beckum in 1999, a company from Meppen in Northern Germany. Combined with the takeover of two other (woodworking) machine manufacturers, this briefly made Metabo the second largest producer of stationary woodworking machines in the world. However, in the next decade, they decided to focus mostly on producing smaller power tools. In 2004, Metabo restructured the production and a plant in Shanghai was established.[3] The full integration of Elektra Beckum took place in 2006. In 2010, the disposal of the plant in Meppen marked the end of the restructuring process of the production plants.[4]

March 1, 2016, Metabo was acquired by Hitachi Koki, part of Hitachi Group.[5]

The Hitachi Group sold Hitachi Koki in March 2017 to HK Holdings Co., Ltd., an entity of the investment firm KKR.[6]

The company today

[edit]

Metabo is a medium-sized company which focuses on the main target groups of metal craftsmen and industry along with building trade and renovation. Metabo works with 23 distribution companies and has over 100 importers.

Worldwide, Metabo has over 1,800 employees with a sales volume of 348 million euro reported in 2013.[2]

Products

[edit]

Essential or significant products and innovations, according to their own statements, are:

  • 1934 – Metabo electric rotary drill No. 750
  • 1957 – Metabo Type 7608, world's first impact drill series
  • 1966 – Angle grinder with S-automatic safety clutch
  • 1969 – Impact drill with electronic speed regulation
  • 1981 – 1000 W impact drill with constant speed
  • 2000 – Angle grinder with Metabo Marathon motor
  • 2002 – Compact cordless screwdriver Power Grip
  • 2005 – Introduction of lithium-ion battery technology into cordless tool range
  • 2010 – Full range of stainless steel processing tools
  • 2011 – Cordless magnetic core drilling unit
  • 2012 – Battery pack with 4.0 Ah and Ultra-M-Technology[7]
  • 2013 – Battery pack with 5.2 Ah,[8] flat-head angle grinder[9]
  • 2014 – New generation of compact angle grinders from 900 - 1700 W[10]
  • 2015 – LiHD battery pack technology[11]

The company owns over 500 active patents and utility models.

A large number of the machines received the red dot design award.[12]

  • Metabo hand drill No. 18
    Metabo hand drill No. 18
  • Brushless Metabo cordless drill/screwdriver BS 18 LTX BL Quick
    Brushless Metabo cordless drill/screwdriver BS 18 LTX BL Quick
  • Metabo compact angle grinders from 900 - 1700 W
    Metabo compact angle grinders from 900 - 1700 W
  • Metabo cordless nail gun
    Metabo cordless nail gun

Notes

[edit]
[edit]
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Metabo

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Metabo is a prominent German specializing in professional power tools and accessories, renowned for its durable and innovative products designed primarily for the , industrial, , and sectors. Founded on 19 February 1924 as Schnizler in , , by Albrecht Schnizler and Julius Closs, the company derives its name from its inaugural product—a manual drill known as the "Metallbohrdreher" (metal drill) developed in 1923. Today, Metabo operates as part of Koki Holdings Co., Ltd., a global enterprise that acquired the brand through a series of ownership changes, including its purchase by Koki in 2015 and subsequent acquisition by KKR in 2017, leading to the of the parent company to Koki Holdings. The company's evolution reflects a commitment to technological advancement, beginning with post-World War II transitions to electric tools and extending into the battery-powered era with groundbreaking cordless innovations. Metabo's product portfolio includes a wide range of corded and cordless equipment, such as angle grinders, drills, saws, and extraction systems, featuring proprietary technologies like LiHD battery packs for extended runtime and power in 18V tools. With over 550 patents and property rights, Metabo emphasizes reliability and user safety, producing tools at its headquarters in and additional facilities in , . Globally, Metabo maintains a strong presence through more than 25 subsidiaries and a network of importers, serving professional users worldwide while upholding German engineering standards. In 2022, Koki Holdings America Ltd. merged its Metabo HPT and Metabo operations in to enhance brand expansion and product integration, further solidifying the company's position in key markets. In November 2025, Koki Holdings announced that the Metabo brand in would transition to Metabo HPT to unify branding and strengthen the global portfolio.

History

Founding and early development

Metabo originated in the post-World War I economic turmoil of , when young engineer Schnizler, aged 23, designed his first manual , the Metallbohrdreher No. 18, in the basement of his parents' bakery in . This innovative "metal drill" was intended for precise drilling in metal, addressing a need in industries reliant on riveting before widespread adoption. On February 19, 1924, Schnizler partnered with merchant Julius Closs, son of a local brewer, to formally establish Schnizler in the premises of Closs's family's former Sonnenbrauerei brewery in , transforming the site into a small facility dedicated to producing this for and domestic markets. The company's early operations were marked by the severe of , which had prompted Schnizler's initial design efforts amid economic instability where basic goods like cost billions of ; production began modestly with a focus on high-quality tools to build reliability in a competitive landscape. In , to streamline branding and emphasize the core product, the name "Metabo" was coined as a contraction of "Metallbohrdreher" (metal drill turner) or "metallbohrmaschine" (metal drilling machine), establishing the identity that would define the company. This period saw small-scale expansion, with the firm employing a handful of workers to craft essential for and sectors during the interwar years. A pivotal advancement came in 1934 with the development of Metabo's first electric , a 100-watt handheld tool that shifted the company toward powered equipment and broadened its appeal to professional users seeking efficiency over manual labor. This innovation built on the manual drill's success, which had already sold tens of thousands of units, and positioned Metabo as an early pioneer in electrified tools amid the gradual industrialization of . Throughout the , the focus remained on applications, with production scaling cautiously in the facility to meet growing demand while navigating broader economic pressures.

Post-war growth and innovations

Following the end of , Metabo contributed to Germany's economic reconstruction by rapidly resuming production of power tools at its facility, which had sustained minimal war damage but suffered a fire in late 1945. The company prioritized export markets to aid international recovery efforts, establishing a foundation for global expansion. A major milestone came in 1957 with the launch of the Type 7608, the world's first impact drill produced in large series, which dramatically improved drilling efficiency in tough materials such as stone, masonry, and concrete. This innovation, priced at approximately a month's salary at the time, set new standards for professional tool performance. In 1966, Metabo introduced its angle grinder featuring the S-automatic safety clutch, a breakthrough that minimized kickback risks and enhanced user safety during operation. By the 1970s, Metabo had emerged as a leading European manufacturer of power tools, driven by successful penetration of international markets across all continents and adaptations to diverse user needs, such as ergonomic designs for specific regions. This period saw significant infrastructure growth, including the relocation to a modern headquarters in in 1969, just 500 meters from the original site, followed by further expansions to accommodate rising demand. In the and , Metabo focused on advancing corded power tools for demanding professional sectors like and , exemplified by the 1981 development of the first 1,000-watt impact drill with electronic constant speed control to maintain performance under load. Throughout these decades, the company amassed a substantial portfolio of patents—exceeding 550 in total by the early 2000s—prioritizing innovations in tool durability, such as robust housings and overload protection, alongside safety features to protect operators from hazards like and exposure.

Ownership changes and recent developments

In 1995, Metabo began its transformation from a traditional family-owned enterprise by opening up to external shareholders for the first time, with third-generation managing directors joining the advisory board to facilitate this shift. This initial investor involvement marked the onset of broader corporate changes, culminating in the end of family control in 2012 when financial investor Capital acquired the majority of shares through its affiliate Invest BV, transitioning Metabo into a portfolio-managed entity. The company's ownership evolved further in 2015 when acquired 100% of Metabo from Capital for approximately $180 million (equivalent to about €163 million at the time), integrating it as a to bolster 's European market presence while keeping the brands operationally distinct. This acquisition created a combined group with annual sales exceeding €1.5 billion, enhancing global synergies in professional . In 2017, KKR & Co. Inc. purchased Koki from Ltd. and other shareholders in a $1.3 billion deal, delisting the company and renaming it Koki Holdings Co., Ltd. in 2018, with Metabo remaining a key subsidiary under the new structure. This shift to ownership emphasized operational integration across KKR's portfolio, including a two-year transition phase that rebranded Hitachi Power Tools to HiKOKI outside . Advancing regional consolidation, Koki Holdings America Ltd. announced in August 2022 the merger of its Metabo HPT and Metabo operations in , effective December 2022, to streamline distribution and expand both brands from a shared headquarters in , without altering product lines at the time. On November 17, 2025, KOKI Holdings America Ltd. announced that the Metabo brand in will transition to Metabo HPT, beginning in November 2025 in phases and completing by mid-2026, as part of a strategy to unify the power tool portfolio while maintaining the global Metabo identity outside . As of November 2025, Metabo continues under KKR's ownership with no further major structural changes reported, focusing on integrated growth within the Koki Holdings ecosystem.

Company overview

Current ownership and leadership

Metabowerke , the German-based operating entity for the Metabo brand, functions as a wholly owned of Koki Holdings Co., Ltd., a Japanese multinational that has been under the ownership of the global investment firm KKR since its acquisition in 2017. KKR maintains control through its portfolio, with no changes in ownership structure reported as of late 2025. The leadership of Metabowerke is headed by Managing Director Pieter Vullinghs, who serves as CEO, alongside Inci Korkmaz Adigüzel and Tatsuya Sugawara as additional managing directors. Strategic oversight at the group level is provided by Koki Holdings' Global CEO Prathab Deivanayagham, appointed in June 2023, who guides the integration of Metabo within Koki's broader portfolio of professional brands, including HiKOKI and Metabo HPT. Metabo's financial performance under this structure reflects robust operations in the tools sector, with annual revenues exceeding €500 million based on figures from 2023 and sustained growth into 2025. KKR's involvement has emphasized profitability through operational efficiencies while prioritizing investments in . Under KKR's strategic direction, Metabo has focused on expanding its market presence in and industrial applications, leveraging synergies across Koki Holdings' brands to enhance in and high-performance tools.

Operations and global presence

Metabo maintains its headquarters and primary manufacturing facilities in , , where operations emphasize high-quality assembly of core components such as parts, motors, and housings for professional power tools. In August 2025, Koki Holdings announced an investment in a new manufacturing facility in , , to expand production capacity for power tools. The company's global workforce stands at approximately 2,000 employees, with a significant portion—around 1,200—based in , particularly dedicated to activities that drive product innovation. Metabo operates over 25 subsidiaries and more than 100 sales offices and importers worldwide, ensuring a robust international network across key markets in , , , and . This structure supports efficient market penetration in over 100 countries, with tailored regional operations to meet local demands in professional sectors. The company's distribution model focuses on direct sales to professional users through specialized retailers and authorized dealers, prioritizing industries such as and where durability and performance are critical. In terms of , Metabo implements eco-friendly processes, including the use of recycled s in and optimization for and efficiency in , while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations such as the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive (2012/19/). These efforts align with broader 2025 requirements for sustainable production and . Regarding the 2025 North American rebranding to Metabo HPT, the company has adapted localized operations through a phased consolidation strategy, completing the transition by April 2026 without interrupting global supply chains or manufacturing output.

Products and technologies

Core product lines

Metabo's core product lines encompass a range of corded and cordless power tools designed primarily for professional applications in metal fabrication, assembly, and industrial maintenance. These tools emphasize durability, safety features like vibration reduction and dust extraction, and compatibility with the company's battery systems, catering to users such as welders, construction workers, and machinists. Angle grinders form a flagship category, offering variable speed models from 2,800 to 11,500 rpm in corded variants (750–2,200 W power) and compact 18V options up to 8,000 rpm. These tools, available in 4.5- to 9-inch disc sizes, are optimized for metal cutting, grinding, and surface preparation, with features like the M-Quick disc change system and Metabo VibraTech for reduced user fatigue, making them essential for professional welders and fabricators. Drills and impact drivers include both corded models with up to 1,100 power and ratings reaching 42 Nm, alongside lines in 12V, 18V, and 36V configurations delivering up to 130 Nm for heavy-duty tasks. These tools support capacities up to 68 mm in wood and 24 mm in , with brushless motors and quick-change chucks, targeting fastening and assembly in and environments. Sanders and polishers cover random orbital, belt, and palm variants, with power outputs from 200 to 1,010 W in corded forms and 18V cordless models featuring variable speeds up to 12,000 rpm and 2 mm orbit diameters. Equipped with dust extraction ports for cleaner workspaces, these tools are used for surface preparation and finishing in and applications. Cutting tools such as reciprocating saws and slicers incorporate dust extraction systems to enhance site safety, with 18V reciprocating models handling up to 1.6 mm sheets and corded circular saws offering 57 mm cutting depths. These are tailored for precise cuts in metal and materials, supporting professional and fabrication workflows. Accessories complement these lines through the 18V and 36V battery systems, including LiHD packs from 2.0 to 10.0 Ah with smart charging, rapid chargers like the ASC 145 (30–400 minute times), and abrasives such as flap discs and cutting wheels specifically engineered for Metabo tools to ensure optimal performance and longevity in professional settings.

Key innovations and patents

Metabo holds over 550 patents and property rights globally, with a significant emphasis on advancements in cordless technology and vibration reduction systems designed to enhance tool performance and user . These innovations reflect the 's long-standing commitment to durable, efficient power tools, particularly through features that address common challenges in professional applications such as prolonged operation and ergonomic demands. A of Metabo's innovations is the S-automatic mechanical slip , originally introduced in as the first of its kind in angle grinders, which has since evolved to effectively mitigate kickback risks by disengaging power during jams. This prevents injuries in kickback scenarios by reducing the tool's reactive , allowing users to regain control quickly and resume work without damage to the gear or cutting wheel. Complementing this, Metabo's dust extraction innovations include integrated systems in grinders and saws that capture airborne particles at the source, ensuring compliance with modern occupational health standards such as OSHA silica regulations and minimizing respiratory hazards on job sites. In the realm of cordless technology, Metabo pioneered high-performance battery systems starting in the early 2000s, with developments like the introduction of lithium-ion packs that enabled powerful, high-torque tools with extended runtime, laying the groundwork for later 36V platforms. Building on this, recent advancements feature brushless motors across all lines, delivering up to 50% more runtime and extended durability through improved efficiency and reduced wear compared to traditional brushed designs. Additionally, smart connectivity features, such as the Metabo Tracker integrated with Apple network, provide global tool tracking capabilities via and GPS, helping professionals locate stolen or misplaced equipment in real time. Metabo allocates substantial resources to to sustain its portfolio of cutting-edge technologies. This ongoing investment ensures that innovations like vibration-dampening handles and advanced battery management systems continue to set industry benchmarks for reliability and user protection.

References

  1. https://www.metabo.com/us/enus/info/company/about-metabo/profile-and-history/
  2. https://www.metabo.com/com/en/company/about-metabo/history
  3. https://www.koki-holdings.com/corporate/history.html
  4. https://www.metabo.com/com/en/company/about-metabo/history/transformation
  5. https://www.metabo.com/us/enus/info/company/about-metabo/made-by-metabo/
  6. https://www.metabo.com/t3/fileadmin/metabo/us/070_news/Press_Releases/Koki_Holdings_America_Ltd_Announces_a_merger_of_two_organizations__Metabo_HPT_and_Metabo_in_North_America_to_further_expand_both_brands.pdf
  7. https://metabo-hpt.com/about/news/article/2025/11/17/metabo-north-america-to-become-metabo-hpt--unified-brand-strengthens-global-power-tool-portfolio
  8. https://www.metabo.com/uk/en/info/company/about-metabo/history/
  9. https://www.metabo.com/com/en/company/about-metabo/history/founding-years
  10. https://www.metabo.com/uk/en/info/company/100-years-of-metabo/founding-years/
  11. https://www.metabo.com/t3/fileadmin/metabo/us/070_news/Press_Releases/PR21-09_50th_Anniversary_Press_Release.pdf
  12. https://www.stoodyind.com/Catalogs/FISC/current/05catpg472.pdf
  13. https://www.datapowertools.co.uk/blog/the-history-of-metabo/
  14. https://www.metabo.com/com/en/company/about-metabo/history/internationalisation
  15. https://www.master-abrasives.co.uk/downloads/content/2015_metabo_brand_book_en.pdf
  16. https://de.metabo.com/de/info/unternehmen/ueber-metabo/portrait-und-historie/
  17. https://www.metabo.com/com/en/company/about-metabo/history/post-war-period
  18. https://www.metabo.com/au/en/info/company/about-metabo/100-years-of-metabo/transformation/
  19. https://www.inddist.com/mergers-acquisitions/news/13770415/hitachi-buys-german-power-tool-maker-metabo-for-reported-180-million
  20. https://www.koki-holdings.com/ir/newsrelease/2015/20151113.pdf
  21. https://www.protoolreviews.com/hitachi-acquires-metabo/
  22. https://www.koki-holdings.com/ir/newsrelease/2016/20160301.pdf
  23. https://www.reuters.com/article/business/kkr-to-buy-hitachis-power-tools-unit-for-13-billion-idUSKBN14X0JG/
  24. https://metabo-hpt.com/about/company-history
  25. https://www.protoolreviews.com/metabo-hpt-and-metabo-merge-in-north-america/
  26. https://www.metabo-hpt.com/about/news/article/2025/11/17/metabo-north-america-to-become-metabo-hpt--unified-brand-strengthens-global-power-tool-portfolio
  27. https://www.metabo.com/com/en/imprint
  28. https://www.koki-holdings.com/ir/newsrelease/2023/20230601_e.pdf
  29. https://www.zoominfo.com/c/metabo-corp/24658337
  30. https://www.koki-holdings.com/ir/newsrelease/2017/20170331.pdf
  31. https://toolguyd.com/metabo-power-tool-factory-tour-germany/
  32. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/prathab-deivanayagham-2697571b_koki-group-a-global-player-in-power-tools-activity-7361682686710571008-dN-J
  33. https://www.misterworker.com/en-us/blog/metabo-tools-a-comprehensive-overview-n291
  34. https://enex.market/en/manufacturers/metabo/
  35. https://www.metabo.com/us/enus/info/company/metabo-worldwide/
  36. https://www.highperformr.ai/company/metabo
  37. https://www.metabo.com/us/enus/storefinder/
  38. https://www.metabo.com/us/enus/info/industries/metalworking-and-industry/
  39. https://www.metabo.com/us/enus/info/service-1/environment-health-safety/
  40. https://www.metabo.com/au/en/info/service-1/environment-health-safety/
  41. https://www.metabo.com/us/enus/info/company/social-responsibility/
  42. https://toolguyd.com/metabo-hpt-tool-rebranding-2026/
  43. https://www.accio.com/business/metabo-power-tools-trends
  44. https://www.metabo.com/us/enus/
  45. https://www.metabo.com/t3/fileadmin/metabo/uk/070_news/03_catalogue_logos/METABO_CORDED_RANGE_2025_A5_web_version.pdf
  46. https://www.metabo.com/t3/fileadmin/metabo/uk/070_news/03_catalogue_logos/METABO_CORDLESS_RANGE_2025_A5_web_version.pdf
  47. https://www.metabo.com/us/enus/info/technology/competence/power-tool-safety/mechanical-safety-clutch/
  48. https://fsmdirect.com/making-milestones/
  49. https://www.metabo.com/us/enus/info/technology/competence/osha-compliant-silica-solutions/concrete-surface-grinding/
  50. https://metabo-hpt.com/products/product/wh18dbfl2s-18v-lithium-ion-brushless-impact-driver-with-1-battery-metabo-hpt
  51. https://www.metabo.com/uk/en/info/competence/competence/metabo-tracker/
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