Makita

Japanese power tools. One of the two dominant cordless platforms alongside Milwaukee.

Approved

Founded: 1915
Website: makitatools.com
HQ: Japan
Manufacturing: Japan,China,Romania,UK,Brazil,USA
Ownership type: Public

Ownership

Public (TYO: 6586). Japanese-headquartered manufacturer with global production. Long-term independent; not rolled up into a conglomerate.

Reversibility

What would change our verdict

Acquired by or merged with a larger holding company.

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Investigation · March 31, 2026

Your Power Tools Got Worse On Purpose

Two conglomerates bought American power tools in the 2000s. One built Milwaukee into the dominant cordless platform. The other spent $6B+ hollowing out Craftsman, Porter-Cable, and more. Plus the brands that refused to sell.

Read the full investigation

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