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The Brand Ledger

Ryobi

Consumer-tier cordless power tools, Home Depot exclusive in the US.

Status: Former Great
Founded
1943
HQ
Japan (original); USA/HK (operations)
Manufacturing
China,Various
Ownership type
Conglomerate subsidiary
Parent
Techtronic Industries (TTI, power tools licensing)

Ownership

The Ryobi brand is owned by Ryobi Limited of Japan, but power tools are licensed to Techtronic Industries. Positioned as budget/DIY tier under TTI.

Why Former Great

Positioned as budget tier. Not built to BIFL standards regardless of ownership.

Sister brands under Techtronic Industries (TTI, power tools licensing)

Read the full investigation

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