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Power tool manufacturer

Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
Milwaukee Tool location in Milwaukee, WI
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryManufacturing
Founded1924; 100 years ago (1924)
FoundersAlbert F Siebert
HeadquartersBrookfield, Wisconsin
Key peopleSteven Richman President
ProductsPower tools
Number of employees5,500
ParentTechtronic Industries
Websitewww.milwaukeetool.com Edit this at Wikidata

Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation, known more commonly as Milwaukee Tool, is a multi-national company that develops, manufactures, and markets power tools, hand tools, tool accessories, tool storage, and personal protective equipment. Milwaukee Tool was last sold in 2005 for $626.6 million to the Hong Kong–based Techtronic Industries, also known as TTI Group. The company is now a subsidiary of TTI Group alongside brands like AEG, Ryobi, Hoover, Dirt Devil, and Vax. In 2022, $206 million was invested in Wisconsin research and development facilities.

Milwaukee tools today are manufactured globally in China, Germany, Mexico, the United States, and Vietnam. The tools produced include corded and cordless power tools, hand tools, pliers, hand saws, screwdrivers, utility knives, impact drivers, and more. Primary Milwaukee Tool product lines include the M12, M18, MX FUEL, and PACKOUT tool, equipment, and tool storage systems. This company globally distributes other various tools like multimeters, thermal imaging equipment, oscillating multi-tools, drilling devices, chargers, and more.

A Milwaukee tape measure
Milwaukee Magnum Holeshooter 1/2" Cat. No. 0234-1 electric drill tool

History

1918 – The Hole-Shooter

In 1918, A.H. Peterson developed the Hole-Shooter, a one-handed operation, 1/4" capacity power drill powered by a series-type Westinghouse motor. This drill was lighter than other models available at the time, weighing only five pounds.

1922 – A.H. Peterson Company

In 1922, A.H Peterson and Albert F. Siebert founded the A.H Peterson Company. The business closed the following year after financial setback related to a factory-destroying fire. In 1924, Siebert purchased the remaining company's assets and formed the Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation.

1930 – U.S. Navy

In 1930, Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation began producing tools for the U.S. Navy. Milwaukee Tool received an equipment specification rating for their electric drill. Milwaukee Tool then began developing portable hand grinders, electric hammers, sanders, and polishers.

1935 – 3/4" electric hammer drill

By 1935, Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation developed a lightweight 3/4" electric hammer drill. This power tool was designed to drill and sink anchors into concrete. This drill could also be converted into a standard 3/4" drill. Milwaukee also designed an easy-to-handle, single-horsepower sander/grinder that weighed only 15 pounds.

1949 – Tool innovations

In 1949, Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation added a spring clutch to handheld Milwaukee sanders, grinders, and circular saws, significantly reducing tool recoil. In the same year, Milwaukee Tool also introduced their 1/2" right-angle drill. This power tool allowed plumbers and electricians to drill holes in wood and steel.

1951 – Sawzall reciprocating saw

In 1951, Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation released its Milwaukee Sawzall reciprocating saw. The Sawzall was the first portable hacksaw to have a reciprocating mechanism. Milwaukee Tool also developed a full line of saw blades that were capable of cutting all materials.

1965 – New headquarters

In 1965, Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation moved from its headquarters on State Street in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to a 212,000-square-foot facility in Brookfield, Wisconsin. In the 1960s and 1970s, Milwaukee Tool was focused on product and facility expansion.

1974 – New manufacturing facility

In 1974, Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation opened a 60,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Jackson, Mississippi. In the 1970s, Milwaukee Tool released the Hole Hawg, a power tool designed for drilling large holes in studs and joints. The company also released the Magnum Hole-Shooter, a 1/2" pistol drill, and became the first American manufacturer to produce a 4-1/2" angle grinder.

1991 – Milwaukee Super Sawzall

In 1991, Milwaukee released the Milwaukee Super Sawzall, a reciprocating saw with built-in counterbalance, a gear-protecting clutch, and five different patents. In the later 1990s, Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation released a new range of miter saws and a lineup of 18-volt contractor cordless tools.

2012 – New developments

In 2012, the company developed its Milwaukee M18 FUEL product line. The tools specified as M18 tools included angle grinders, circular saws, impact wrenches, brad nail guns, and deep-cut band saws. This was achieved because of the Milwaukee REDLITHIUM batteries released in 2010.

2017 – Packout

In 2017, Milwaukee Tool launched its Packout modular storage system, starting with 5 tool boxes and 3 tool bags. The company has continued to expand the system, and broadened their focus in 2022 with workshop storage solutions.

2022 – USA hand tool production

In 2022, Milwaukee Tool opened a 95,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in West Bend, Wisconsin for the production of hand tools, starting with pliers and screwdrivers. The company has the right of first refusal to purchase additional land for future expansion.

2023 – Milwaukee news

In 2023, U.S. lawmakers at the Congressional-Executive Commission on China questioned Milwaukee Tool over allegations its suppliers may have used forced Uyghur labor from Chinese prisons in the manufacture of work gloves.

In response to an earlier inquiry by the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre, Milwaukee Tool has said they do not tolerate the use of forced labor, and that they have strict policies and procedures in place to ensure that no authorized Milwaukee Tool products are manufactured using forced labor. Milwaukee Tool says they investigated the claims and found no evidence to support them.

After questioning company officials, Representative Chris Smith, Chair of the U.S. Congressional-Executive Commission on China, said that Milwaukee Tool ultimately discovered multiple examples of counterfeit gloves bearing their brand name being made in China, and cut ties with the manufacturer in question.

Ownership

Awards

  • Glassdoor's Employees' Choice Awards – No. 60 Best Places to Work, 2020
  • Glassdoor's Employees' Choice Awards – No. 44 Best Place to Work, 2021
  • Glassdoor's Employees' Choice Awards – No. 25 Best Place to Work, 2022
  • Crain's Chicago Business, Best Places to Work, 2022
  • Fast Company Best Workplaces for Innovators – No. 63, 2023

References

  1. "The Company | Milwaukee Tools Europe". www.milwaukeetool.eu. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  2. "About TTI – Techtronic Industries". Archived from the original on February 22, 2022. Retrieved June 16, 2022.
  3. "Milwaukee Electric Tool, other units to be sold for $626.6M". Archived from the original on April 19, 2005. Retrieved October 8, 2021.
  4. "Brands". Cordless Power Tools Leader – Techtronic Industries TTI. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  5. Dan Stout (December 21, 2022). "Why Was Milwaukee Tool One of the Fastest Growing Brands of 2022?". Family Handyman. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  6. Wabiszewski, Kevin (May 23, 2023). "Where Are Milwaukee Tools Made? 2023 Overview". All American Made. Archived from the original on July 11, 2023. Retrieved June 9, 2023.
  7. ^ "Milwaukee Tools: The History of the Brand". www.cableorganizer.com. Archived from the original on June 10, 2020. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  8. "Milwaukee Packout Tool Boxes and Storage System, in Photos". ToolGuyd. June 12, 2017. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
  9. "Milwaukee Expands PACKOUT System with New Solutions to Customize Your Shop". www.milwaukeetool.com. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
  10. WEDC (January 31, 2023). "Milwaukee Tool continues to grow in Wisconsin". WEDC. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
  11. Vanderford, Richard (July 11, 2023). "Milwaukee Tool Is Questioned Over Alleged Use of Chinese Forced Labor". The Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Archived from the original on July 12, 2023. Retrieved July 12, 2023.
  12. Masters, Katherine (July 11, 2023). "US lawmakers question Techtronic's Milwaukee Tool on alleged links to forced labor". Reuters. Archived from the original on July 12, 2023. Retrieved July 12, 2023.
  13. "Human rights advocates raise concerns that Milwaukee Tool gloves are made with forced labour in a Chinese prison; incl. co. responses". Business & Human Rights Resource Centre. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
  14. Milwaukee Tool (December 20, 2022). "Milwaukee_Tool_Response_12.20.22" (PDF). Business & Human Rights Resource Centre. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
  15. Smith, Chris (October 24, 2023). "Hearing: How Forced Labor in China Taints America's Seafood Supply Chain" (PDF). Congressional-Executive Commission on China. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
  16. "History". Milwaukee Tools Europe. Archived from the original on June 9, 2023. Retrieved July 11, 2023.
  17. "Milwaukee Tool History: Founding, Timeline, and Milestones – Zippia". www.zippia.com. August 27, 2020. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  18. "Atlas Copco Buying US Electric-Tool Maker". The New York Times. June 22, 1995. Archived from the original on May 22, 2016. Retrieved February 17, 2017.
  19. "Milwaukee Electric Tool, other units to be sold for $626.6M". Milwaukee Business Journal. August 30, 2004. Archived from the original on April 19, 2005. Retrieved October 7, 2021.
  20. "Best Places to Work 2020".
  21. "2021 Best Places to Work".
  22. "Best Places to Work | Glassdoor". Archived from the original on January 22, 2016. Retrieved July 20, 2022.
  23. "These are Chicago's 100 Best Places to Work of 2022".
  24. "100 Best Workplaces for Innovators 2023".

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