Metabo
| Company type | GmbH |
|---|---|
| Industry | Power tools |
| Founded | 1924 |
| Founder | Albrecht Schnizler |
| Headquarters | Nürtingen , Germany |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Power tools for professional use |
| Owner | Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. |
Number of employees | 1800+ (2013) |
Metabowerke GmbH is a producer of power tools designed for professional use, with its headquarters located in Nürtingen, Germany. Established in the 1920s and named after the "Metallbohrdreher" hand drill, Metabo currently provides a wide variety of power tools. The company is under the ownership of the American investment firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.
History
In 1923, Albrecht Schnizler crafted his initial hand drill within his family’s bakery in Nürtingen. After successfully selling 50,000 units under the No. 18 label, Schnizler GmbH was officially founded in 1924. The company’s first location was on the grounds of the Sonnenbrauerei brewery, owned by co-founder Julius Closs. Walter Rauch joined the team in 1927 to oversee distribution. By 1932, the business was renamed Metabowerke Closs, Rauch & Schnizler KG. Although much of the factory was destroyed by fire in 1945, it was rebuilt and operational again by 1948.
The company experienced rapid expansion, prompting the construction of a new facility in Nürtingen's industrial district Steinach beginning in 1953, with a full move completed by 1969, including a newly built administrative office.
In 1999, Metabo expanded by acquiring Elektra Beckum based in Meppen, briefly becoming the world's second-largest manufacturer of stationary woodworking machinery after purchasing two additional firms. However, the company later shifted focus back to compact power tools. This strategic realignment involved opening a manufacturing site in Shanghai in 2004 and fully assimilating Elektra Beckum by 2006. The restructuring phase concluded with the sale of the Meppen factory in 2010.
On March 1, 2016, Metabo was taken over by Hitachi Koki, a division of the Hitachi Group. Then in March 2017, Hitachi divested Hitachi Koki to HK Holdings Co., Ltd., associated with investment firm KKR.
The company today
Metabo operates as a medium-sized enterprise serving metalworkers, industrial sectors, construction trades, and renovation markets. Its global presence includes 23 distribution subsidiaries and more than 100 import partners.
Employing over 1,800 people worldwide, Metabo achieved sales amounting to 348 million euros in 2013.
Products
Significant products and milestones include:
- 1934 – Introduction of Metabo electric rotary drill No. 750
- 1957 – Launch of Metabo Type 7608, recognized as the first-ever impact drill series
- 1966 – Release of an angle grinder equipped with an S-automatic safety clutch
- 1969 – Impact drill featuring electronic speed control
- 1981 – Debut of a 1000 W impact drill maintaining constant speed
- 2000 – Angle grinder incorporating the Metabo Marathon motor
- 2002 – Compact cordless screwdriver named Power Grip
- 2005 – Adoption of lithium-ion battery technology for cordless tools
- 2010 – Comprehensive range of tools for stainless steel processing
- 2011 – Cordless magnetic core drilling system introduced
- 2012 – Battery pack with a capacity of 4.0 Ah utilizing Ultra-M-Technology
- 2013 – Battery pack offering 5.2 Ah capacity and a flat-head angle grinder
- 2014 – New series of compact angle grinders ranging from 900 to 1700 W
- 2015 – Launch of LiHD battery pack technology
Metabo holds an active portfolio exceeding 500 patents and utility model rights. Many of its machines have been honored with the red dot design award for outstanding innovation and design quality.