Metabo

Metabo is a German professional power-tool brand and manufacturer headquartered in Nürtingen, Baden-Württemberg. Its origins lie in a hand drill developed by Albrecht Schnizler in the early 1920s in his parents’ bakery. The success of that drill led to the establishment of Schnizler GmbH in 1924, with Julius Closs and later Walter Rauch contributing to the company’s ownership, management and distribution. The name Metabo is derived from the German term associated with a metal-boring or metal-drilling tool. The company developed from a regional machine maker into an internationally distributed supplier of professional tools. Early products established its reputation in drilling, while later innovations included impact drills, angle grinders, electronic speed control and specialized equipment for metalworking. Metabo’s customer base has traditionally centered on professional metalworkers, fabricators, construction trades, installers, industrial users, builders and renovation specialists rather than primarily on casual household consumers. Metabo’s development was interrupted by the destruction of much of its manufacturing capacity in a fire in 1945. Reconstruction was completed in 1948, after which the company expanded rapidly. A new plant in Nürtingen’s Steinach industrial area was started in 1953, and the company’s administrative relocation was completed in 1969. During the late twentieth century and early twenty-first century, Metabo broadened its activities through the acquisition of Elektra Beckum and other woodworking-machine businesses. It subsequently reorganized production and increasingly concentrated on portable and compact professional power tools instead of stationary woodworking machinery. The brand has been associated with several generations of tool innovation. Its historical milestones include an electric rotary drill, early impact-drill series, safety-clutch angle grinders, electronically regulated impact drills, high-power constant-speed drills, the Marathon motor platform, compact cordless screwdrivers, lithium-ion cordless tools, magnetic core drills and high-capacity battery systems. Battery technology became particularly important to the brand, with later platforms such as Ultra-M and LiHD intended to provide higher capacity, power delivery and compatibility across cordless tools. Metabo entered a new ownership phase when Hitachi Koki acquired the company in 2016. Hitachi Koki was sold in 2017 to HK Holdings, an entity associated with KKR, and was subsequently operated as Koki Holdings. Metabo remains a brand within that broader power-tool group. The company’s international business is supported by distribution companies and importers in multiple markets. Its current identity remains focused on durable, professional-grade tools, with particular strength in metalworking, construction, renovation and demanding cordless applications.

Metabo traces its history to 1923, when Albrecht Schnizler built a hand drill in the bakery owned by his parents in Nürtingen. The drill, later marketed as model No. 18, achieved sales of approximately 50,000 units. This early commercial success led to the formation of Schnizler GmbH in 1924. Julius Closs, owner of Nürtingen’s Sonnenbrauerei, became a co-founder, and the business moved into brewery premises on Church Street. Walter Rauch joined as an associate in 1927 and took responsibility for domestic and international distribution. In 1932, the company adopted the name Metabowerke Closs, Rauch & Schnizler KG. The Metabo name reflected the company’s roots in metal drilling and became the foundation of the later brand identity. The business survived the Second World War without the plant suffering major wartime destruction, but a fire in late 1945 destroyed approximately three quarters of its manufacturing facilities. Reconstruction was completed in 1948. Postwar demand and the company’s growth required larger premises. Construction of a new facility in Nürtingen’s Steinach industrial district began in 1953. The move developed over a long period, with a new administrative building completed in 1969. During this period Metabo expanded its drilling expertise and introduced products aimed at professional users. Its product history includes the 1934 electric rotary drill No. 750, the Type 7608 impact-drill series introduced in 1957, and an angle grinder equipped with an S-automatic safety clutch in 1966. Further developments included electronic speed regulation, constant-speed high-power drills and later motor and safety systems for demanding applications. At the end of the twentieth century, Metabo broadened its business beyond handheld power tools. In 1999 it acquired Elektra Beckum, a Meppen-based company associated with woodworking machinery, and also acquired two other woodworking-machine manufacturers. This expansion briefly positioned the group as one of the world’s largest producers of stationary woodworking machines. The company later reassessed that direction and chose to concentrate more strongly on smaller portable power tools. Production restructuring included the creation of a Shanghai plant in 2004, integration of Elektra Beckum in 2006 and disposal of the Meppen plant in 2010. Cordless technology became increasingly important in the 2000s and 2010s. Metabo introduced a compact cordless screwdriver platform in 2002, brought lithium-ion technology into its cordless range in 2005 and later developed high-capacity battery systems, magnetic core drills and specialized tools for stainless-steel processing. The Ultra-M and LiHD platforms supported the brand’s effort to provide a common battery ecosystem for professional users. Metabo also continued developing angle grinders, including compact high-output models and flat-head designs. The company states that it holds more than 500 active patents and utility models, and many of its machines have received Red Dot design recognition. Ownership changed in 2016 when Hitachi Koki acquired Metabo. In March 2017, Hitachi Group sold Hitachi Koki to HK Holdings, an entity associated with KKR. Hitachi Koki subsequently operated under the Koki Holdings name. Metabo remains an active brand within this ownership structure. Its commercial focus is centered on professional metalworking, construction, building services, renovation and industrial users. The brand sells internationally through distribution companies and importers, offering a broad portfolio of corded and cordless tools, batteries, chargers and accessories.

1. 2017Hitachi Koki sold to KKR-associated ownership

   Hitachi Group sold Hitachi Koki to HK Holdings, an entity associated with KKR.

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2. 2016Acquired by Hitachi Koki

   Hitachi Koki acquired Metabo on 1 March 2016.

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3. 2015LiHD battery technology introduced

   Metabo introduced its LiHD battery platform as a higher-capacity cordless technology for professional tools.

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4. 2005Lithium-ion cordless technology introduced

   Lithium-ion battery technology entered Metabo’s cordless-tool range.

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5. 1999Elektra Beckum acquired

   The acquisition expanded Metabo’s presence in stationary woodworking machinery.

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6. 1957Impact-drill series introduced

   Metabo introduced the Type 7608 impact-drill series, described in company product histories as an early impact-drill range.

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7. 1953New Nürtingen plant initiated

   Metabo began building a new plant in the Steinach industrial area of Nürtingen.

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8. 1948Reconstruction completed

   The damaged manufacturing facilities were rebuilt and returned to operation.

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9. 1945Manufacturing plant severely damaged by fire

   A fire destroyed roughly three quarters of the company’s manufacturing facilities.

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10. 1932Company adopts the Metabowerke name

    The business was renamed Metabowerke Closs, Rauch & Schnizler KG.

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11. 1924Schnizler GmbH founded

    Following strong sales of the No. 18 hand drill, Schnizler GmbH was established in Nürtingen.

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12. 1923First hand drill developed

    Albrecht Schnizler built an early hand drill in his parents’ bakery in Nürtingen, establishing the technical origin of the future Metabo business.

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Professional-grade, durable and safety-oriented power tools for metalworking, construction, renovation and industrial applications.

• Professional drills and impact drillsDrilling tools1923

  Drilling is central to Metabo’s heritage, beginning with the early No. 18 hand drill and continuing through electric rotary drills, impact drills and electronically controlled models. Current professional drilling tools are intended for construction, installation, metalworking and general trade applications, with configurations designed for corded or cordless use.

• Angle grindersMetalworking tools1966

  Metabo angle grinders are a major part of the brand’s professional portfolio. The range includes compact and high-output grinders, safety-oriented designs and flat-head models for working in confined spaces. The company’s historical grinder innovations include an S-automatic safety clutch and the Marathon motor platform.

• Cordless tool systemsCordless power tools2002

  Metabo’s cordless portfolio includes screwdrivers, drills, grinders, saws and other trade tools built around shared battery systems. The platform evolved from early compact cordless screwdrivers and lithium-ion adoption into higher-capacity Ultra-M and LiHD technologies intended for professional runtime, power delivery and cross-tool compatibility.

• LiHD batteriesBatteries and chargers2015

  LiHD is Metabo’s high-capacity lithium-ion battery technology for cordless professional tools. It is positioned as a system component rather than a standalone consumer product, supporting demanding applications such as grinding, drilling and cutting while allowing users to share battery packs across compatible tools.

• Magnetic core drilling machinesMetalworking tools2011

  Metabo’s magnetic core drilling equipment is designed for metal fabrication, structural work and industrial drilling. A cordless magnetic core drilling unit was identified among the company’s notable product developments, extending battery-powered operation into a specialized professional application.

• Stainless-steel processing toolsMetalworking tools2010

  This product group covers tools and accessories intended for finishing, grinding and processing stainless steel. It reflects Metabo’s emphasis on professional metalworking, where controlled material removal, surface quality and durability are important requirements.

• Woodworking machinery and toolsWoodworking tools1999

  Metabo expanded into woodworking machinery through the acquisition of Elektra Beckum and other manufacturers. Although this area temporarily became strategically significant, later restructuring reduced the emphasis on stationary woodworking equipment in favor of portable professional power tools.

• 2017Transfer into KKR-associated ownershipM&A

  Hitachi Group decided to divest Hitachi Koki as part of its portfolio changes.

  What changed. Hitachi Koki was sold to HK Holdings, an entity associated with KKR, and later operated within Koki Holdings.

  Aftermath. Metabo continued as an active professional power-tool brand under the new ownership structure.

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• 2016Sale to Hitachi KokiM&A

  Metabo entered a consolidation phase in the global power-tool industry.

  What changed. Hitachi Koki acquired Metabo on 1 March 2016.

  Aftermath. Metabo became part of Hitachi Koki before Hitachi Group sold that business to HK Holdings in 2017.

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• 2015LiHD cordless battery platformProduct launch

  Professional users increasingly expected cordless tools to provide power and runtime comparable with corded equipment.

  What changed. Metabo introduced LiHD battery technology for its cordless tool ecosystem.

  Aftermath. Battery-system development became a central part of Metabo’s professional product strategy.

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• 2010Refocus on portable professional toolsStrategy

  After expanding into stationary woodworking machinery, Metabo reassessed its portfolio and manufacturing structure.

  What changed. The company disposed of its Meppen plant and concentrated more heavily on smaller power tools.

  Aftermath. Metabo’s strategic identity became more closely associated with portable corded and cordless tools for professional trades.

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• 2004Production restructuring and Shanghai plantStrategy

  Metabo reorganized its manufacturing footprint as it adjusted the scope and location of production.

  What changed. The company established a production plant in Shanghai and continued restructuring its facilities.

  Aftermath. The program continued through the integration of Elektra Beckum and the later disposal of the Meppen plant.

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• 1999Expansion into woodworking machineryM&A

  Metabo sought to broaden its manufacturing portfolio and strengthen its position in stationary woodworking equipment.

  What changed. The company acquired Elektra Beckum and two additional woodworking-machine manufacturers.

  Aftermath. The expansion briefly made Metabo one of the largest producers of stationary woodworking machines, but the company later shifted its focus back toward smaller professional power tools.

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• 2017Hitachi Koki is sold to an entity associated with KKR

  Hitachi Group sold Hitachi Koki to HK Holdings, an entity associated with the investment firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts.

  M&A
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• 2016Hitachi Koki acquires Metabo

  On 1 March 2016, Metabo was acquired by Hitachi Koki, then part of the Hitachi Group.

  M&A
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• 2010Metabo ends Meppen plant restructuring phase

  The disposal of the Meppen plant marked the end of a production restructuring program and reflected the company’s increasing emphasis on smaller professional power tools.

  Other
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• 2006Metabo completes integration of Elektra Beckum

  Metabo completed the full integration of Elektra Beckum into its operations.

  M&A
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• 2004Metabo establishes production in Shanghai

  The company reorganized production and established a manufacturing plant in Shanghai during a broader restructuring of its production footprint.

  Other
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• 1999Metabo acquires Elektra Beckum

  Metabo acquired Elektra Beckum as part of an expansion into stationary woodworking machinery and related equipment.

  M&A
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1. Metabo
2. Metabo official website