Brandwatch: The History of Makita

In 1915, Makita Corporation was founded and is still one of the most renowned and respected construction companies in the world. It was in 1958 that Makita became the first company in Japan to manufacture and sell electric planers and has since worked to build a steady position as a manufacturer of portable, efficient and reliable tools for almost any job. Makita’s history parallels that of the evolution of power tools and is continuously adapting and updating its products to cater to its customers’ developing needs.

Makita Corporation is Japan’s number one manufacturer and exporter of electric power tools. Though the company is generally marketing more towards the professional user, Makita’s distinctive turquoise tools increasingly appeal to the do-it-yourself market. Early on, Makita’s tools looked bulky, heavy, and primitive by today’s standards. However, over the years Makita traded their metal casings for shock-resistant, turquoise plastic which not only made their tools lighter but helped them to develop a mind-numbing variety of accessories. After their upgrade, Makita began to target professional tool users in the carpentry, construction, timber and masonry trades with its powerful and durable equipment.

With their brushed metal casings, Makita’s earliest tools looked bulky, heavy, and primitive by today’s standards. However, over the years Makita traded their metal casings for shock-resistant, turquoise plastic which not only made their tools lighter but helped them to develop a mind-numbing variety of accessories. After their upgrade, Makita began to target professional tool users in the carpentry, construction, timber and masonry trades with its powerful and durable equipment.

Makita Corporation proudly boasts to selling its products in more than 100 countries around the world. In an aim to make its products as close to its customers as possible, Makita manufactures its power tools and other products at plants in Canada, Japan, Brazil, the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Over half a century since it was founded, Makita has worked to build a steady position as a manufacturer of power tools. Today, Makita continues to provide products and services that are beneficial to all types of customers engaged in housing construction. Their history as a leading construction brand has been expansive and illustrious to say the least. I have pinpointed the most important milestones of the company’s history down below!

Makita The Timeline: Key Dates

1915: Makita Electric Works is established in Japan.

1938: The Company is united as Makita Electric Works, Ltd.

1945: Company relocation to Anjo City to avoid World War ll air raids.

1958: Makita expands into the manufacture of electric power tools under the administration of President Juiro Goto. A portable electric planer is the first resulting product.

1962: The company is announced publicly to raise funds for the diversification effort.

1969: Makita is awarded the leading position in the Japanese power tool market.

1970: Makita begins overseas expansion with the establishments of the U.S. subsidiary.

1978: The company’s first cordless product, a drill, is launched.

1980: Makita establish their first overseas factory in Canada.

1985: A U.S. manufacturing operation is created.

1991: Makita acquires a German maker of gasoline-powered chain saws, Sachs-Dolmar, that is subsequently renamed Dolmar GmbH and Makita Corporation is adopted as the new company name.

1993: Makita sets up its first factory in China.

2001: The start of production at the company’s second Chinese manufacturing plant.

2002: The line of made-in-China power tools is introduced into Asian markets outside of Japan.

2007: Since 2007, no product shipped to any destination has contained substances covered by the Restriction of Hazardous Substances.

2009: Opened Tokyo Technical Center

2015: Makita celebrated its 100th anniversary

2017: Makita Celebrate 45 Years in the UK since 1972

As a global supplier of power tools that assist people in creating homes and living environments, Makita knew how vital it was for them to consider their company’s impact on the environment. Recognising the ever-present issue of global warming was one of Makita’s concerns. The entire Makita Group have been working for decades to create a sustainable recycling-orientated society that combines the environment with the economy by continually reviewing their business activities and lifestyles so as to look for ways they can improve.

Makita have established long-term goals for saving energy and reducing their CO2 emissions. Every year they set goals to help preserve the environment. Their power tools use lightweight, long-life lithium-ion batteries and Makita are continuing, to this day, to develop products that are friendly to both users and the environment. Makita’s vision is, and has been, to constantly strive for innovation in their technology and products. As a company, they are at the forefront of new ideas. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of their research teams and development centres in Japan, they are paving the way in the power tool industry. Professionals all over the world look to Makita when they need tools and accessories to get their jobs done right.

Do you use Makita products? Let us know in the comments below!