Who Makes Kobalt Tools – Where Are They Manufacture?
So, you’re eyeing a shiny new Kobalt wrench or eyeing a powerful Kobalt drill, but a question lingers: who exactly makes these tools? This guide will delve into the world of Kobalt, shedding light on the manufacturers behind the brand and the origins of these popular tools.
Kobalt: A Lowe’s House Brand
At the heart of the story, Kobalt is a house brand – a brand exclusively sold by a particular retailer. In this case, the retailer is Lowe’s, the well-known home improvement giant in North America. So, while Lowe’s owns the Kobalt brand, they don’t actually manufacture the tools themselves. Instead, they partner with various manufacturers to produce the Kobalt line.
Where Are Kobalt Tools Made: A Global Production Chain
Since Kobalt works with various manufacturers, the production locations can vary. Here’s a general idea based on the known partners:
- China: Chervon, a major Kobalt power tool partner, has factories located mainly in China. Globe Tools Group, the supplier for outdoor power tools as of 2020, is also a Chinese manufacturer.
- United States: Some Kobalt hand tools, like screwdrivers from Great Neck, might be produced in the USA.
- Germany: While Flex, previously a Kobalt power tool supplier, is now owned by Chervon, they still have a base in Germany. It’s unclear if any Kobalt tools were manufactured there after the acquisition.
- Taiwan: Rexon Industrial Corp., the manufacturer of Kobalt miter saws (as of 2020), is based in Taiwan.
Kobalt’s Manufacturing Journey: A Timeline
To give you a clearer picture of how Kobalt’s manufacturing landscape has evolved, here’s a quick timeline:
- 2003: Danaher Corporation becomes a major manufacturer of Kobalt hand tools.
- 2011: Lowe’s switches suppliers for some mechanics’ hand tools, with JS Products taking over. Great Neck remains the supplier for screwdrivers.
- 2011: Kobalt expands into power tools, with Chervon becoming a key manufacturing partner.
- 2016: The German company Flex, previously a Kobalt power tool supplier, is acquired by Chervon.
- 2019: Lowe’s announces the launch of Kobalt XTR power tools (manufacturers not publicly disclosed).
- 2020: Globe Tools Group is identified as the manufacturer for Kobalt outdoor power tools like lawnmowers and chainsaws.
FAQ: So, is there one single answer to “who makes Kobalt tools?”
Unfortunately, no. Due to Kobalt’s use of multiple partners, the answer depends on the specific tool type and potentially even the year it was manufactured.
A Manufacturing Mosaic: Unveiling Kobalt’s Makers
Since Kobalt tools are crafted by different partners, the specific manufacturer can vary depending on the tool type. Here’s a breakdown of some key categories:
- Hand Tools and Mechanics’ Tools: In the past, Danaher Corporation was a significant producer of Kobalt hand tools. However, Lowe’s has since switched partners for some items. Currently, JS Products of Las Vegas, Nevada, manufactures some Kobalt mechanics’ hand tools, while Great Neck supplies screwdrivers.
- Power Tools: Chervon, a Chinese manufacturing company, is a major player in Kobalt’s power tool production. Chervon also manufactures tools for other popular brands like Skil and EGO. It’s worth noting that Kobalt once used Flex, a German company now owned by Chervon, for some power tools. However, for outdoor power tools like lawnmowers and chainsaws (as of 2020), Globe Tools Group, another Chinese manufacturer known for Greenworks tools, was the supplier. Interestingly, the German company Stihl acquired a minority stake in Globe Tools in 2016.
- Other Tools: Miter saws are another example where the manufacturer can differ. In Kobalt’s case, Rexon Industrial Corp. from Taiwan was responsible for producing their miter saws (as of 2020).