Foundation: 1928

The history of Kress began in 1928 when Christian Kress established a workshop for automotive electrics in Tübingen-Lustnau, Germany. The company soon expanded beyond automotive electrical work to develop and manufacture small AC and DC electric motors.[1]

This background in electric motors became fundamental to the identity of Kress Elektrowerkzeuge. Unlike many modern outdoor equipment manufacturers that originally specialized in gasoline engines before introducing battery products, the heritage of Kress is rooted in electric motor technology. The company emphasizes that it has never manufactured an internal combustion engine.

Expansion into Power Tools

During the 1960s, Kress expanded its manufacturing operations. A new factory was established in Bisingen, Baden-Württemberg, and in 1964, the company began producing stationary workshop machines.[1]

Kress subsequently entered the portable professional power tool market. In 1969, it introduced a comprehensive professional range covering applications such as drilling, sawing, and grinding.

Historical product development included:

• Electric drills
• Impact drills
• Rotary hammers
• Angle grinders
• Saws
• Sanders
• Workshop machines
• Chainsaws
• Cordless tools
• Specialized professional equipment

Company records note the introduction of an impact drill in 1972, its first rotary hammer in 1984, and a chainsaw in 1996.

A defining characteristic of Kress Elektrowerkzeuge has historically been its connection to electric motor engineering. The company cites over 90 years of experience in electric motor research, development, and production, alongside more than 50 years of specific experience in power tools.

This history informs the brand’s traditional emphasis on:

• Motor efficiency
• Durability
• Power-to-weight ratio
• Professional reliability
• Compact tool design
• Long operating life
• Cordless technology

Kress also developed brushless motor technology for modern cordless tools. By eliminating conventional brushes, these motors reduce mechanical friction, allowing for improved efficiency, runtime, and motor longevity.

In 1979, Kress established an R&D center in Wattwil, Switzerland. The company subsequently expanded its product range, particularly in cordless tools, while developing an international dealer and distribution network that eventually reached approximately 60 countries.

This internationalization marked a significant shift, transforming Kress from a local German manufacturer into a globally recognized professional tool brand. During the 2000s, the company established international subsidiaries and operations in France, Russia, Hong Kong, and Bulgaria.[1]

A pivotal event in the modern history of Kress Elektrowerkzeuge was its integration into the Positec Group. Corporate histories identify the mid-2010s as the transition period; international sources cite 2017 as the key year, while Chinese corporate sites describe the acquisition as occurring in 2016.[1]

This move provided additional capital and R&D resources, facilitating a strategic transition toward a stronger focus on cordless outdoor power equipment.

Power Tools

The modern Kress Power Tools range continues the brand’s professional heritage. The portfolio includes:

Drilling and Fastening

• Cordless drills
• Hammer drills
• Impact drills
• Rotary hammers
• Screwdrivers
• Drywall screwdrivers

Cutting

• Circular saws
• Reciprocating saws
• Jigsaws
• Cut-off tools

Grinding and Finishing

• Angle grinders
• Sanders
• Polishers

Target Market

Kress Elektrowerkzeuge traditionally targets professional users in construction, electrical installation, plumbing, drywall, woodworking, metalworking, and general building trades. The brand is positioned for demanding professionals, emphasizing quality, reliability, durability, and innovative technology.

Transition to Battery Power

A major evolution for Kress has been the shift from traditional corded electric tools to battery-powered equipment. Modern products utilize cordless platforms and brushless motors to provide professional-level performance without power cord limitations. This technology offers mobility, job-site flexibility, reduced maintenance, lower noise, and zero tailpipe emissions.

Outdoor Power Equipment

Following its integration with Positec, Kress increasingly focused on cordless outdoor power equipment for professional landscapers and homeowners. The modern outdoor range includes:

• Lawn mowers
• String trimmers
• Brush cutters
• Edgers
• Chainsaws
• Hedge trimmers
• Leaf blowers
• Pole tools
• Robotic lawn mowers

The commercial range features 60 V battery-powered professional equipment, including string trimmers, edgers, brush cutters, chainsaws, backpack blowers, and lawn mowers. This represents a significant evolution from an electric motor company to a high-performance cordless equipment brand.

Kress CyberSystem

Introduced around 2022–2023, the CyberSystem is a next-generation battery platform featuring 8-minute fast charging. Designed for professional cordless equipment, it aims to minimize downtime through rapid charging, high power output, long battery life, and ecosystem compatibility.[1]

Robotic Lawn Mowing

Kress has developed robotic mowers for residential, commercial, and professional landscaping applications. These units feature RTKn satellite-guided navigation, allowing operation without boundary wires in certain scenarios. Applications include private gardens, large properties, sports facilities, golf courses, and municipal grounds.

Mission Zero Emission

The corporate philosophy of “Mission Zero Emission” centers on electrification and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Leveraging its century-long history with electric motors, Kress positions its battery equipment as an alternative to petrol-powered machinery, aiming to reduce fuel consumption, exhaust emissions, noise, and maintenance requirements in commercial landscaping.[1]

Kress Elektrowerkzeuge occupies a professional and premium-performance position rather than a budget DIY niche. Its messaging combines German engineering heritage, electric motor expertise, professional performance, and cordless innovation.

Target customers include:

1. Professional tradespeople in construction and related fields
2. Serious DIY users seeking professional-grade equipment
3. Professional landscapers transitioning from petrol to battery equipment
4. Municipal and commercial users requiring large-scale outdoor maintenance
5. Golf and sports facilities utilizing robotic mowing systems

German Heritage vs. Modern Ownership

It is important to distinguish between the historical German company and the modern brand. The original KRESS-elektrik GmbH & Co. KG ceased operating as a standalone entity in 2018, although specialized products continued under AMB-ELEKTRIK.[1] However, the Kress brand continues under Positec ownership and is actively marketed internationally. Therefore, Kress is accurately described as a German-origin professional power tool brand with roots dating to 1928, now operated within the international Positec Group.

Note: Dates combine current corporate history with published timelines; some milestones, particularly regarding the Positec transition, may be reported differently across regional sites.[1]

The identity of Kress Elektrowerkzeuge is defined by five key characteristics:

1. Long Electric Motor Heritage: Roots dating back nearly a century based on electric motors rather than gasoline engines.
2. Professional Tool Heritage: Development of professional power tools since the 1960s.
3. Cordless Specialization: Significant emphasis on battery-powered equipment following integration with Positec.
4. Battery Innovation: CyberSystem rapid-charging technology addressing professional downtime issues.
5. Zero-Emission Outdoor Equipment: Aggressive expansion into battery-powered landscaping and robotic mowing as part of a future electrification strategy.

Unlike traditional brands that built identities around broad corded ecosystems, Kress followed a trajectory from electric motors to professional tools, then to cordless technology, and finally to outdoor equipment and robotics. This makes the brand distinct in the transition from conventional petrol equipment to battery-powered professional machinery.

1. Kress Elektrowerkzeuge