Metabo is a German professional power tool brand recognised for heavy-duty equipment used in metalworking, construction, renovation, concrete work, and industrial applications. Originating in Nürtingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, the brand traces its history to 1924. Today, Metabo operates as part of Koki Holdings Co., Ltd., a Japanese power tool group that also owns HiKOKI and Metabo HPT.[1]

Koki Holdings identifies Metabo as one of its global brands alongside HiKOKI, Metabo HPT, CARAT, and Sankyo Diamond.

The origins of Metabo date to 1923 when engineer and toolmaker Albrecht Schnizler developed a hand-operated metal drill while working in his parents’ bakery in Nürtingen. This tool was named the “Metallbohrdreher”, meaning metal drill. The name was subsequently shortened to “Metabo”, which became the company’s brand name in 1928.[1]

On 19 February 1924, Schnizler and business partner Julius Closs founded Schnizler GmbH on the site of a former brewery in Nürtingen. The company initially focused on drilling equipment before gradually developing into a power tool manufacturer.[1] Unlike many modern brands with names created by marketing departments, the Metabo name retains a direct connection to its original product.

Early success stemmed from making drilling more efficient for tradespeople. As industrial production advanced during the 20th century, the company transitioned from manual tools to electric power tools, expanding its portfolio to include drilling, grinding, cutting, and other professional applications. This shift established a defining characteristic of the brand: tools designed primarily for professional users rather than casual DIY enthusiasts. Metabo describes its long-term mission as improving professional work through power tool technology, with an emphasis on quality, reliability, and user requirements.[1]

Metabo’s product portfolio is heavily oriented towards professional and industrial work. Major categories include angle grinders, die grinders, drills, impact drills, rotary hammers, demolition hammers, metalworking tools, concrete drilling and cutting equipment, cordless power tools, dust-extraction systems, polishers, sanders, sawing equipment, compressors, pneumatic equipment, abrasives, tool accessories, and professional battery systems. Koki Holdings lists metalworking, woodworking, cordless, construction, pneumatic, dust-collection, and measuring equipment among its broader power tool businesses.

Angle grinders

Angle grinders are perhaps the product category most strongly associated with Metabo. The brand has built a significant reputation among metalworkers for grinders designed for demanding cutting, grinding, and finishing tasks. Its professional lineup comprises both corded and cordless models.[1]

Battery technology

A key technological development for the brand is the LiHD battery platform. Standing for Lithium High Density, this technology aims to deliver high power output while maintaining manageable size, weight, and operating time. This capability is critical for professional users requiring cordless tools that can perform tasks traditionally associated with corded equipment. Metabo promotes LiHD as a means of combining high power, runtime, and portability for demanding applications.[1] The development of high-performance cordless tools has been central to the brand’s evolution from a traditional corded-tool manufacturer to a modern battery-tool platform.

Metabo positions itself primarily towards professional tradespeople and industrial users, including metal fabricators, welders, mechanics, construction workers, installers, renovation professionals, industrial maintenance workers, concrete workers, general contractors, and professional workshops. This focus differentiates it from brands targeting the consumer DIY market.

The brand’s design philosophy prioritises durability, safety, power, ergonomics, and service life over minimising purchase price. It generally occupies the professional and premium segment of the power tool market, competing with brands such as Bosch Professional, Makita, Milwaukee Tool, DeWalt, Festool, and Hilti. However, Metabo maintains a distinctive reputation due to its strong historical association with metalworking and grinding.

A significant component of Metabo’s identity is its German heritage. The company remains associated with Nürtingen, Germany, and has historically emphasised manufacturing and engineering capabilities at this location. Company materials have described a highly integrated manufacturing approach involving casting, plastics, motors, machining, engineering, and assembly.[1]

Consequently, “Made in Germany” and German engineering are important elements of the brand’s positioning, although not every Metabo product or component is manufactured in Germany.

Acquisition by Hitachi Koki

In 2016, Japanese power tool manufacturer Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd. acquired Metabo. This transaction provided Hitachi Koki with ownership of the established German professional tool brand and strengthened its position in Europe. Hitachi Koki described Metabo as a manufacturer with world-class technology, strong European distribution, and particular strengths in high-output lithium-ion products and metalworking tools such as disc grinders.

Transition to Koki Holdings

In 2017, the Hitachi Group separated Hitachi Koki from the corporate group through an acquisition involving KKR. Subsequently, in June 2018, Hitachi Koki changed its name to Koki Holdings Co., Ltd. Crucially, Metabo did not become a HiKOKI product line; instead, it became one of the distinct brands within the Koki Holdings portfolio. Today, Koki Holdings identifies Metabo, HiKOKI, and Metabo HPT as separate brands within its global business.

Brand distinctions

Understanding the relationship between the group’s brands is essential:

• Metabo: The original German professional tool brand headquartered historically in Nürtingen, focusing on professional metalworking, construction, and industrial applications.
• HiKOKI: The successor to the Hitachi power tool brand in many international markets, following the 2018 rebranding.
• Metabo HPT: The North American brand descended from Hitachi Power Tools. Despite the similar name, Metabo HPT and the original German Metabo have different historical origins. Metabo HPT originated from the former Hitachi power tool business, whereas Metabo was founded in Germany in 1924.[2]

Both brands ultimately fall under the Koki Holdings corporate family but maintain distinct histories.

North American consolidation

In November 2025, Koki announced that the Metabo brand in North America would transition to Metabo HPT. This conversion is scheduled to occur in stages, with completion expected by mid-2026. The stated strategy is to unite the two brands in North America under a single identity. Consequently, buyers in North America may encounter Metabo HPT branding rather than the traditional Metabo branding. This change does not affect the brand’s global status; Koki Holdings continues to list Metabo as a distinct international brand.

As of 2026, Metabo belongs to Koki Holdings Co., Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The group’s corporate profile lists 4,374 consolidated employees as of the end of March 2026 and identifies its business as the manufacture and sale of power tools and related equipment. Koki Holdings describes itself as a Japan-based manufacturer with multiple international brands, including HiKOKI, Metabo, Metabo HPT, CARAT, and Sankyo Diamond.

• 1923: Albrecht Schnizler develops the No. 18 hand drill in his parents’ bakery.
• 1924: Schnizler and Julius Closs establish Schnizler GmbH in Nürtingen.
• 1928: The name Metabo, derived from Metallbohrdreher, becomes the brand name.[1]
• 1930s onward: The company expands into electric power tools.
• Post-war period: Metabo expands its electric tool business and grows internationally.
• Late 20th century: Metabo develops into a major professional power tool manufacturer.
• 2000s: International manufacturing and restructuring expand the company’s global operations.
• 2016: Hitachi Koki acquires Metabo.
• 2017: Hitachi Koki separates from the Hitachi Group through a transaction involving KKR.
• 2018: Hitachi Koki becomes Koki Holdings; Hitachi’s power tool brand becomes HiKOKI in many markets.
• 2020s: Metabo continues expanding its professional cordless and LiHD technology.
• 2025: Koki announces the transition of the Metabo brand in North America to Metabo HPT.
• 2026: The North American brand transition is scheduled for completion, while Metabo continues as an international Koki brand.[1]

1. History | Metabo Power Tools
2. Our History of Innovation | Metabo HPT