How it all began

Makita Corporation was established in Nagoya, Japan, in 1915, when it focused on the sale and repair of lighting fixtures, electric motors and transformers under the name of “Makita Denski Seisakusho”. After several years of development work and testing, Makita shifted its focus to electric motors and began exporting them in 1935. In 1938, the company became a limited liability company and continued its operations under the name of “Makita Electric Works, Ltd”.

In 1958, Makita brought its first power tool, a portable electric planer, to market. This proved to be a watershed moment that defined Makita’s current direction, which is still systematically pursued by the company. Later that same year, Makita consolidated its position as a specialist power tool manufacturer by introducing its first handheld wall chaser.

After years of dedicated development work, Makita expanded its power tool range by starting the production of handheld circular saws and drills in 1962, when it was also listed in the Nagoya Stock Exchange.

Makita rapidly succeeded in creating a framework for seamless mass production and assembly operations, enabling it to meet demanding and continuously evolving consumer requirements. By the 1970s, Makita had built a strong manufacturing base that ensured efficient production and advanced quality control.

At the same time, Makita launched its international operations by establishing Makita U.S.A., Inc. in the US, the company’s first subsidiary located outside Japan. This expansion has continued throughout the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, all the way to the 2010s. In Finland, Makita has had a presence as a trademark since 1979, while its Finnish subsidiary Makita Oy was established in 2001.

First-class quality has formed the cornerstone of Makita’s operations from the outset. After 10 years of systematic design work and extensive testing, Makita launched its first 7.2V battery drill in 1978. By investing strongly in research and development, the company managed to improve the technology used in its battery-powered machines, enabling higher capacity, longer operating times, shorter charging times and longer service lives. These properties still remain at the heart of the development of Makita’s rechargeable tools. In 1987, Makita’s range of battery-operated 7.2V tools encompassed 15 machines that utilised the same battery and charger.

This philosophy, which has underlain the company’s operations for decades now, has resulted in the world’s most extensive range of rechargeable tools operating with a single battery. Following in the footsteps of the 7.2V range, the 9.6V rechargeable tool range expanded to encompass 10 tools.

In 2005, Makita decided to invest strongly in the manufacture of its comprehensive 18V Lithium Ion range. This decision proved to be one of the decisive moments in Makita’s history. Today, Makita offers the world’s most extensive range of 18V rechargeable tools powered by slide-style batteries. In 2015, Makita celebrated not only its 100th anniversary but also its 150th 18V machine!

In addition to being the most extensive on the market, its range of 18V battery tools boasts the fastest battery charging times, thanks to its smart charging technology. Makita’s growing 18V battery tool range includes machines for all applications, offering more capacity, longer operating times and unique ergonomic properties.