Power tool company Metabo is celebrating its 100th anniversary. PHPI charts the company’s history, discovering the origins of its name and a number of the products it has developed over the years.
Metabo has a rich history. Its story began in 1923 in Nürtingen, Germany, when Albrecht Schnizler developed a handheld drill – the No.18. In early 1924 Schnizler, along with Julius Closs, the son of a Nürtingen brewer, founded Schnizler GmbH. The company was later called Metabo, a name derived from metallbohrdreher, or metal drill.
The remainder of the 1920s saw Metabo expand its product range, introducing more sophisticated tools to meet the growing demands of various industries. In 1932, the company moved to a larger factory to accommodate increasing production and despite the economic challenges of the Great Depression, Metabo managed to sustain growth, thanks in part to the development of the handheld electric drill with one-handed operation – a significant innovation at the time.
The 1940s were dominated by the challenges of World War II. Metabo’s production was affected, but the company managed to continue its operations, focusing on post-war rebuilding. During this time, it introduced its first metalworking tools. In 1953, Metabo developed its first angle grinder, low-speed grinder No.763, a tool that would become a cornerstone of its product line and has remained so until this day. In 1966 company refined this product by introducing a safety clutch, while this period also saw the introduction of an electronic drill with variable speed control.
Construction tools
During the 1970s, Metabo diversified its product portfolio to include woodworking and construction tools. The company also expanded its presence in international markets, establishing subsidiaries and partnerships across Europe and beyond. By the end of the decade, Metabo had become a well-known name not just in Germany but across the world.
In 1981, Metabo launched its first cordless drills, which offered convenience and mobility for users. It also continued to make advancements in battery technology, leading to longer run times and more powerful cordless tools.
The 1990s saw the company place greater emphasis on ergonomics and user comfort, with the launch of the Quick series, featuring tools that allow for rapid accessory changes, improving productivity and ease of use. The decade also witnessed the introduction of electronic controls in power tools, enhancing their efficiency, precision and safety.
Sustainability
Upon entering the new millennium, Metabo focused its attention on sustainability by developing tools with reduced energy consumption and longer lifespans. In 2002, it introduced a tool with an integrated dust extraction system, addressing the growing concern for workplace safety, while the integration of digital technology such as brushless motors and smart battery management systems further advanced its offering.
During the 2010s Metabo focused on consolidation and growth and in 2012 it introduced an 18V battery pack with 4.0Ah capacity – giving it 33 per cent more capacity than the 3.0Ah batteries commonly used up to that time. The company continued to innovate in this area with the launch of lithium-ion high density (LiHD) battery technology in 2015, delivering more than 1,000W of continuous power in the 18V class.
HiKoki acquisition
For much of its existence Metabo was a typical mid-sized family business but 2016 saw a significant development when the company was acquired by HiKOKI Power Tools, part of the international Koki Holdings Group. It was a move that expanded its resources and global reach, while maintaining its commitment to quality and innovation. True to its roots, Metabo’s Nürtingen headquarters still manufactures its range of power tools.
Throughout 2024, Metabo is hosting a series of campaigns to celebrate its rich history and future aspirations under the motto: ‘Building our world. Together.’ Metabo continues to focus on the needs of the user with smart solutions and technological advancements like the WPB 36-18 LTX BL 24-230 Quick angle grinder, which delivers the power of a 2,400W plug-in tool using two 18V batteries.
Also, as a founding member of the Cordless Alliance System (CAS), the world’s first cross-manufacturer battery pack system, Metabo offers users the convenience of a single battery powering over 400 devices.
From its inception in a small German workshop to its current status, Metabo’s history is a tale of innovation. It has not only adapted to the changing needs of its customers but has also set new standards in the industry, ensuring its place as a trusted name in the power tools sector.
