Grizzly tools are made for Grizzly Industrial, a privately owned company founded in 1983 by Shiraz Balolia in Bellingham, Washington.
The brand is known for woodworking and metalworking machinery, including lathes, table saws, planers, and mills sold through direct sales rather than retail chains.
Grizzly Industrial remains privately owned and led by founder Shiraz Balolia, who started the company after buying and reselling used lathes to earn a living.
Knowing who makes Grizzly tools helps buyers understand how a company that began with a single borrowed lathe grew into a major machinery brand.
This article covers Grizzly ownership, where the tools are manufactured, the brand’s direct to consumer model, and answers to common Grizzly questions.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Makes Grizzly Tools And Who Owns The Brand?
Grizzly Industrial was founded in 1983 by Shiraz Balolia, who started the company in a tiny space behind a barber shop.
The company remains privately owned and led by Balolia, who continues to serve as founder and CEO.
Grizzly is headquartered in Bellingham, Washington, with a second major showroom location in Springfield, Missouri.
Where Are Grizzly Tools Manufactured?
Grizzly imports its machinery directly from Taiwan and China, where the company maintains its own engineering and quality control staff on site.
Grizzly sends US based quality teams to visit its overseas factories, and its US facilities house full machine shops for warranty repairs.
After being cut off by a supplier early on, Balolia began importing directly from Taiwan, cutting out middlemen to lower prices for customers.
How Did Grizzly Grow Into A Major Machinery Brand?
Shiraz Balolia began by buying used lathes, fixing them, and reselling them for a small profit before eventually founding Grizzly.
He personally delivered early drill presses in an overloaded VW van before the company grew into a national retailer.
Today Grizzly operates over 800,000 square feet of warehouse space and serves customers ranging from weekend hobbyists to major corporations.
What Products Does Grizzly Sell?
Grizzly’s catalog spans lathes, table saws, planers, mills, and a wide range of hand tools and accessories.
The company also founded Woodstock International to market small woodworking accessories and launched the Shop Fox brand for stationary power tools sold through resellers.
Grizzly primarily sells through its own website and catalog rather than through major retail chains.
Grizzly vs Laguna: Which Woodworking Machinery Brand Is Better?
Laguna has built a stronger reputation for CNC integration, while Grizzly offers a broader catalog at generally lower price points.
Grizzly’s direct to consumer sales model and same day parts shipping have earned it a loyal following among hobbyist and professional woodworkers alike.
Both brands are respected in the woodworking community, with the choice often coming down to specific machine features and budget.
For more comparisons, see our guide to who makes Craftsman tools for a widely available comparison point.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grizzly Tools
Who makes Grizzly tools?
Grizzly tools are made for Grizzly Industrial, a privately owned company founded by Shiraz Balolia in 1983.
Is Grizzly still privately owned?
Yes, Grizzly Industrial remains privately owned and led by founder Shiraz Balolia.
Where are Grizzly tools made?
Grizzly imports its machinery directly from its own operations and quality controlled factories in Taiwan and China.
Does Grizzly own Shop Fox?
Yes, Shiraz Balolia also launched the Shop Fox brand of stationary power tools sold through resellers.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.