Empire tools are made by Milwaukee Tool, a Techtronic Industries subsidiary that acquired the Empire Level brand.
The brand is known for layout tools used across construction trades, including levels, tape measures, chalk lines, and squares.
Milwaukee Tool is a Wisconsin based subsidiary of Techtronic Industries, and the company committed to keeping Empire’s individual brand identity separate from Milwaukee’s own product lines after the acquisition.
Knowing who makes Empire tools helps buyers understand how a specialty layout tool brand fits inside one of the largest power tool companies in the world.
This article covers Empire ownership, where the tools are manufactured, what changed after the Milwaukee acquisition, and answers to common Empire questions.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Makes Empire Tools And Who Owns The Brand?
Empire Level is now owned by Milwaukee Tool, a Wisconsin based subsidiary of Techtronic Industries Co Ltd.
Milwaukee Tool’s president described the acquisition as an opportunity to drive disruptive innovation and accelerated growth for the Empire business.
Following the deal, Milwaukee confirmed that Empire and Milwaukee would remain separate individual brands and product lines catering to different user groups.
Where Are Empire Tools Manufactured?
Empire has stated its commitment to continuing to manufacture in the United States following the Milwaukee acquisition.
Long time users have expressed some concern about whether this domestic manufacturing commitment will hold, since Techtronic Industries has shifted production overseas for other acquired brands in the past.
As of the acquisition, Empire maintained separate production from Milwaukee’s own manufacturing operations.
What Products Does Empire Sell?
Empire’s core lineup includes torpedo levels, box levels, tape measures, chalk lines, and squares used for layout work.
The brand’s True Blue vial technology has become a recognized feature among contractors who rely on precise leveling tools.
Empire has built a strong reputation specifically within the layout tool category rather than competing broadly across all power tool types.
Why Did Milwaukee Tool Acquire Empire Level?
Milwaukee Tool has aggressively expanded its product categories over the past decade, adding layout tools as a natural complement to its existing lineup.
Acquiring an established, respected layout tool brand let Milwaukee enter the category with instant credibility rather than building a new line from scratch.
This acquisition pattern mirrors how Milwaukee’s parent company, TTI, has grown by adding specialty brands to its broader tool portfolio.
Empire vs Stanley: Which Level Brand Is Better?
Stanley offers levels manufactured under its own Stanley Black and Decker umbrella, with a long standing reputation in layout tools.
Empire has built a loyal following specifically for its True Blue vial visibility and rugged construction favored by professional contractors.
Both brands remain widely trusted, with the choice often coming down to personal preference on vial design and price point.
For more comparisons, see our guide to who makes Craftsman tools for another widely available layout and hand tool brand.
Frequently Asked Questions About Empire Tools
Who makes Empire tools?
Empire tools are made by Milwaukee Tool, a subsidiary of Techtronic Industries that acquired the Empire Level brand.
Is Empire the same company as Milwaukee?
Empire and Milwaukee remain separate brand identities, though Milwaukee Tool now owns the Empire Level business.
Are Empire tools still made in the USA?
Empire has stated its commitment to continuing US manufacturing following the Milwaukee acquisition, though some users remain watchful of future changes.
What is Empire best known for?
Empire is best known for its torpedo levels and True Blue vial technology used widely in the construction industry.
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.