Flex tools are made by FLEX-Elektrowerkzeuge GmbH, a German power tool company owned by the Chinese manufacturer Chervon.
The brand is known for its high end angle grinders and metalworking tools, with roots stretching back over a century in Germany.
Chervon is a global manufacturer headquartered in China with North American operations based in Naperville, Illinois, and it also owns the EGO and Skil tool brands.
Knowing who makes Flex tools helps buyers understand how a historic German brand fits inside a modern Chinese manufacturing conglomerate.
This article covers Flex ownership, where the tools are manufactured, how the brand compares to other Chervon owned names, and answers to common Flex questions.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Makes Flex Tools And Who Owns The Brand?
Flex Tools is manufactured by FLEX-Elektrowerkzeuge GmbH, headquartered in Steinheim an der Murr, Germany.
The Chervon Group acquired FLEX-Elektrowerkzeuge and the Flex brand in 2013.
Flex operates as a distinct brand under Chervon rather than being folded directly into Chervon’s other product lines.
Where Are Flex Tools Manufactured?
Flex has kept the large majority of its manufacturing in Germany even after the Chervon acquisition.
Roughly 90 to 95 percent of Flex tools are still manufactured in Germany, with the remainder produced in China.
Flex tools are sold in around 65 countries and distributed through roughly 30,000 stores worldwide.
A Brief History Of The Flex Brand
Flex was founded in Germany in 1922 and developed the world’s first flexible shaft angle grinder in 1954.
The Flex name became so associated with angle grinders that the German verb flexen is used colloquially to describe cut off grinding.
Before Chervon’s acquisition, Flex was previously owned by Porter Cable and also manufactured components for Festool.
What Other Brands Does Chervon Own?
Chervon owns Skil and Skilsaw, EGO outdoor power equipment, and Flex, giving it a broad footprint across consumer and professional tool categories.
Chervon also manufactures Kobalt’s cordless power tools for Lowe’s under a separate supply arrangement.
This multi brand strategy allows Chervon to compete across DIY, professional, and outdoor equipment markets simultaneously.
Flex vs Festool: Which Premium Tool Brand Is Better?
Flex and Festool are both German engineered brands with strong reputations among professional tradespeople.
Flex has historically focused more on metalworking and masonry tools, while Festool leans heavily into woodworking and dust extraction systems.
Both brands carry a premium price tag reflecting their German manufacturing base and specialized engineering.
For more on other tool brands in this space, see our guide to who makes Metabo tools for another European engineered option.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flex Tools
Who makes Flex tools?
Flex tools are made by FLEX-Elektrowerkzeuge GmbH, a German company owned by the Chinese manufacturer Chervon.
Are Flex tools made by Milwaukee?
No, Flex tools are not made by Milwaukee; they are manufactured by Chervon, an entirely separate company.
Are Flex tools made in Germany?
Yes, roughly 90 to 95 percent of Flex tools are manufactured in Germany, with the rest made in China.
Does Chervon own other tool brands?
Yes, Chervon also owns Skil, Skilsaw, and EGO, and it manufactures Kobalt’s cordless power tools for Lowe’s.
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.