Makita tools are made by Makita Corporation, a Japanese manufacturer founded in 1915 in Nagoya, Japan, and now headquartered in Anjo, Aichi Prefecture, Japan.
Makita is one of the world’s largest and most respected power tool manufacturers, best known for its industry-leading 18V LXT cordless platform, its XGT 40V Max system, and its first-to-market lithium-ion battery technology introduced in 2005.
Makita Corporation is publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange under the ticker 6586 and is one of the few major power tool companies that has remained an independent, self-owned manufacturer throughout its entire history.
Knowing that Makita has been independently owned since 1915 and manufactures tools in eight countries under uniform Japanese engineering standards helps explain its long-standing reputation for consistent quality and reliability.
This article covers who makes Makita tools, where they are produced, who owns the brand, its history, how it compares to a rival, and whether the tools are any good.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Makes Makita Tools?
Makita tools are made by Makita Corporation, which designs, engineers, and manufactures its own products across a global network of ten production plants.
Makita is a genuine, vertically integrated manufacturer, not a brand owner that outsources production, giving it direct control over quality at every stage of the process.
The company’s Okazaki Mother Plant in Japan serves as the global center of engineering excellence, where new technologies are developed and then implemented across all international facilities.
Makita’s 18V LXT platform has grown to over 225 cordless tool models, making it one of the most comprehensive battery-compatible ecosystems in the professional tool market.
In 2022, Makita made the decisive move to end production of all engine-powered equipment, completing its transition to a fully battery-first product strategy, as confirmed on Makita’s official corporate overview.
Where Are Makita Tools Made?
Makita operates ten manufacturing plants in eight countries: Japan, China, Romania, Thailand, the United Kingdom, Brazil, the United States, and Germany.
Approximately 60% of Makita’s global production comes from the Jiangsu Mother Plant in China, its largest single production facility, which handles the high-volume mainstream cordless tool line.
Around 10% of production remains in Japan at the Okazaki plant, which focuses on advanced robotics, precision manufacturing, research, and development for the entire global network.
The remaining approximately 30% is distributed across plants in Romania, Thailand, the UK, Brazil, Germany, and the United States, primarily serving regional markets efficiently.
Makita’s US market tools come from multiple locations including the Makita Corporation of America facility in Buford, Georgia, as well as its Chinese plants depending on the specific model.
Who Owns Makita Tools?
Makita Corporation is a publicly traded Japanese company with no parent conglomerate or corporate owner, making it one of the few major global tool brands that remains independently operated.
The company was originally founded as Makita Electric Works by Mosaburo Makita in 1915 and has been listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange since its public offering.
For fiscal year ending March 2025, Makita reported consolidated revenue of approximately 753 billion Japanese yen, reflecting its position as one of the world’s most financially robust independent tool manufacturers.
The full corporate history and ownership structure are published in Makita’s company profile.
What Is the History of Makita?
Makita was founded on March 21, 1915, by Mosaburo Makita in Nagoya, Japan, initially as an electric motor sales and repair business.
In 1958, Makita became the first company in Japan to manufacture and sell a portable electric planer, launching its transformation into a power tool manufacturer.
Makita created the 18V lithium-ion cordless tool battery in 2005, pioneering the shift from NiCad to Li-ion technology that would eventually define the entire power tool industry.
In 2020, Makita launched the XGT 40V Max line to complement its 18V LXT system, giving professionals access to higher-power cordless options for heavier applications.
Makita Tools vs Milwaukee Tools: How Do They Compare?
Makita and Milwaukee are the two most frequently compared premium professional cordless tool brands and are often chosen based on personal preference and jobsite ecosystem.
Milwaukee, owned by Techtronic Industries, is known for its M18 and M12 battery platforms, aggressive new product development, and strong support among electricians and plumbers.
Makita is known for its larger LXT ecosystem, exceptional motor technology, and a broader range of professional trade categories, with particularly strong loyalty among carpenters, woodworkers, and concrete professionals.
Both are premium professional choices, and the best pick depends on which battery platform a buyer’s existing tools are already on and the specific trade applications involved.
Are Makita Tools Any Good?
Makita tools are consistently rated among the very best professional power tools in the world, earning top marks from tradespeople across construction, woodworking, metalworking, and concrete work.
The brand’s reputation for motor quality, battery longevity, and durability in real-world jobsite conditions is backed by decades of independent professional testing and user reviews.
The LXT 18V platform’s size and compatibility are a major advantage, letting professionals invest in a single battery system that powers over 225 different tools.
Because Makita engineers and validates all production across its global network from its Japanese headquarters, quality is highly consistent regardless of which country a specific tool was assembled in.
For professionals who want one of the world’s most trusted, longest-established, and independently owned power tool brands with the largest cordless ecosystem, Makita is a definitive top-tier recommendation.
For more on related professional tool brands, see Who Makes Milwaukee Tools and Who Makes DeWalt Tools.
Frequently Asked Questions About Makita Tools
Who makes Makita tools?
Makita tools are made by Makita Corporation, a Japanese manufacturer founded in 1915 and headquartered in Anjo, Japan. Makita is publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and is independently owned with no parent conglomerate.
Where are Makita tools made?
Makita operates plants in eight countries: Japan, China, Romania, Thailand, the UK, Brazil, the USA, and Germany. About 60% of production is in China, 10% in Japan, and 30% across other global facilities. All plants operate under uniform Japanese engineering standards.
Is Makita owned by a larger company?
No. Makita Corporation is an independent, publicly traded Japanese company with no parent conglomerate. Unlike DeWalt (Stanley Black and Decker), Milwaukee (Techtronic Industries), or Ryobi (Techtronic Industries), Makita operates entirely on its own.
What is Makita’s best battery platform?
Makita’s 18V LXT platform is the world’s largest 18V cordless tool system with over 225 compatible tools. The XGT 40V Max platform is designed for heavier professional applications requiring more power than the 18V system provides.
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.