Schumacher battery chargers are made by Schumacher Electric Corporation, an American company based in Fort Worth, Texas, that has been owned by private equity firm Ripple Industries since 2022.
Schumacher is one of the best known names in car battery chargers and jump starters, widely sold at auto parts stores, hardware stores, and general retailers across the United States.
The company was founded in 1947 and has ties to drag racing history through Don Schumacher, who helped run the family business before returning to professional racing as owner of Don Schumacher Racing.
So how did a battery charger company founded in the 1940s end up owned by a Los Angeles private equity firm nearly eight decades later?
This guide covers who makes Schumacher battery chargers, the company’s ownership history, where its products are manufactured, and whether Schumacher chargers are a good choice in 2026.
So lets get started.
Table of Contents
Ripple Industries Ownership Of Schumacher
Schumacher Electric was sold by prior owner Lincolnshire Management to Ripple Industries LLC, a Los Angeles based private equity firm, in a deal completed in April 2022.
Schumacher CEO Mickey Leech announced the ownership change to employees at the time, marking another chapter in the company’s long history of changing hands between private investors over the decades.
Schumacher Electric Founding History
Schumacher Electric was founded in 1947 and grew into one of the most recognized names in battery chargers, jump starters, and related automotive electrical accessories sold in the United States.
Don Schumacher, associated with the family business, later became known separately in motorsports as a drag racing champion and eventually as the owner of Don Schumacher Racing after retiring from competitive driving in 1974.
Where Schumacher Chargers Are Manufactured
Schumacher battery chargers are designed and engineered from the company’s Fort Worth, Texas headquarters, with manufacturing for many models taking place overseas to keep retail pricing competitive with other battery charger brands.
This manufacturing approach is common across the battery charger for car category, where most major brands rely on overseas production while keeping engineering and design functions closer to home.
Schumacher Product Lineup
Schumacher offers a wide range of battery chargers, jump starters, and battery maintainers, ranging from basic trickle chargers to more advanced units aimed at professional mechanics and fleet maintenance.
The brand is a common answer to searches for battery chargers for cars and portable car battery charger options, since Schumacher products are widely stocked at general retailers rather than requiring a specialty store visit.
Schumacher Versus NOCO And Other Competitors
Schumacher generally competes on price and wide retail availability, while a brand like NOCO tends to position itself as a premium option with a stronger focus on smart charging technology.
Both brands remain popular choices depending on whether a shopper prioritizes lower upfront cost or more advanced safety and charging features in a battery maintainer.
Are Schumacher Battery Chargers Worth Buying
Schumacher chargers are generally praised for affordability and wide availability, making them an easy default option for shoppers who just need a reliable charger without paying a premium price.
Common criticisms include less advanced smart charging features compared to premium competitors, along with occasional complaints about build quality on the company’s lowest priced models.
Better Business Bureau records for Schumacher Electric show a generally accredited rating, reflecting the company’s long standing presence in the automotive accessory market.
For budget conscious shoppers who need a dependable charger without extra smart features, Schumacher remains one of the most accessible and widely available options on the market today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Who Makes Schumacher Battery Chargers
Who makes Schumacher battery chargers?
Schumacher battery chargers are made by Schumacher Electric Corporation, based in Fort Worth, Texas, and currently owned by private equity firm Ripple Industries.
Who owns Schumacher Electric now?
Ripple Industries LLC, a Los Angeles based private equity firm, has owned Schumacher Electric since completing its acquisition in April 2022.
When was Schumacher Electric founded?
Schumacher Electric was founded in 1947 and has since grown into one of the most widely recognized battery charger brands in the United States.
Is Schumacher a good battery charger brand?
Yes, Schumacher is a well established and affordable battery charger brand, though shoppers wanting more advanced smart charging features may prefer a premium competitor like NOCO.
For a look at a more premium competing brand, see who makes NOCO battery chargers.
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.