Urrea tools are made by Grupo Urrea, the largest hand tool manufacturer in Mexico.
The brand is known for wrenches, sockets, ratchets, and screwdrivers built to a design lineage that traces directly back to the American Proto tool brand.
Urrea began in 1907 and remains an independently owned Mexican company rather than a subsidiary of a larger US or international conglomerate.
Knowing who makes Urrea tools helps buyers understand the brand’s unusual origin story tied to a decades old partnership with Proto.
This article covers Urrea ownership, where the tools are manufactured, the brand’s connection to Proto, and answers to common Urrea questions.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Makes Urrea Tools And Who Owns The Brand?
Urrea Professional Tools is manufactured by Grupo Urrea, a company founded in Mexico in 1907.
Urrea describes itself as the only company that manufactures mechanical tools in Mexico at its own scale, operating seven manufacturing plants in El Salto, Jalisco.
The company remains privately held and independently Mexican owned rather than being part of a larger American or European tool conglomerate.
Where Are Urrea Tools Manufactured?
Urrea manufactures its tools at facilities in El Salto and Guadalajara, Mexico, spanning roughly 150,000 square meters across its plants.
The company uses micro alloy steel sourced from the United States, which is then forged and machined at its Mexican facilities.
Urrea’s manufacturing facility has achieved ISO 9001 certification and tests its tools to meet ANSI and SAE specifications.
What Is Urrea’s Connection To Proto Tools?
In 1962, Raul Urrea and Morris Pendleton, then the owner of the Proto trademark, began discussing a joint venture to manufacture hand tools in Mexico.
In June 1963, the two established Protomex, a company that manufactured Proto branded tools for the Mexican and export markets.
After Proto’s involvement ended, Urrea took over the operation and has continued producing tools using many of the same original patterns.
A Brief History Of Urrea
Urrea traces its roots back to 1907, giving it more than a century of continuous operation in Mexico.
The company officially changed its name to Urrea Herramientas Profesionales, or Urrea Professional Tools, in the early 1990s.
Urrea has since grown into an exporter selling tools throughout the world, with its products used across automotive, aerospace, and industrial customers.
Urrea vs Proto: Which Tool Brand Should You Buy?
Proto is now owned by Stanley Black and Decker and remains a widely recognized professional tool brand in the United States.
Urrea offers similar classic tool patterns at a lower price point, appealing to buyers who prefer traditional designs over newer engineering.
Some users note that warranty support can be less consistent for Urrea in the US market compared to established domestic brands.
For more comparisons, see our guide to who makes Matco tools for another professional grade mechanics tool brand.
Frequently Asked Questions About Urrea Tools
Who makes Urrea tools?
Urrea tools are made by Grupo Urrea, an independently owned Mexican company and the largest hand tool manufacturer in Mexico.
Is Urrea related to Proto tools?
Yes, Urrea’s origins trace back to a 1963 joint venture with Proto’s then owner to manufacture Proto branded tools in Mexico.
Where are Urrea tools made?
Urrea tools are manufactured at the company’s facilities in El Salto and Guadalajara, Mexico.
Is Urrea a good tool brand?
Urrea is generally well regarded for classic tool patterns and durability, though warranty support in the US can vary by retailer.
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.