KEY MOMENTS IN MAKITA HISTORY
- 1915 -
ESTABLISHMENT
Makita was founded in Nagoya City in Japan in 1915 under the name of "Makita Denski Seisakusho", where the business was the sale and repair of lighting fixtures, motors and transformers. After years of development and testing, Makita specializes in electric motors and started exporting them to the world in 1935. In 1938, the company was transformed into a limited company and Makita introduced the new name "Makita Electric Works, Ltd.".
- 1958 -
THE FIRST POWER TOOL
In 1958, Makita's first power tool - a hand-operated electric planer was announced. This time has proved to be a significant turning point, determining the current trend of the company, which Makita is still pursuing this day. Later that same year, Makita strengthened its positioning as a special manufacturer of power tools by introducing a hand-held wall chaser.
After years of development, Makita's range of power tools expanded as the company obtained an electric hand-operated circular saw and drill machine in 1962. In the same year Makita was listed on the Nagoya Stock Exchange.
- 1970 -
EARLY PRODUCTION AND WORLD CONQUEST
Makita managed quite quickly to create opportunities for mass production and assembly that could meet the demanding and growing needs of consumers. By the 1970s, Makita had created a strong production base that enabled efficient production and advanced quality control.
At the same time, Makita's worldwide expanse started with the founding of Makita U.S.A., Inc. in the United States, which was the first overseas company. The expansion has continued throughout the 70s, 80s and 90s until the 2010s.
- 1978 -
THE FIRST BATTERY TOOL
Ultimate quality has always been a Makita priority. After 10 years of decisive design and extensive testing, Makita launched its first 7.2V battery drum in 1978. With significant investments in research and development, battery technology has been improved, enabling higher power and operating time, shorter charging time and longer life cycle of machines. Up to now, even after decades, these factors are invaluable in the development of Makita battery power tools. By 1987, Makita's 7.2V battery tool range covered 15 different battery tools, all of which could be used with the same battery and charger.
Makita has firmly adhered to this ideology for decades, which has today enabled the market to be the largest single battery charger for one and the same battery. The 9.6V battery pack followed by a 7.2V battery tool came later to cover 10 tools.
- 2005 -
LXT DELIVERED TO THE WORLD
In 2005, a game-changing industry move was made by introducing the LXT (Lithium-Ion Xtreme Technology) platform to the power tool industry. This revolutionary development not only redefined the way professionals and DIY enthusiasts approach their work but also set new industry standards. The LXT system brought with it the benefits of lithium-ion battery technology, such as lighter weight, longer runtime, and faster charging, ultimately making work more efficient and productive.
Our foresight in adopting this advanced technology was a testament to the company's commitment to innovation and its unwavering dedication to meeting the evolving needs of its customers. Since it's arrival LXT has been known for delivering reliable, high-performance tools that empowered users to tackle a wide range of tasks with ease.
- 2015 -
MORE THAN 150 MACHINES IN A 18V BATTERY SYSTEM
Makita made the decision to develop a fully-fledged 18V Lithium Ion line in 2005. This has proved to be one of the most important choices during Makita's history. Today, Makita offers the world's largest 18V battery tool range, powered by a slider-mount battery. The year 2015 will be important for Makita in addition to 100 years of milestone, and also because Makita broke already 150 machine boundaries in the 18V range!
The 18V range of batteries is not only the widest, but it also offers the fastest charging time on the market for power packed batteries thanks to intelligent charging technology. Makita's ever expanding 18V battery tool range offers tools which gives machine users more power, longer running time and unique ergonomics.
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- 2017 -
OUR FIRST FACTORY SERVICE CENTRE OPENED
Makita constantly strive to provide the best service possible for our customers. In 2017, monumental strides were made towards this, through the opening of their first Factory Service Centre in Glasgow. Makita have since become the only power tool manufacturer to provide dedicated training and product repair facilities across the UK. The other Factory Service Centres opened as follows:
2019 - Feltham, London FSC
2021 - Blakelands, Milton Keynes FSC
2021/22 - Gathurst, Wigan FSC
The purpose of Makita's FSC’s are as follows: firstly, they service products sent in by customers to ensure all products meet the high standards set. Secondly, to provide a unique training facility for their distributor network, key end user companies, apprentices and trainees involved in trade industries and their ‘train the trainers’ scheme.
- 2020 -
THE INTRODUCTION AND EXPANSION OF XGT
Innovation is at the heart of what Makita does. This is why they introduced their XGT range in June 2020. Offering a combination of ground breaking tool design and higher output batteries, the XGT range was made with the goal to provide a genuine solution for the highest demands in construction, industry, horticulture and many other areas.
Since its inception, the XGT range has grown at a rapid rate. There are currently 41 XGT models in Makita's range as of December 2021.
- 2021 -
EXPANDING OUR FOOTPRINT ACROSS THE UK
We introduced our newest office in Wigan, expanding our footprint across the United Kingdom. While renowned for our power tools, we offer so much more than just the equipment itself. We are the only power tool manufacturer in the UK to provide dedicated service and training, and now, we extend that commitment to the heart of Wigan. With existing locations in Milton Keynes, Glasgow, and Feltham West London, we are now even more accessible to our valued customers. Our Wigan office has become a vibrant hub for top-notch service, training, and support.
- 2022 -
50 YEARS IN THE UK
