The Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation is a multi-national company that develops, manufactures, and markets power tools. Milwaukee tools are currently manufactured in China, Germany, Mexico, the United States and Vietnam. In 2005 the company became a wholly owned subsidiary of Hong Kong based Techtronic Industries.
History
In 1918, the firm introduced a one-handed operation, 1/4" capacity drill that was significantly lighter than other models available at the time.
A.H. Petersen and Albert F. Siebert founded the A. H. Petersen Company in 1922. The following year, the factory was destroyed by a fire and the assets of the closed business were sold. In 1924, Siebert formed the Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation.
During the 1930s, Milwaukee began producing tools for the US Navy. The company developed sanders, polishers, electric hammers and hand grinders. In 1935, they introduced a handheld drill that could be used with a hammer action or without.
Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation benefitted from the World War II manufacturing boom and its position as a supplier to the US Navy.
In 1949, Milwaukee added a spring clutch to hand held sanders, grinders and circular saws which reduced their recoil.
The Sawzall reciprocating saw was introduced in 1951. It was the first portable reciprocating hacksaw.
In 2023, U.S. lawmakers at the Congressional-Executive Commission on China alleged that Milwaukee Tool may have used forced Uyghur labor from Chinese prisons in its supply chain.
Ownership
1924: The Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation was established by A. F. Siebert in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 1976: Sold to Amstar. 1986: Sold to Merrill Lynch. 1995: Sold to Atlas Copco. 2005: Techtronic Industries.