I don’t recall anyone commenting on this so far. It seems that Emerson Professional Tools reached an agreement with One World Technologies for the latter to supply and market Ridgid brand stationary and bench-top woodworking tools. Although some business reporters characterized the deal as out-sourcing; as announced, it sounded more like Emerson sold them the rights to that line of tools. Home Depot will remain as the exclussive retail outlet for Ridgid woodworking tools. Emerson will continue to supply (but not necessarily manufacture), vacuums, hand tools, and plumbing equipment.
Bob Freitag, One World’s executive president announced that this will also change the technical support and after-sales service for the woodworking lines.
One World Techologies is a subsidiary of Hong Kong based TechTronic Industries which also manufactures and markets under the brand names: Ryobi, Homelite, Vax, and Dirt Devil. They also are the manufacturer of many of Sear’s power tools.
Phill Giles
The Unionville Woodwright
Unionville, Ontario
Replies
Not too surprising - at least some DeWalt/Black and Decker tools are made in Korea by LG (Lucky Goldstar). My old boss had pictures from when we were working on using LG variable-frequency drives in hoists...
did
Blah, yada, whatever, Hi how are you today
The details that I have seem on this put a little different light on it.
First off all Emerson is giant company and has all kinds of divisions and they kept re-aranging things. So the divsions might be different tomorrow <G>.
Emerson has a number of major tool divisions. Louisville Ladder, Knaack, Ridge Tool, and Emerson Tool.
Now Ridge Tool is the maker of Ridgid plumbing tools and never had anything to do with the Ridgid line of woodworking tools.
Emerson Tools (and subdivisions) makes the line of Ridgid line of woodworking tools, wet/dry vacs, and a number of hand tools including Robogrip.
Until recently Emerson used to own Vermont American. I don't know if it was it's own division or under one of the other ones.
I am not sure, but I think that the woodworking division was called something else, but it had an Emerson name, when it made the stationary tools for Crasftsman. When they lost that market and went to HD they "bororwed" the Ridgid name from there sister divisions.
Now they have never be a strict US manufacture. While the contractors table saw was made in the US, the bandsaw and a number of other pieces where made in Tiwain.
Now Emerson is coming out with a totaly updated line of WW tools including many new items such as cordless drills and palm sanders. It is not clear if they are also replacing some of the stationary tools or not.
And the new line of equipment is not being restrictred to HD although it will be will use orange colors.
It will be available through other tool stores.
As far as I can read between the line it they did not "sell off" the name, but rather partnershiping with another company to do the offshore manufacturing. And that other company it the parent company for Roybi. But that does not mean that the tootls will be Roybi with a Ridgid name on them.
I had reason to be in HD today, and after the posts, took a look at the new Rigid" tools.
All I can say is that they had better be of top quality, because the price is about what I would pay for Milwalkee stuff. I played with the tools a little. Feel solid, but true, they are made by the Taiwanese branch. Still, good quality machinery is made everywhere, not just Germany and America.Quality repairs for your home.
Aaron the HandymanVancouver, Canada
I looked at the rigid cordless tools and I like the 2 battery charger and the batteries have rails to slide on for asolid attachment.Not to bad a setup dont know how durable tho.
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