Hitachi In the USA will be Called Metabo HPT in 2018 Not Hikoki

We learned earlier that Hitachi would soon change their name to Hikoki in many countries outside of the USA but we didn’t know if the new name would affect Hitachi in the USA. Now we’ve learned that Hitachi in the USA will not change their name to Hikoki but instead will change their name to Metabo HPT. Yes you read right, Hitachi products will now be called Metabo tools but with the HPT after the Metabo name (Metabo HPT).

In the USA the Hitachi power tool division is named just so… Hitachi Power Tool so that’s why the HPT is right there behind the Metabo name. What’s interesting about the new name is that the new Metabo HPT tools will also be sold alongside the original Metabo tools. That’s because the new Metabo HPT tools are simply rebranded Hitachi tools. Everything stays the same, same products, same color, same internals, same people that made them, same factories and same country of origin. Nothing changes but the name. With everything being the same except for the name, the Metabo HPT cordless tools will be backwards compatible with previous batteries and baretools since they are identically the same as Hitachi tools.

When it comes to the original Metabo brand, nothing changes here in the USA. Their tools will still remain the same and a separate tool segment from the new Metabo HPT tools.

The new name change rollout starts in September 2018 with the launch of the new Multivolt battery packs. Learn more about them by clicking here. Everything else gets the name change starting December 2018.

What I don’t get is why the need to change names from Hitachi to Hikoki in other parts of the world or Metabo HPT here in the USA? I know Metabo is a solid brand but the new Metabo HPT tools are not actual Metabo tools. They are simply rebranded Hitachi tools. My guess is they believe the Metabo naming might help gain more sales. But what about all the people that swear by the Hitachi name, specifically in the nail gun market? I believe this will cause confusion for a good while before people start getting smart about the new name change.

Big thanks to Cody Robertson for spotting this!



FAQ

1. What happened to Hitachi Power Tools?

  • Hitachi Power Tools (Hitachi Koki USA, Ltd.- scheduled to change the name to Koki Holdings America, Ltd. in Fall 2018), headquartered in Braselton, GA- will operate as Metabo HPT – a brand of Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd. (scheduled to change the name to Koki Holdings Co., Ltd. in June 2018).
  • All Power Tool factories will continue to produce the same tools under the Metabo HPT name.
  • Inventory will transition starting from September 2018 with the launch of MultiVolt, while the majority of products will changeover after December 2018.
  • Same design, same color, same quality, same warranty, same service centers, same factories, same people, same engineering = same brand new name.

2. Why are you changing the name?

  • KKR, a leading global investment firm, partnered with Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd business unit from April 2017.
  • Hitachi Power Tools USA chose to Re-Name as Metabo HPT in March 2018.
  • Our name is changing because we are no longer a part of Hitachi Ltd.

3. How are Metabo HPT and Metabo related?

  • Metabo and Metabo HPT are separate brands of Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
  • These brands are stand-alone brands and not interchangeable.
  • Metabo HPT replaces Hitachi Power Tools and is headquartered in Braselton, GA.
    • Metabo HPT (Hitachi Power Tool) inquiries should be directed to:
  • Metabo is headquartered in West Chester, PA.
    • Metabo inquiries should be directed to the below contact:
      • Metabo
        1231 Wilson Dr.
        West Chester, Pennsylvania 19380
        (800) 638-2264
      • www.metabo.com

4. Will my Hitachi (now Metabo HPT) tool still be serviced and warrantied?

  • Yes. All Hitachi Power Tools will continue to be warrantied and supported under the same structure as they were prior to the name change.


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