Whether you’re a professional mechanic or a DIY enthusiast that enjoys working on home improvement projects, you’re likely to have heard of DeWalt Tools.
You probably even have some of them lying around in your workspace or toolbox already.
There’s no question that DeWalt Tools is a tried and trusted brand.
From drilling accessories to power tools, their trademark Guaranteed Tough® promise helps users power through the toughest, most heavy-duty jobs.
Simply put, DeWalt Tools are built to last….and help build or repair things that do too.
Recently, however, there’s been a growing curiosity about their origins, particularly where they’re manufactured.
Let’s take a closer look.
Where are DeWalt Tools Made?
The answer is a bit more complex than you might expect.
But first, let’s delve into the company’s origins.
A Brief History of DeWalt Tools
DeWalt Tools was founded in 1924 by Raymond DeWalt in Leola, PA. DeWalt, who perfected the first woodworking machine at Seabook Farms, initially came out with the “Wonder-Worker,” an electric universal woodworking machine that could be configured 9 ways.
Before long, DeWalt Tools rapidly expanded its product line, partly to meet the government’s demands for national defense and wartime machinery requirements.
The company would then change hands a couple of times throughout its history.
First, with the American Machine & Foundry Co., Inc. (AMF) in 1949, which would extend the company’s operations into Canada. And then later on with Black & Decker in 1960.
DeWalt Tools introduced its first line of portable electric power tools and accessories designed specifically for remodelers, residential contractors, and professional woodworkers in 1992.
The company manufactures its product line in plants under Black & Decker’s supervision, but its research and marketing division operates independently.
Today, DeWalt Tools stays true to its roots, providing customers with reliable, durable, and professional-grade tools and products.
Going Global: DeWalt’s Evolving Manufacturing Processes
While DeWalt remains to be an American company that continues to operate from the US, its manufacturing processes have evolved over the years due to various factors.
DeWalt’s Global Manufacturing Strategy
For instance, all DeWalt tools were initially manufactured Stateside, particularly in Pennsylvania.
Due to the growing demand for the company’s products and the difficulty that came with getting certain supplies in the US, they had to broaden their manufacturing horizons.
Some of the most common reasons for sourcing materials from abroad include:
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Scarcity. The supplies needed aren’t readily available in the US.
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Cost. Sometimes, the materials available locally aren’t priced sustainably
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Quality. Because DeWalt makes each tool according to its exacting specifications, the company only uses components that hold up to such standards. Occasionally, the ones that tick all the boxes can only be found outside the country.
DeWalt isn’t alone in this, however.
Many other firms in other industries took advantage of rapid globalization in the 2000s and also outsourced some aspects of their production.
Which Countries Contribute to the Production of DeWalt Tools?
Due to its position as an international manufacturing powerhouse, China is an obvious answer.
It isn’t the only country that DeWalt produces parts of its tools in, though.
Other countries like Japan, Korea, the Czech Republic, Thailand, Brazil, Italy, and even the United Kingdom are all manufacturing hubs for DeWalt’s product lines.
Because of the sheer scope of its global manufacturing scheme, DeWalt doesn’t release the exact location of each international plant that produces different components.
Doing so also helps the company safeguard its proprietary information - thus preventing low-quality dupes from coming out on the market.
How Does the Company Choose Its Global Manufacturing Partners?
One key factor is the demand for a certain component or tool in a particular location.
The greater the demand, the better the quality and the more cost-effective the manufacturing process in that country is likely to be. This way, DeWalt can get the best possible material or component at the best possible price - thus passing on considerable savings without compromising the quality to the customer.
A global manufacturing reach also gives DeWalt access to innovative processes or products that might otherwise be unavailable back home.
“Made in the USA With Global Materials:” What Does That Mean?
This isn’t to say that DeWalt no longer makes tools in the US, of course.
Certain products, for instance, come with the “Made in the USA with Global Materials” logo.
This means that while some of their components may have been sourced abroad, the tools were assembled in the US.
The Benefits Of Producing Tools Locally: Factors Behind The Increased Demand For US-Made Tools
Why are so many end-users like you suddenly seeking US-made tools?
One reason is that they’re perceived to be more durable and efficient.
US plants are typically subject to stricter manufacturing standards, which is believed to result in superior craftsmanship. It should be noted, however, that there is little evidence to back this.
So long as the products are subjected to thorough inspection and quality control processes, their quality remains uncompromised - regardless of whether they’re 100% US-made or not.
There are notable advantages on the production side and for the consumer, however.
For example, there’s currently a high demand for cordless tools in the US. By making these tools Stateside, the company is able to respond to the needs of its customers faster.
Where Are Dewalt’s Manufacturing Facilities In The US Located?
As of this writing, DeWalt maintains manufacturing plants in Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Connecticut.
Which DeWalt Products Have The Made In The USA Label?
These include the following:
Power Tools
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20V MAX* Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit with FLEXVOLT® 20V/60V MAX* Battery (DCK299D1T1)
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20V MAX* Compact Drill/Driver and Impact Driver Combo Kit (DCK280C2)
Accessories
Hand Tools
Storage
DeWalt Tools: A World-Class Brand Born in America
DeWalt remains to be an American-owned company that maintains key operations in the US - albeit with certain aspects of its manufacturing processes outsourced to numerous plants all over the world. Its “Made in the USA with Global Materials” label applies to products assembled in compliance with strict US manufacturing standards, but possibly with components sourced from abroad.
To date, the company manufactures over 32 different hand tools, 48 power tools, and 562 types of accessories in the US.
Both domestic and internationally-sourced materials and components figure into the production process, although DeWalt still maintains production facilities locally.
Guaranteed Tough ®: Quality Control and Assurance
Despite a global manufacturing strategy in place to address factors like scarcity, cost, and quality, DeWalt remains committed to ensuring the quality of its tools.
Rigorous testing and inspection processes are part of the company’s efforts to ensure consistency across all manufacturing locations - all leading to a product line that delivers on its trademark Guaranteed Tough® promise, while still maintaining reasonable pricing for its valued customers.
Where Can I Buy US-Made DeWalt Tools?
You can purchase US-made DeWalts tools both online and offline. It’s important to buy only from authorized retailers to ensure that you are getting tools that are both efficient and guaranteed safe for heavy-duty use.
Obtaining DeWalt tools from authorized retailers also makes invoking the warranty easier, should the need arise.
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