2018 is a big year for Hitachi Power Tools, with a rebranding, new offices in Europe and ambitious growth plans. We already knew that Hitachi Power Tools will become HiKOKI (pronounced Hai‐koh‐key) from October. Now details have emerged that North America will have a different rebranding - to Metabo HPT.
The Metabo HPT brand will be seen across power tools, fasteners, accessories and outdoor power equipment in North America, with the transition starting from September, coinciding with the launch of Multivolt.
Products will retain the current brand identity, with the same colours, model numbers, warranties and battery interchangeability. The firm added they are made by the same people in the same factories.
The rebrandings come after Hitachi Power Tools was acquired by KKR in early 2017. We've got an interview with Hitachi on the changes here.
As Hitachi Power Tools changes its name in the North American market to Metabo HPT, the original Metabo brand headquartered in West Chester, PA will remain. These two distinct brands, Metabo HPT and Metabo, are part of the parent company, Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd (scheduled to change the name to Koki Holdings Co., Ltd in June 2018).