Does Milwaukee Own Ryobi?
Many people who use power tools wonder if Milwaukee owns Ryobi. The two brands often appear side by side in stores and share similar battery systems, which makes the question even more common. The truth is simple but often misunderstood. Milwaukee does not own Ryobi. Both brands are connected through a larger company known as Techtronic Industries, or TTI for short.
TTI is one of the world’s largest tool manufacturers. It owns, operates, and licenses several well-known power tool brands, including Milwaukee, Ryobi, Hoover, AEG, Hart, and Oreck. Even though Milwaukee and Ryobi sit under the same corporate roof, they target different users, use different technologies, and follow separate design goals.
This article explains the ownership structure, brand differences, and how their connection affects quality, pricing, and performance.
Who Owns Milwaukee?
Milwaukee Tool began in 1924 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The company started small, focusing on producing tools for professional tradesmen. Over the decades, it built a strong reputation for reliability and innovation. Milwaukee became known for heavy-duty power tools used by electricians, carpenters, plumbers, and construction workers.
In 2005, Techtronic Industries (TTI) acquired Milwaukee Tool. TTI is a global company based in Hong Kong, with factories and offices around the world. It also owns brands such as Hoover, Dirt Devil, AEG, and Hart Tools.
Under TTI’s leadership, Milwaukee expanded rapidly. The company now focuses mainly on professional-grade cordless tools, especially those under the M12 and M18 battery platforms. Milwaukee tools are recognized for strength, precision, and long-lasting performance.
Even after becoming part of TTI, Milwaukee continues to operate as its own brand with separate engineers, product lines, and marketing teams.
Who Owns Ryobi?
Ryobi has a very different history. It began in Japan in 1943 under the name Ryobi Limited. The company originally made die-cast parts for cars and machinery, not tools. Over time, Ryobi expanded into producing power tools and outdoor equipment.
In the early 2000s, Ryobi Limited sold or licensed its power tool division to Techtronic Industries (TTI) for global markets outside Japan. This means TTI has the right to design, manufacture, and sell Ryobi power tools and outdoor products under the Ryobi brand name.
Meanwhile, Ryobi Limited in Japan still exists and continues to produce die-cast components and printing equipment. So, Ryobi the tool brand and Ryobi Limited the Japanese company are connected by name but operate in separate areas.
The Relationship Between Milwaukee and Ryobi
Both Milwaukee and Ryobi fall under the umbrella of Techtronic Industries, but that doesn’t mean one owns the other. Instead, they are sister brands. TTI owns Milwaukee directly and holds a license to produce Ryobi-branded tools.
Here’s the simple breakdown:
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Milwaukee = Owned by TTI.
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Ryobi = Licensed and operated by TTI (for power tools and outdoor equipment).
So, while Milwaukee and Ryobi share a parent company, they remain separate brands with different design teams, marketing goals, and target audiences.
Why Are They Under the Same Parent Company?
TTI uses a multi-brand strategy. It manages many tool brands that serve different markets and price ranges. This lets the company reach every type of customer — from professional builders to weekend DIYers.
Market Segmentation
TTI divides its tool brands by user type:
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Milwaukee: Built for professionals, tradespeople, and industrial use.
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Ryobi: Built for homeowners, hobbyists, and light to medium-duty projects.
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Hart: Focused on affordability and sold mainly at Walmart.
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AEG: Targets European professionals and trades.
Each brand serves its own audience, reducing overlap and competition within the same company.
Shared Technology and Resources
Even though Milwaukee and Ryobi are separate, they may share research, manufacturing technology, and testing facilities through TTI. This helps keep quality consistent while controlling costs.
Brand Identity
Each brand keeps its own style and purpose. Milwaukee is known for toughness, power, and precision, while Ryobi is known for value, accessibility, and ease of use.
This balance allows TTI to stay strong in both professional and consumer markets.
Differences Between Milwaukee and Ryobi
While both brands come from the same corporate family, they are designed for different levels of use.
1. Target Users
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Milwaukee tools are made for full-time contractors, tradesmen, and industry workers.
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Ryobi tools are meant for casual users, homeowners, and small projects.
2. Price Range
Milwaukee products cost more because of higher build quality, stronger motors, and professional-grade performance. Ryobi tools are budget-friendly, giving good value for light work.
3. Battery Systems
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Milwaukee has M12 (12V) and M18 (18V) systems for professionals.
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Ryobi uses the ONE+ 18V system, which fits hundreds of tools in the same line.
Both systems are reliable, but Milwaukee’s batteries generally last longer under heavy load.
4. Tool Design
Milwaukee tools often have metal gear housings, stronger torque, and better ergonomics for daily use.
Ryobi tools have lighter plastic housings and are easier to handle for beginners.
5. Warranty and Service
Both brands offer strong warranties. Milwaukee provides longer coverage for many tools, while Ryobi offers accessible support for budget buyers.
Does TTI Make Both Brands in the Same Factory?
Not always. TTI operates factories in China, Vietnam, Mexico, and the United States.
Some factories may produce tools for both brands, but each product line follows unique standards, materials, and inspections.
For example:
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Milwaukee tools often go through stricter testing and use more advanced electronics.
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Ryobi tools are built for affordability and efficiency, not heavy industrial use.
So, even if both tools come from the same parent company, they are made differently from the start.
Why People Think Milwaukee Owns Ryobi
The confusion is easy to understand. Both brands appear in big stores like Home Depot, use similar packaging colors (red and green), and share a global parent company. Many users also see both brands mentioned together in tool reviews and assume one owns the other. In truth, Milwaukee and Ryobi sit side by side under TTI — like siblings in the same family.
What It Means for You as a Buyer
Knowing the difference helps you pick the right tool.
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Buy Milwaukee if you need strength, endurance, and precision for professional or daily work.
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Buy Ryobi if you want affordable, easy-to-use tools for home repair, gardening, or DIY projects.
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Both brands deliver good value — but for different types of users.
This shared ownership also means both brands benefit from modern technology, global supply chains, and consistent battery innovation from TTI.
FAQs
Q1: Does Milwaukee own Ryobi?
No. Milwaukee and Ryobi are both connected through their parent company, Techtronic Industries. Milwaukee does not own Ryobi.
Q2: Are Milwaukee and Ryobi tools made in the same factory?
Sometimes, yes. Some parts or tools may come from the same TTI facility. But Milwaukee and Ryobi products follow separate production lines, quality checks, and materials.
Q3: Why do both brands use the same type of batteries?
They don’t share the same system. Milwaukee uses its own M12 and M18 platforms. Ryobi uses the ONE+ 18V system. Both are made by TTI but not cross-compatible.
Q4: Is Ryobi a professional tool brand?
No. Ryobi focuses on home users and DIYers. It’s reliable for light projects but not designed for full-time industrial use.
Q5: Are Milwaukee tools better than Ryobi?
For heavy-duty use, yes. Milwaukee tools have stronger build quality, higher torque, and longer battery life. Ryobi tools are more affordable and easier for beginners.
Q6: Who owns Techtronic Industries?
TTI is a public company based in Hong Kong. It trades on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and operates worldwide.
Conclusion
Milwaukee does not own Ryobi. Both brands belong to the same parent company, Techtronic Industries (TTI). Milwaukee focuses on professional-grade tools, while Ryobi targets homeowners and DIY users. Their connection comes from shared ownership, not from one company owning the other.
This setup allows TTI to cover a wide market — from construction professionals to weekend woodworkers. Milwaukee brings power and precision. Ryobi brings value and simplicity. So, next time you see both brands in the same store, remember: they’re part of the same family, but they’re built for very different kinds of work.