Who Manufactures Chicago Electric power tools?

Answer 1

Harbor Freight Tools

Answer 2

Chicago Electric power tools are a private-label brand of Harbor Freight. The tools are produced by various chinese factories under license by Harbor Freight so there is no one company or location where they are produced. They are generally considered lower quality or entry level tools because they do not have the same design and engineering which goes into famous maker tools like Makita and Dewalt (despite the fact that these tools are also produced in similar factories).

The key to the Harbor Freight model is a name that sounds "solid" and prices substantially lower than other famous brands but buyer beware...you get what you pay for.

The brand concept behind Chicago Electric is based a well known manufacturer "Chicago Pneumatic". From the red and black logo and product scheme, Harbor Freight successfully created what I call a brand overlay by positioning Chicago Electric as a "one in the same" to Chicago Pneumatic. The brand overlay strategy launched by Harbor Freight has negatively impacted Chicago Pneumatics Brand position that was established well over a hundred years ago in Chicago, IL. CP (Chicago Pneumatic) has invested heavily in re-establishing their brand a leading provider of quality industrial pneumatic products. Although CP's marketing efforts has made progress in the industrial sector, the market segment and product lines primarily effected by the Chicago Electric brand falls within 0 .5-10 hp piston air compressors and light industrial tools which cater to the low - mid market consumer. However, the brand perception is not isolated to the mid- market consumer. Recent distributor and buyer reports show consumer perception of the CP brand has crossed over into industrial grade markets.

This includes ancillary items, rotary screw compressors and related industrial class offerings. A majority of consumers across a wide spectrum of demographic, professional and economic levels cannot distinguish the difference between the brands CP (Chicago Pneumatic) and (CE- Chicago Electric). The overall buyer assumption is that both brands are associated with the Harbor Freight retailer. This underlines the impacts to Chicago Pneumatic profits and earnings and moreover the long term damage to the CP brand which is significant and ongoing. The Chicago Electric name under Harbor Freight is widely perceived as a low cost and low quality product offering 0.05-10 HP air compressors and tools designed as a throw away product after short term use. CP (Chicago Pneumatic) manufactures quality compressed air machinery, parts and related products and was originally established in Chicago, IL over a hundred years ago. CP operates a factory and distribution center in Rock Hill, SC.

Answer 3

Chicago Electric are all made in China. That alone will prevent me ever buying one, no matter who owns the company.

Answer 4

Harbor Freight Tools