Apex Tool Group
Apex Tool Group is a privately held global manufacturer of professional hand and power tools, operating 20+ plants across 30+ countries with ~7,500 employees and 30+ owned brands including GEARWRENCH, Crescent, SATA, Cleco, and Weller, serving industrial, automotive, aerospace, construction, and electronics markets.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2010
- HeadquartersSparks Glencoe, United States
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Apex Tool Group does
Apex Tool Group, LLC is a privately held global manufacturer of professional hand and power tools, organized under more than 30 owned brands including GEARWRENCH (ratcheting wrenches), Crescent, SATA (mechanics hand tools), Cleco (industrial pneumatic and cordless assembly tools), Weller (industrial soldering), and APEX (assembly and fabrication). The company serves six primary end markets: industrial maintenance and production, vehicle service, motor vehicle manufacturing (OEM fastening), aerospace, construction and DIY, and electronics manufacturing. ATG's products span hand tools (wrenches, pliers, cutting tools, hammers, tool storage, drill chucks) and power tools (electric, pneumatic, cordless assembly, soldering), with proprietary innovations including compound-action pliers, electronic torque wrenches, and the CellClutch Connect cordless electric platform.
The company operates more than 20 manufacturing facilities across North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, supported by approximately 7,500 employees in more than 30 countries. Its go-to-market relies on a global distributor and retailer network, supplemented by private-label manufacturing for large retailers and industrial distributors and direct brand websites that route traffic to where-to-buy pages. The revenue model is one-time product sales (not subscription or licensing) with quote-based B2B pricing for industrial customers; pricing is not publicly disclosed.
ATG was formed in its current corporate structure in 2010, with operating heritage extending back more than 160 years through predecessor brands. It was acquired by Bain Capital Partners in 2013 from Danaher Corporation and Eaton for approximately $1.6 billion, and is currently owned by private equity firms TPG Angelo Gordon and American Industrial Partners. In 2026 the company divested Campbell Chain & Fittings to Hillman Solutions, relocated its North America headquarters to Hunt Valley, Maryland, and named Chris Keffer (formerly CEO of STIHL Inc.) as its new CEO, signaling a strategic and operational refresh under continued PE ownership.
Apex Tool Group firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Apex Tool Group
- Legal name
- Apex Tool Group, LLC
- Website
- https://apextoolgroup.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2010
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- Apex Tool Group is a privately held global manufacturer of professional hand and power tools, operating 20+ plants across 30+ countries with ~7,500 employees and 30+ owned brands including GEARWRENCH, Crescent, SATA, Cleco, and Weller, serving industrial, automotive, aerospace, construction, and electronics markets.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Apex Tool Group industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Professional Hand and Power Tools
- NAICS
- Power-Driven Handtool Manufacturing (333991), Saw Blade and Handtool Manufacturing (332216), Cutlery and Handtool Manufacturing (3322), Cutting Tool and Machine Tool Accessory Manufacturing (333515)
- SIC
- Cutlery, Handtools & General Hardware (3420), Machine Tools, Metal Cutting Types (3541), General Industrial Machinery & Equipment (3560)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Tools & Tool Accessories Retail (Hand, Power, Pneumatic) (CRAIADAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Metal Cutting Tools, Tooling & Workholding (Cutters, Inserts, Chucks, Fixtures) (IMAHADAB), Soldering, Rework & Electronics Hand Tools Retail (CRACAKAG)
Keywords
Where Apex Tool Group is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Sparks Glencoe
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices22 records
Markets served
Apex Tool Group business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Hand and Power Tool Sales: ATG designs, manufactures, markets, and sells proprietary brands including GEARWRENCH, Crescent, SATA, Cleco, Weller, and APEX. The company serves multiple global markets including motor vehicles, aerospace, electronics, energy, hardware, industrial, and consumer retail.
- Private Label Manufacturing: ATG manufactures select, premier private label mechanics tools for large retailers and industrial distributors.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels4 records
Apex Tool Group product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Apex Tool Group designs, manufactures, markets, and sells professional hand and power tools under proprietary brands including GEARWRENCH, Crescent, SATA, Cleco, Weller, and APEX, serving motor vehicle, aerospace, electronics, energy, hardware, industrial, and consumer retail end markets. The company also manufactures select, premier private label mechanics tools for large retailers and industrial distributors and operates more than 20 manufacturing facilities globally.
Product overview
Apex Tool Group manufactures professional hand and power tools under multiple sub-brands, serving industrial, vehicle service, motor vehicle, aerospace, construction/DIY, and electronics markets. The product portfolio is organized into two main categories: Hand Tools (GEARWRENCH, Crescent Tools, SATA, APEX) and Power Tools (Cleco, Weller). Hand tools include mechanics tools, trade tools, specialty tools, chain, truck boxes, jobsite storage, and drill chucks. Power tools comprise electric, pneumatic, and air tools, as well as high-performance bits, torque measurement, metal cutting, and drilling solutions. The company also manufactures premier private label mechanics tools for retailers and industrial distributors.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- GEARWRENCH: Leading hand tool brand focused on speed, strength, and access, known for innovative products like the ratcheting wrench.
- Crescent Tools
- SATA
- Cleco
- Weller
- APEX
- Allen
- Armstrong Tools
- Campbell
- Erem
- H.K. Porter
- Jacobs Chuck
- Jobox
- K-D Tools
- Lufkin
- Nicholson
- Plumb
- Wiss
- Dotco
- Quackenbush
- Recoules
- Airetool
- Diamond
- K&F
- MAYLE
- Metronix
Products and services
- GEARWRENCH hand tools Innovative hand tool brand focused on speed, strength, and access, known for the ratcheting wrench and customer-driven product design. Serves professional mechanics and vehicle service technicians across automotive, industrial, and construction markets.
- Crescent Tools hand tools Professional hand tool brand offering strength, durability, and user-centric design with a portfolio of mechanics tools, striking tools, measuring tools, and jobsite storage. Consolidates legacy brands including Wiss, Lufkin, Nicholson, H.K. Porter, and JOBOX.
- SATA mechanics hand tools Premium mechanics hand tool brand with lifetime warranty, serving automotive, manufacturing, construction, MRO, trade services, and aerospace professionals worldwide.
- Cleco power tools and fastening solutions Industrial power tools and fastening solutions, including electric, pneumatic, and air tools for automotive, heavy truck, large appliances, and agriculture industries. Includes the CellClutch Connect cordless electric platform.
- Weller soldering products Global hand soldering tool portfolio for industrial soldering needs, including the WXSmart 2-Channel 70W smart-connected soldering station. Serves electronics manufacturing and repair.
- APEX assembly and fabrication tools Ready-made and custom tools for automotive, aerospace, electronics, and other assembly and fabrication industries, including APEX Bits and Fastenders produced at the Dayton facility.
- CellClutch Connect cordless electric tool Cordless electric tool available in pistol and right angle configurations from Cleco, designed for production fastening applications.
- Crescent 16 oz Rip Claw Hammer with Fiberglass Handle Professional 16 oz rip claw hammer with fiberglass handle, designed for durability and strength in striking applications.
- Weller WXSmart Soldering Station Industrial 2-channel 70W smart-connected soldering station for electronics manufacturing and repair applications.
- Private label mechanics tools manufacturing Contract manufacturing service that produces select, premier private label mechanics tools for large retailers and industrial distributors, leveraging ATG's global manufacturing footprint.
Companies that use Apex Tool Group
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles7 records
Apex Tool Group technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Apex Tool Group partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- Hillman SolutionsminorHillman Solutions acquired Campbell Chain & Fittings from Apex Tool Group in April 2026. The acquisition added U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities in York, Pennsylvania and Sumter, South Carolina, with expected contribution of over $20 million in net sales during fiscal 2026.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Apex Tool Group competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Makita Corporation: Makita is a Japanese global manufacturer of professional power tools, including cordless drills, saws, grinders, and fastening tools, sold through industrial and construction channels. It is one of the closest direct peers to ATG's professional power tool business and competes for the same vehicle service, industrial, and construction end users.
- Klein Tools: Klein Tools is a U.S. manufacturer of professional hand tools (pliers, screwdrivers, wrenches, cutters) primarily serving electricians, tradespeople, and industrial customers. It is a direct peer to ATG's Crescent, GEARWRENCH, and SATA hand tool brands in the professional trades channel with comparable price points and end users.
- Snap-on Incorporated: Snap-on is a leading global manufacturer and distributor of professional tools, diagnostics, and equipment primarily sold through mobile tool truck distribution to vehicle service and industrial customers. It directly overlaps with ATG's professional hand tool portfolio (Crescent, GEARWRENCH, SATA) and shares the same vehicle service and industrial end markets.
- Wright Tool Company: Wright Tool is a U.S. manufacturer of professional-grade hand tools (wrenches, sockets, pliers) serving industrial, automotive, and aerospace customers through industrial distributors. It directly competes with ATG's GEARWRENCH and Crescent professional hand tool lines in similar industrial channels and end markets.
- Channellock: Channellock is a U.S. manufacturer of pliers, hand tools, and specialty tools known for tongue-and-groove pliers, sold through hardware and industrial channels. It is a direct peer to ATG's pliers and hand tool categories (including Crescent and compound action pliers innovation) targeting professional trades and DIY customers.
- Hilti Group: Hilti is a Liechtenstein-based global manufacturer of premium professional power tools, fastening systems, and software services primarily serving construction and industrial customers via direct sales. It is a direct peer to ATG's APEX Assembly & Fabrication and Cleco industrial fastening businesses, particularly in aerospace and motor vehicle applications.
- Techtronic Industries (Milwaukee Tool): Techtronic Industries owns Milwaukee, Ryobi, and AEG power tool brands and is a dominant player in professional and DIY cordless power tools. It competes head-to-head with ATG's Cleco cordless platform (CellClutch Connect) and is a primary benchmark in the cordless fastening and power tool category ATG is investing in.
Broad incumbents
- Stanley Black & Decker: Stanley Black & Decker is the largest publicly traded tool manufacturer globally with iconic brands (DeWalt, Craftsman, Stanley, Black+Decker, Porter-Cable) spanning hand tools, power tools, and outdoor equipment. It is a broad incumbent and a key benchmark competitor for ATG across virtually every category ATG serves, and it is the most comparable company by product breadth.
- Robert Bosch Power Tools: Bosch Power Tools (part of Robert Bosch GmbH) is one of the world's largest power tool manufacturers with strong positions in professional and DIY cordless tools, accessories, and measuring tools. It is a broad incumbent with overlapping product categories and competes with ATG across automotive aftermarket, construction, and industrial segments.
Emerging players
- Wera Tools: Wera is a German premium hand tool manufacturer known for screwdrivers, bits, and ratcheting tools, often positioned as a higher-end professional alternative. It is an emerging premium brand competing in similar professional hand tool niches as ATG's GEARWRENCH and Wera-branded screwdrivers and bits.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Apex Tool Group social profiles
Digital presenceApex Tool Group financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Apex Tool Group leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Apex Tool Group subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
Apex Tool Group funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Apex Tool Group M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A2 records
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Apex Tool Group
What does Apex Tool Group do?
Apex Tool Group designs, manufactures, markets, and sells professional hand and power tools under proprietary brands including GEARWRENCH, Crescent, SATA, Cleco, Weller, and APEX, serving motor vehicle, aerospace, electronics, energy, hardware, industrial, and consumer retail end markets. The company also manufactures select, premier private label mechanics tools for large retailers and industrial distributors and operates more than 20 manufacturing facilities globally.
Is Apex Tool Group a public or private company?
Apex Tool Group is a private company. It is classified as private equity controlled and is currently operating.
When was Apex Tool Group founded?
Apex Tool Group was founded in 2010. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is Apex Tool Group based?
Apex Tool Group is headquartered in Sparks Glencoe, United States, in the North America region.
How does Apex Tool Group make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Hand and Power Tool Sales are the primary driver. The others are private Label Manufacturing.
Who are Apex Tool Group's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Makita Corporation, Klein Tools, Snap-on Incorporated, Wright Tool Company, Channellock, Hilti Group and Techtronic Industries (Milwaukee Tool). Broad incumbents are Stanley Black & Decker and Robert Bosch Power Tools. Wera Tools is listed as an emerging player.
Does Apex Tool Group have an API?
No public API is recorded for Apex Tool Group.
What industry is Apex Tool Group in?
Apex Tool Group's product category is Professional Hand and Power Tools. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAIADAB, Tools & Tool Accessories Retail (Hand, Power, Pneumatic), with a secondary code of IMAHADAB, Metal Cutting Tools, Tooling & Workholding (Cutters, Inserts, Chucks, Fixtures). Its NAICS code is 333991 and its SIC code is 3420.