What KMS Tools does

KMS Tools & Equipment is a Canadian-owned specialty retailer of professional-grade tools and equipment, founded in 1983 and headquartered in Coquitlam, British Columbia. The company operates 16 large-format retail showrooms (20,000-30,000+ sq ft each) across Western Canada — spanning British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan — alongside a full e-commerce storefront at kmstools.com and a dedicated industrial sales team serving B2B accounts. Its assortment covers 12+ categories including power tools, cordless tools, hand tools, air tools and compressors, welding equipment, woodworking and metalworking machinery, autobody tools, classic auto restoration (C.A.R. Parts) for Chevrolet/GM, Ford, and Mopar vehicles, outdoor power equipment, safety gear, and shop equipment. KMS carries all major third-party tool brands (Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita, Bosch, Miller Welders) and complements them with two proprietary private-label lines — Magnum (hand tools, brushes, accessories) and Magnum Industrial (heavy-duty woodworking, metalworking, and shop machinery) sold exclusively through KMS.

The company's revenue model is straightforward retail hardware sales across both consumer (DIY enthusiasts, automotive restoration hobbyists) and professional/industrial (tradespeople, mechanics, fabricators, business accounts) customer segments, augmented by recurring vendor-organized sales events (Milwaukee Innovation Tour, DeWalt 'Tough in the North', Makita XGT) that drive foot traffic and exclusive promotional pricing. Unit-level retail pricing is displayed alongside sale prices, with advertised savings up to 30% off everyday pricing and free shipping offered on orders over $99 under 50 lbs. Adjacent revenue streams include gift cards, the KMS Club free loyalty program, the 5 Star Advantage extended warranty/service plan, in-store tool repair services, and a 'Tools For The World' charitable donation program. There are no disclosed funding rounds, external investors, or parent company, and ownership is described as founder/closely held (Stan Pridham identified as founder). The company is currently in an active expansion phase, opening its first Saskatchewan location (Saskatoon, October 2025), relocating Edmonton West to a larger facility (January 2026), and opening a second Calgary store (Calgary North, June 2026).

Name

KMS Tools

Legal name

KMS Tools & Equipment, Inc.

Website

https://kmstools.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1983

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

KMS Tools & Equipment is a Canadian-owned specialty retailer of professional-grade tools and equipment operating 16 large-format showrooms across Western Canada (BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan) plus an e-commerce site, serving professional tradespeople, DIY enthusiasts, classic car restorers, and industrial B2B accounts with major tool brands and proprietary Magnum private-label lines.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Tools & Equipment Retail

NAICS

Other Miscellaneous Durable Goods Merchant Wholesalers (42399), Construction and Mining (except Oil Well) Machinery and Equipment Merchant Wholesalers (423810)

SIC

Wholesale-Durable Goods, Nec (5099)

akta.pro primary industry

Tools & Tool Accessories Retail (Hand, Power, Pneumatic) (CRAIADAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Crafting Tools & Equipment Retail (Cutting, Adhesives, Heat Tools) (CRALACAC)

Keywords

• Power tools retail
• Hand tools distribution
• Welding equipment
• Woodworking machinery
• Automotive restoration parts

Headquarters

HQ city

Coquitlam

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Retail Product Sales: Revenue is generated through the sale of tools, equipment, and related products across multiple categories including power tools, hand tools, welding equipment, woodworking machinery, automotive parts (C.A.R. Parts), and safety equipment. Sales occur through both physical retail store locations and an e-commerce website. The company also offers a loyalty program (KMS Club) and sells gift cards.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

KMS Tools is a Canadian-owned retail distributor that sells professional-grade tools and equipment across 16 major product categories through 16 large-format retail showrooms in Western Canada and the kmstools.com e-commerce website. Its assortment spans power tools, hand tools, air tools, welding equipment, woodworking and metalworking machinery, automotive restoration parts (C.A.R. Parts), outdoor equipment, safety gear, and shop supplies from major brands (Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita, Bosch, Miller) plus its own Magnum and Magnum Industrial private-label lines. Complementary offerings include a free KMS Club loyalty program, 5 Star Advantage extended warranty plan, tool repair services, gift cards, and a dedicated industrial sales team for commercial accounts.

Product overview

KMS Tools & Equipment is a Canadian-owned tool retailer operating as a single unified retail platform with both physical store locations and e-commerce operations. The company offers an extensive portfolio of professional-grade tools and equipment across 16+ categories including power tools, hand tools, woodworking, metalworking, welding, autobody, outdoor equipment, and C.A.R. Parts (classic auto restoration). The core offering centers on major third-party tool brands (Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita, Bosch, Miller Welders, SawStop) complemented by two proprietary sub-brands: Magnum (hand tools, brushes, accessories) and Magnum Industrial (heavy-duty machinery and shop equipment). Beyond product sales, KMS provides services including a free KMS Club loyalty program, the 5 Star Advantage extended warranty plan, an industrial sales team for commercial accounts, tool repair services, gift cards, and the charitable Tools For The World donation program. The company operates 16 retail locations across Western Canada.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Magnum: Professional-grade hand tools, woodworking tools, shop equipment, air tools, and welding equipment under the Magnum brand.
• Magnum Industrial

Products and services

• Magnum Proprietary house brand of professional-grade hand tools, brushes, tool belts, holsters, inspection cameras, and general shop equipment sold exclusively through KMS Tools.
• Magnum Industrial Proprietary house brand of industrial-grade machinery and heavy-duty equipment for professional woodworking and metalworking, including band saws, spindle sanders, machine stands, nailers, air hose reels, and sanding drum kits. Sold exclusively through KMS Tools.
• Air Compressors Complete line of air compressors including portable, stationary, refrigerated air dryers, and air compressor accessories.
• Air Nailers and Staplers Pneumatic fastening tools including flooring nailers, brad and finish nailers, framing nailers, roofing and siding nailers, pin nailers, staple guns, and related fasteners and accessories.
• Air Tools Pneumatic tools including air hammers and chisels, impacts, drills, die grinders, sanders, ratchets, cut-off tools, spray guns, blow guns, hoses, and related accessories.
• Autobody Tools Auto body repair and refinishing equipment including car cleaning products, dent repair tools, masking supplies, Porta Power hydraulic items, sanding equipment, pinstriping supplies, and powder coating equipment.
• C.A.R. Parts Classic and retro auto parts for Chevrolet/GM, Ford, and Mopar vehicles including body panels, interiors, brake systems, suspension, engines, electrical components, fuel systems, and restoration parts.
• Cordless Power Tools Battery-powered cordless tools from major brands including Bosch, DeWalt, Makita, and Milwaukee.
• Hand Tools Manual tools including punches, hammers, pliers, screwdrivers, sockets, wrenches, automotive tools, precision measuring tools, multimeters, Leatherman multi-tools, and tool sets.
• Metalworking Tools Metal fabrication equipment including arbor presses, metal band saws, cold saws, lathes, milling machines, magnetic drills, sheet metal machines, tube benders, bead rollers, and anvils.
• Outdoor Tools & Equipment Outdoor power equipment and landscaping tools including portable generators, shop heaters, pressure washers, water pumps, landscaping tools, and garden equipment.
• Power Tools Electric power tools including saws, drills, grinders, sanders, routers, demolition hammers, polishers, shop vacs, and related accessories.
• Safety Equipment Personal protective equipment including ear protection, safety glasses, fall protection harnesses, first aid supplies, work gloves, hard hats, respirators, and safety vests.
• Shop Equipment Workshop equipment including battery chargers, engine hoists, jacks and stands, hydraulic presses, bench grinders, car lifts, shop vacs, and trailer accessories.
• Tool Boxes & Storage Tool storage solutions including jobsite boxes, tool chests, tool carts, portable tool boxes, tool organizers, and garage storage systems.
• Welders & Welding Equipment Welding equipment including MIG welders, TIG welders, stick welders, engine-driven welders, plasma cutters, multi-process welders, welding supplies, and related safety equipment.
• Woodworking Tools Woodworking equipment including clamps, dust collection systems, joinery jigs, woodworking machinery, sharpeners, woodturning tools, router bits, saw blades, and sandpaper.
• 5 Star Advantage Plan Extended protection and warranty program for tool purchases made at KMS Tools.
• Service & Repair Shop Repair services for power tools and equipment provided at KMS Tools retail locations.
• Industrial Sales Team Dedicated sales team serving commercial and industrial customers with credit applications, bulk pricing, and specialized procurement support.
• Gift Cards Gift cards available for purchase and redemption at KMS Tools stores and online.

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Milwaukee ToolcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor brand partner for one-day sales events featuring exclusive pricing, product demonstrations, and giveaways. Milwaukee reps attend events at KMS Tools locations across Canada. Events include Milwaukee Innovation Tour, MX FUEL heavy-duty equipment launches, and regular promotional sales.
• DeWalt (Black + Yellow)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerPrimary brand partner with 'Tough in the North' sales event series. Multiple annual events featuring 200+ products at exclusive pricing. DeWalt reps provide on-site demonstrations. KMS Tools claims one of the largest DeWalt selections in Canada.
• MakitacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand partner for XGT 40Vmax promotional events featuring high-power cordless tools. Makita representatives attend events for product demonstrations. Events promote Makita's new XGT product line.
• Magnum IndustrialcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerProprietary house brand of industrial-grade woodworking, metalworking, and shop equipment. KMS Tools exclusive retailer. Products include band saws, lathes, machine stands, sanders, and air tools. Features 10-day sales events with 300+ items.
• Magnum ToolscoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerProprietary house brand of professional-grade hand tools, brushes, inspection cameras, and general tools. Sold exclusively through KMS Tools. Regular promotional events and flyer features.
• Bosch Power ToolsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFeatured brand partner with periodic 'Spend and Get' rebate promotions. Products include laser measures, cordless tools, and accessories.
• Miller WeldersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFeatured welding brand partner. Products include MIG, TIG, and stick welders. Featured in welding category with regular promotional pricing.
• AccuAir SuspensionminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAir suspension vendor for C.A.R. Parts category. Products include air ride kits, compressors, tanks, and controls for automotive customization.
• Wilwood Disc BrakesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPerformance brake systems vendor for C.A.R. Parts category, serving automotive restoration and custom build market.
• Ridetech SuspensionsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSuspension systems vendor for C.A.R. Parts category, providing lowering kits and suspension components for vehicle customization.
• World Vision / Tools For The WorldminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharitable partnership accepting tool donations for shipment to developing communities. Containers shipped to Honduras and Somalia. Community donation drives held at store locations.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Princess Auto: Canadian family-owned retailer/wholesaler of tools, equipment, and related products across ~50 stores nationwide. Most direct comparable to KMS in terms of assortment breadth (hand tools, power tools, automotive, welding), large-format stores, and B2B/consumer mix.
• Acklands-Grainger: Canada's largest industrial distributor (subsidiary of Grainger), serving business customers with MRO supplies, tools, and safety equipment. Direct comparable to KMS's industrial/B2B sales motion.

Broad incumbents

• Home Depot Canada: Largest home improvement retailer in Canada, carrying power tools, hand tools, and contractor supplies. Overlaps significantly with KMS's professional tradesperson and DIY customer base, with national scale KMS lacks.
• Lowe's Canada (Rona / Réno-Dépôt): Canadian operations of Lowe's including Rona and Réno-Dépôt banners; broad-line home improvement retailer with strong presence in Quebec and Eastern Canada, competing with KMS for pro and DIY customers.
• Canadian Tire: Iconic Canadian retailer with extensive tool, hardware, and automotive assortment across hundreds of stores. Competes with KMS in hand tools, power tools, and automotive parts, with broader household goods mix.
• Grainger: North American industrial supply MRO distributor serving business customers with tools, safety, and equipment. Comparable to KMS in industrial customer focus and product breadth, but at much larger scale.
• Home Hardware: Canadian dealer-owned hardware retail cooperative with strong rural and small-town presence. Competes with KMS in hand tools, hardware, and contractor supplies, particularly in smaller Western Canadian markets.
• Amazon (Tools & Home Improvement category): Dominant e-commerce marketplace offering the same major tool brands (Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita) sold by KMS, often at competitive prices with fast shipping. Represents the primary online competitive threat to KMS's e-commerce channel.

Emerging players

• Lee Valley Tools: Canadian specialty retailer of woodworking tools, gardening, and shop equipment. Overlaps with KMS's woodworking category and professional/hobbyist customer base, but with a narrower, premium positioning.

Regional players

• Wajax: Canadian industrial distributor of equipment, parts, and aftermarket services including power tools and shop equipment. Comparable B2B/industrial distribution model, though heavier on heavy industrial and truck/equipment categories.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/kmstools
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/KMSToolsEquipment
• Facebookfacebook.com/KMS.Tools
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kms-tools-&-equipment
• Instagraminstagram.com/kmstools

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about KMS Tools