Who Makes Hart Tools for Walmart in 2024 (Uncovered)
Hart tools sold across over 4,000 Walmart stores in the US are manufactured by Techtronic Industries (TTI), a Hong Kong-based power tools giant with major production facilities in China. By partnering with Walmart as the exclusive retailer, Hart has cemented itself as a go-to value brand for shoppers over recent years.
Hart‘s Growth Trajectory at Walmart
When TTI acquired Hart in 2007, it already had strong manufacturing capacities in place to scale production for the US market:
- 130,000+ employees across factories in China and other Asian countries
- Catalog of more than 3,500 power tools models
- 14% market share in North America as of 2021
Since the Walmart partnership began, Hart has experienced steady growth in store penetration and sales:
- Available at 2,300 Walmart stores in 2018 → 4,000+ stores now
- 29% year-over-year sales growth from 2020 to 2021
Industry experts project 8-12% CAGR for Hart over the next 5 years thanks to the Walmart distribution advantage and focus on innovation.
Key Manufacturing Details
While some Hart tools are designed in the USA, manufacturing is primarily handled across TTI‘s facilities abroad:
| Country | Main Hart Products | Est. Output Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| China | Power drills, wrenches, saws | 500k+ units/year |
| Vietnam | Hammers, pliers, screwdrivers | 100k+ units/year |
| Mexico | Tape measures, utility knives | 250k+ units/year |
By leveraging TTI‘s massive production volumes, Hart tools at Walmart can compete aggressively on price with other value brands:
| Brand | Circular Saw | Impact Drill Combo Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Hart | $39 | $59 |
| Black & Decker | $42 | $69 |
| Craftsman | $55 | $79 |
Vertical integration and TTI‘s vast supplier network gives control over costs – translating to everyday low prices for Walmart shoppers.
Product Development and Innovation
Hart retains its long-held reputation for hammer innovations – producing user-friendly designs like the Torque-Lok hammer in 2021 featuring an anti-vibration handle.
With TTI‘s R&D spending of over $400 million annually, exciting new products are always in the pipeline:
- Hart 18V Brushless power tools launching in late 2023
- Push towards lithium batteries across all cordless models
- Expanded outdoor power equipment range
The Verdict from DIYers
Surveys among home-improvement bloggers give a decent rating for Hart‘s quality and performance given the affordable pricing tiers. As Bob Vila puts it: "You can count on Hart‘s tools to be budget-friendly and reliable for work around your home".
83% of 2000+ reviewers on Walmart.com would recommend the Hart 20-Volt Drill and Impact Driver Kit – citing its great value for homeowners over pros.
The Exclusivity Advantage
By naming Walmart as the only authorized retailer of Hart products nationwide, TTI gains unmatched distribution power. Walmart also cultivates customer loyalty for a brand tailored to their everyday low price proposition.
For Walmart, Hart brings a value brand appeal not replicable with more premium names – accessible to DYIers on strict budgets. Exclusivity also builds competitive differentiation against Home Depot and Lowe‘s.
Through this partnership, Hart is positioned as the go-to power tool line across thousands of Walmart stores country-wide.
Final Thoughts
The scale, vertical integration and retail distribution offered by TTI places Hart as a standout value brand for Walmart shoppers compared to other DIY tool offerings. With continual innovation pipeline from TTI and Hart designers, the product line is well-equipped to keep gaining customer loyalty.
