Monte will love this, The World Loves 'Made In ...'

[gigamel]

The World Loves 'Made In Germany'

-Products made in Germany enjoy the highest reputation among consumers worldwide, according to a new study.

-Products produced in the United States enjoy a healthy level of respect across the world but "made in USA" is still only tied for eighth place with France and Japan.
China had the second worst score (28 index points) while Iran came rock-bottom (27 index points).

-China ranks #1 in Value for money.

For hand tools I personally rank USofA #1 closely followed by Japan, Germany, UK, France, Italy, Canada, Taiwan

https://www.forbes.com/sites/niallm...ves-made-in-germany-infographic/#1184acef3e32

 

[Dave455]

Not too surprising really!

For many years the German government have understod their manufacturing industries, and created conditions for them to flourish. Compare the 'sensible' rates that German companies pay on their factories compared with the almost punitive levels that British firms are forced to pay!

German managers do their bit too, although some have fallen victim to the practice of outsourcing, the majority seem to understand that quality is important (since you can't compete with the Far East on price) and keep their manufacturing, and their jobs, in Germany! They also seem to have an affinity with, and understanding of, the product that many do not!

Chuck into the mix prices in Euro's, which makes Germann goods a lot cheaper then they would be if they had their own strong currency, and you have a recipe for success!

Don't know what the future holds - in some areas German firms may start to find things getting harder - a lot of long term BMW buyers in my social circle, for example, are starting to look elsewhere on account of their over complication and reliance on unnecessary and expensive computers. On the tool front, I suspect the future is good provided the quality stays high!

I'd pretty much agree with U.S. made tools being in first place, but U.S. managers are doing their companies, and their employees, no favours with their incessant outsourcing. Quality slips and then so does the perception of the brand! When they start being cagey about where tools are made you eventually think 'stuff em' and buy German!

Where hand tools are concerned, I can't really see China as best value for money. In too many cases their stuff just isn't fit for the purpose so it's money wasted! Taiwan probably wins that title, but you have to be careful - sometimes, when you add in all the transport costs, and perhaps some advertising, the stuff can be comparable to a lesser advertised but better quality domestic make!

 

[gigamel]

You are right about outsourcing potentially hurting US brands - Snap on seems to do their utmost to keep production in the good old USofA - not to sure about Mac, Matco, Stanley.

 

[d.mcfarland]

You are right about outsourcing potentially hurting US brands - not to sure about Mac, Matco, Stanley.

I can guarantee you that Mac and Stanely (since they are owned by the same parent company) are solely concerned with profits.

Stock price in 1980 was ~$5 and now its around ~$135, with a sharp spike after the financial crisis of 2008.

 

[Jim C.]

When I'm in the market for a new tool, I'm always looking for USA made stuff first. That being said, I wouldn't even remotely hesitate to buy a tool that was made in Germany, and consider them to be on par with, and sometimes better than USA made tools.

Jim C.

 

[General Geoff]

Yep, I consider Germany to be a top tier tool manufacturer. Every bit the equal of USA and Japan.

 

[d.mcfarland]

 

[gigamel]

I can guarantee you that Mac and Stanely (since they are owned by the same parent company) are solely concerned with profits.

That's just it - can they continue charging Snap on prices when coo is china?

 

[Skin]

I can guarantee you that Mac and Stanely (since they are owned by the same parent company) are solely concerned with profits.

Stock price in 1980 was ~$5 and now its around ~$135, with a sharp spike after the financial crisis of 2008.

People like to **** on Stanley but they definitely have people in the company that recognize the power of advertising USA made. Many of MACs recent additions have been USA, and then theres the DeWalt assembly plant. Its all over many of their products packaging too, wherever they can put it.



Ironically German manufacturers can slap "Made in Germany" on stuff that is only has 20% sourced domestically. Far less than our 90-100%. I read that this was to change in Germany to 80% but im not sure that ever went through.

When it comes to tools personally I personally feel Germany lags well behind us and even countries like Taiwan and Japan.

 

[amishman]

The thing I like about some tools and sets made overseas is the Satin Finish. To me tools from Hazet just look really nice. For some, the look of the tool is also a pulling point on top of its usefulness. I can't afford Hazet but been trying to find nice Satin socket sets in USA to buy. Just not many options it seems.

Hazet and other euro tool companies pack there sockets and the like in nice sturdy boxes with all the tools labeled in the slots they belong. All things that add to that sexxyness. Sexx sells. More money it appears in many cases.

TJ

 

[L.Cheapo]

"You know the Germans make good stuff!"

I forgot all about that guy. Well played, sir.

 

[WittHay]

Germans have the market cornered on specialized stuff like Liebherr cranes and Claas farm equipment. 200 ton cranes and made in China don't mix.

Common things like full size pickups, USA dominates. When is the last time you seen a German pickup.

German tools in my opinion, functional but a step behind USA, Japan and even Taiwan

 

[Skin]

Common things like full size pickups, USA dominates. When is the last time you seen a German pickup.

Not really a fair example considering the US is the only place they sell in huge numbers since its such a status symbol. The rest of the world is more functional. Tradesmen across Europe, and most in the US, primarily use commercial vans (better gas mileage, more room, and enclosed).

They could built a pickup but what would be the point with little to no domestic desire? It took Toyota years to break into the pick-up market and even then their sales still lag way behind the big 2 (and Fiat).

 

[anndel]

Germans have the market cornered on specialized stuff like Liebherr cranes and Claas farm equipment. 200 ton cranes and made in China don't mix.

Common things like full size pickups, USA dominates. When is the last time you seen a German pickup.

German tools in my opinion, functional but a step behind USA, Japan and even Taiwan

Exactly you can't beat the fit and finish and attention to detail of a German-made tool. I say it's a tie for #1 U.S., Germany, Japan, Taiwan, Canada, U.K., France and Spain.

 

[d.mcfarland]

"You know the Germans make good stuff!"

I forgot all about that guy. Well played, sir.

Thank you.

 

[PeterT]

Snap On and Wright Tool are the top brands in my box.

 

[Empty Pockets]

When I need to buy or replace one or more tools, I try to find USA made tools, as my 1st choice. My first option for sockets and drive tools is either SK or Wright, although I still have a large number of CM-USA.

With that said, I've recently added a couple of Knipex pliers to my box, and plan to buy more.

Screwdrivers are, in my mind, disposable. As such, I have a lot of CM-USA made by Western Forge. They are cheap enough in sets that I simply toss them when they wear out or break.

 

[Gmonkee]

Not just German made but made to the DIN standards worldwide.

S. American countries turn out good tools that meet and exceed the quality of the best made in Europe.

 

[dkroth]

Here's the source referenced by Forbes.

https://www.statista.com/page/Made-In-Country-Index

And the infographic:

 

[Skin]

Going to call bunk on that list. Looks like the data collection was centralized around Germany/Austria to begin with. No way average people in NA are going to vote countries like Sweden, Italy, or the UK higher than the US. Other than cars I cant even think of common every day products made in those places that average NA consumers would find on a day to day basis.

 

[Empty Pockets]

Going to call bunk on that list. Looks like the data collection was centralized around Germany/Austria to begin with. No way average people in NA are going to vote countries like Sweden, Italy, or the UK higher than the US. Other than cars I cant even think of common every day products made in those places that average NA consumers would find on a day to day basis.

^^^^^What he said. Looks like a European based survey company

 

[Boilerhouse]

Agreed that the methodology *****. Example - More people from Greece responded to the survey than the US (pop 11 million vs 325 million).

 

[LostBoy(IRL)]

If your from or near a country that makes good quantity products, your going to say it's the best in the world. You have pride in your country. Nothing at all wrong with that.
But there is no surprise in Americans saying USA best, Europeans saying Germany or Britain or any other eu country is best etc. You can source it easier, and it's good quality. When your getting up to a certain standard, the differences between brands are minimal at best surely?