MTD Holdings: A Legacy in Lawn and Garden Equipment

MTD Holdings, formerly known as MTD Products Inc., is a prominent American manufacturer of outdoor power equipment, with a strong focus on lawn maintenance, tree care, and landscape maintenance. The company was founded in 1932 and has its headquarters in Valley City, Ohio, USA. MTD Holdings operates as a subsidiary of Stanley Black & Decker since August 2021, when Stanley Black & Decker acquired the majority of the company. Here, we explore the history, key brands, and product lines associated with MTD Holdings.

History and Evolution

• Early Beginnings: MTD’s journey traces back to 1932 when it was founded as “Modern Tool and Die Company.” Initially, the company specialized in manufacturing tools and dies.
• Diversification: Over the years, MTD diversified its product offerings. In 1952, it entered the bicycle manufacturing industry, producing a range of bicycles and related items.
• Expansion into Garden Equipment: In 1954, MTD ventured into the garden equipment sector with the production of wheelbarrows. It continued its expansion by introducing a 46 cm (18-inch) power rotary mower in 1958.
• Broadening Product Lines: MTD expanded its product lines to include self-propelled lawn mowers, garden tractors, and other power equipment in 1959. This marked a significant move into the lawn and garden power equipment industry.
• International Presence: MTD’s growth extended beyond U.S. borders. In 1962, it purchased Sehl Engineering Ltd. of Canada, leading to the establishment of MTD Products, Ltd., and then MTD Canada.
• Bicycle Lineup: Starting in 1966, MTD introduced a line of bicycles, including muscle bikes and a chopper called the MTD SS5 Chopper, merging the Columbia and MTD brands in the process. MTD was a significant player in the high-rise bicycle market during this period.
• Brand Acquisitions: MTD acquired various brands and companies over the years. Notable acquisitions include Troy-Bilt, Bolens, Cub Cadet, Craftsman, Yard-Man, and Remington. The Cub Cadet product line was acquired from International Harvester in 1981.
• Manufacturing Facilities: In terms of manufacturing facilities, MTD established a 160,000 square foot plant in Brownsville, Tennessee, in 1980. The company’s Martin, Tennessee plant became operational in 1985, and it also acquired Arnold Corporation in the same year.
• Global Reach: MTD continued to expand its international presence. It opened a manufacturing facility in Hungary in 2000, allowing the company to produce engines and related garden products. MTD’s acquisition of Garden Way in 2001 brought the Troy-Bilt and Bolens brands into its portfolio.
• Stanley Black & Decker Acquisition: In a significant development, Stanley Black & Decker acquired a 20% stake in MTD Products in September 2018, with the option to acquire the remaining 80% starting in July 2021. Stanley Black & Decker exercised this option, making MTD a part of its portfolio in August 2021.

Key Brands and Product Lines

MTD Holdings operates a diverse range of brands and product lines in the lawn and garden equipment sector. Some of the notable brands associated with MTD Holdings include:

• Cub Cadet
• Craftsman
• Troy-Bilt
• Remington
• Robomow
• Rover
• Wolf-Garten
• Columbia
• Yard Machines
• Bolens

These brands offer a wide array of consumer and commercial lawn equipment, groundskeeping equipment, and related products.

MTD Holdings’ acquisition by Stanley Black & Decker further solidified the company’s presence in the outdoor power equipment industry and expanded its ability to offer innovative and reliable equipment to consumers and professionals.

For more information about their products and services, you can visit the MTD Products Inc. official website.