Direct Answer: Who Manufactures Craftsman Mowers
Craftsman mowers are built by MTD Products Company, the primary manufacturer of Craftsman outdoor power equipment since the 1980s. MTD is currently owned by Husqvarna Group, which acquired the Craftsman brand and its manufacturing operations in 2017. Craftsman lawn mowers are produced at MTD facilities primarily located in the United States, with components sourced globally.
Current Manufacturer: MTD Products Company
MTD Products Company serves as the actual manufacturer and builder of Craftsman lawn mowers and outdoor power equipment. This distinction is important: MTD is the company that physically designs, engineers, and assembles Craftsman mowers, while Husqvarna Group owns the Craftsman brand itself.
MTD’s role includes:
- Engineering and design of Craftsman mower models
- Manufacturing at company-owned facilities
- Quality control and testing of finished products
- Supply chain management for components and materials
- Distribution coordination with retailers
MTD Products Company has maintained a long-standing relationship with the Craftsman brand, making it the consistent manufacturer across multiple ownership changes. This continuity means that the manufacturing expertise, facilities, and processes have remained relatively stable even as corporate ownership has shifted.
Brand Ownership: Husqvarna Group
While MTD manufactures Craftsman mowers, the brand itself is owned by Husqvarna Group, a Swedish multinational corporation specializing in outdoor power products. Husqvarna acquired the Craftsman brand and its associated manufacturing operations in 2017, marking a significant change in corporate ownership.
This ownership structure creates an important distinction:
- Brand Owner: Husqvarna Group (owns the Craftsman trademark, brand identity, and marketing)
- Manufacturer: MTD Products Company (designs, engineers, and builds the actual mowers)
- Parent Company Relationship: MTD operates as part of Husqvarna’s portfolio of outdoor power equipment brands
Husqvarna Group’s acquisition of Craftsman represented a strategic expansion into the consumer lawn care market. The company already owned other well-known outdoor power equipment brands, so adding Craftsman mowers strengthened its position in the residential and light commercial segments.
Manufacturing Locations and Facilities
Craftsman mowers are produced at MTD manufacturing facilities, with primary production concentrated in the United States. MTD maintains multiple production plants that handle different aspects of mower manufacturing, from component production to final assembly.
U.S. Manufacturing Presence:
- MTD operates facilities across multiple U.S. states
- Production includes both walk-behind and riding mowers
- Assembly operations handle final product configuration
- Quality assurance testing occurs at manufacturing locations
Global Component Sourcing:
While final assembly occurs in the United States, Craftsman mowers utilize components sourced from global suppliers. This is standard practice across the lawn mower industry and includes:
- Engines (often sourced from specialized engine manufacturers)
- Cutting decks and blade systems
- Transmission and drive components
- Electrical systems and controls
- Plastic and metal structural components
This global supply chain approach allows MTD to maintain competitive pricing while leveraging specialized manufacturers for specific components, ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness in the final Craftsman product.
Craftsman Mowers vs. Craftsman Hand Tools: Key Distinction
An important clarification: Craftsman lawn mowers are completely separate from Craftsman hand tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, sockets, etc.). These product categories have different manufacturers, ownership structures, and distribution channels.
Craftsman Outdoor Power Equipment (Mowers):
- Manufactured by: MTD Products Company
- Owned by: Husqvarna Group
- Product category: Lawn mowers, outdoor power equipment
- Distribution: Home improvement stores, outdoor equipment retailers
Craftsman Hand Tools:
- Manufactured by: Various manufacturers (ownership has changed multiple times)
- Owned by: Stanley Black & Decker (acquired Craftsman hand tools in 2017)
- Product category: Hand tools, power tools, tool storage
- Distribution: Hardware stores, home improvement retailers, tool specialty shops
Interestingly, both Craftsman mowers and Craftsman hand tools changed ownership in 2017, but to different companies. This can create confusion for consumers familiar with the Craftsman brand across multiple product categories. When researching Craftsman mowers specifically, it’s important to focus on MTD and Husqvarna, not Stanley Black & Decker.
Historical Context: Ownership Changes
Understanding the history of Craftsman mower ownership helps clarify the current manufacturing structure and explains how the brand evolved.
1980s-2000s: Sears Era
Craftsman mowers were originally associated with Sears, the major U.S. retailer. During this period, MTD Products Company was contracted to manufacture Craftsman outdoor power equipment, establishing the manufacturing relationship that continues today. Sears maintained the brand identity and handled marketing and distribution through its retail network.
2000s-2017: Transition Period
As Sears faced financial challenges, the ownership and licensing of the Craftsman brand became more complex. MTD continued as the manufacturer throughout this period, maintaining consistency in production and quality. Various licensing agreements governed how the Craftsman brand was used and distributed.
2017-Present: Husqvarna Ownership
Husqvarna Group’s acquisition in 2017 consolidated ownership and manufacturing under one corporate structure. This change brought several benefits:
- Unified brand strategy across Husqvarna’s product portfolio
- Increased investment in Craftsman product development
- Expanded distribution channels beyond traditional Sears locations
- Integration with Husqvarna’s global supply chain and expertise
The 2017 acquisition represented a turning point for Craftsman mowers, moving the brand away from its exclusive Sears association and positioning it as part of a larger, globally-recognized outdoor power equipment company.
Why Manufacturing Structure Matters to Consumers
Understanding who builds Craftsman mowers has practical implications for consumers:
Parts Availability: MTD’s manufacturing structure means that replacement parts for Craftsman mowers are sourced through MTD’s supply chain, ensuring consistent availability and compatibility.
Warranty Support: Husqvarna Group handles warranty claims and customer service for Craftsman mowers, backed by MTD’s manufacturing expertise and quality standards.
Product Quality: MTD’s decades of experience manufacturing Craftsman equipment provides continuity in design standards and manufacturing processes, maintaining product reliability across model years.
Innovation and Updates: Husqvarna’s resources and global reach enable ongoing product improvements and new feature development for Craftsman mowers, keeping the brand competitive in the market.
Service Network: Both Husqvarna and MTD maintain service relationships with authorized dealers and repair shops, ensuring customers can access professional maintenance and repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MTD the same company as Craftsman?
No. MTD Products Company manufactures Craftsman mowers, but they are separate entities. MTD is the manufacturer and engineer, while Craftsman is the brand name owned by Husqvarna Group. Think of it like how Toyota manufactures Lexus vehicles—the manufacturer and brand are related but distinct.
When did Husqvarna acquire Craftsman mowers?
Husqvarna Group acquired the Craftsman brand and its associated manufacturing operations in 2017. This same year, Stanley Black & Decker acquired Craftsman hand tools, which is why the Craftsman brand split between two different companies for different product categories.
Are Craftsman mowers still made in the United States?
Yes, Craftsman mowers are primarily manufactured at MTD facilities in the United States, though components are sourced globally. Final assembly and quality control occur at U.S. manufacturing plants, ensuring the mowers meet quality standards before reaching consumers.
Can I get parts and service for my Craftsman mower?
Yes. Because MTD manufactures Craftsman mowers and Husqvarna owns the brand, replacement parts are available through authorized Craftsman dealers and service centers. Warranty support is handled by Husqvarna, and authorized repair shops can service Craftsman equipment using genuine MTD-manufactured parts.
