European offensive in full swing

This is the field of business where the Techtronic Industries Group (TTI), to which Ryobi Power Tools belongs, claims to be number one. The spectrum of cordless tools from Ryobi ranges from a torch with a three-position adjustable head, to inline drivers, drill/drivers and hammer drills offering a choice of performance levels, and on to a reciprocating or sabre saw and a laser-controlled circular saw. The products are supplied complete with accessories in blow-moulded carry cases or as individual units according to requirements.
The latest inline drivers have a convertible grip.
Ryobi’s German premiere took place this year in Cologne in conjunction with the company’s appearance at the Hardware Fair. On show there was the entire palette of rechargeable and mains-operated power tools. The product programme includes hammer drills, drill/drivers, jigsaws and circular saws as well as bench tools and garden equipment. The latest generation of cordless inline screwdrivers demonstrates a special feature: the barrel twists for inline or pistol grip, allowing the user to get at difficult-to-reach screws. If greater reach is required, on the other hand, the basic position offers an overall length of 310 mm.
Ryobi products at the POS.
The Ryobi brand has been part of TTI only since August 2000, when the group acquired from the Japanese manufacturer Ryobi Limited the rights to distribution and  production of power tools for North America, which included rights to the name as well. Then in August 2001 followed the purchase of the Ryobi rights for Europe too.
Prior to its acquisition of Ryobi, TTI for the most part took on production and development jobs for third-party suppliers, acting for example since 1988 as a supplier of the “Craftsman” products for the Sears Roebuck department store chain, which attained a market share of around 18 per cent in the US in 2001. The Hong Kong-based TTI Group currently employs a workforce of approximately 10 000 all around the world.  Its turnover in 2001 came to one a billion euro, 85 per cent of which was generated in North America and 11 per cent in Europe.