Makita Power Tools

Makita was founded by Mr.Mosaburo Makita in 1915, as a repairer of electric motors under the name "MAKITA DENKI SEISAKUSA". ( Makita Electric Machine Company.) In 1958, Makita introduced its first electric tool. The 1000 model planer, which was also the first electric planer ever, produced in Japan.In 1960 Makita discontinued motor manufacturing and focused entirely on power tools. By 1963 the company was able to liquidate all liabilities through huge profits. In 1968 Makita was rated the No. 1 company in Japan regarding overall operations and financial position.

In the 1980's Makita's Expansion into world markets became unstoppable. Today Makita is one of the world's largest power tool manufacturers, with seven manufacturing facilities globally and a selection of more than 1000 superior, innovative products. Some of these products have become "celebrities" in their own right.

Makita is producing power tools in plants in China, U.S.A, U.K, Germany, Brazil, Romania and Thailand. Makita’s worldwide sales and service network, as well as the stable, high production quality ensured at its plants worldwide, are the embodiment of the Makita brand.

Rutherford is the sole distributor in Southern Africa and has been distributing Makita Power Tools for the past 50 years. In recent years, Makita has been developing high-performance, easy-to-handle, and environmentally-friendly cordless gardening equipment based on lithium-ion batteries. In addition to the industrial power tools, Makita also manufactures Makita MT which was introduced to retain most of the qualities of the Makita industrial range, but at an affordable price. Makita offers a full line of high-performance, durable accessories to fit the needs of your operation. The proper accessories (consumables such as saw blades etc) can have significant impact on the quality and efficiency of your work.

Furthermore, Rutherford has an extensive after-sale service network, which can support our customers through prompt repairs and timely supply of replacement parts.

In the early 60's Rutherford became one of 3 importers of the Makita power tool brand in South Africa. Rutherford was established in 1912 as an engineering supply company and became involved in power tools, and woodworking machinery in the mid forties. In 2012 Rutherford celebrated its CENTENARY, a momentous occasion which was celebrated accordingly!

Since 1985, when Rutherford was appointed as the sole distributor of the brand, Makita power tool sales have increased, and today Makita is one of the brand leaders in the Southern Africa region. The reputation of high quality, new technology, durability and service back-up are major reasons for its success.

Other activities at Rutherford include: Sole importer and distributor of Mercury outboard boat motors and MerCruiser inboards. In addition, Rutherford Marine also imports an expansive range of marine accessories from different suppliers around the globe and also supplies a wide range of Marine Boats available from the Rutherford Marine Boat Program. Rutherford is also the sole importer of the Ruide, GeoMax and South range of survey equipment which involves Levels, Total Stations and Global Positioning. They are also the exclusive importer of the world-renowned Troxler nuclear density gauges and the market leader in compaction measurements for road construction. The company also distributes FTS rivets throughout SA. FTS Boltworld is one of the largest importers and distributors of fasteners and blind rivets to all sectors of the industry. They also stock a complete range of riveting tools.

Rutherford is a member of the Hudaco group.

Rutherford distributes their products through their branches in Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg and Klerksdorp.

Makita Top Company

100 Year Anniversary

It all started with the motor 100 years ago. Makita Corporation was founded in 1915 as an electric motor sales and repair company. Today, as a global brand in over 40 countries, Makita is an innovation leader, manufacturing best-in-class products at 10 plants operating in 8 countries. The unmatched quality and durability of Makita products is driven by the company’s strong R&D capabilities, and have earned the trust of professional users worldwide. Every day, on jobsites around the world, Makita delivers the power, performance and durability that professional users demand with products that are more compact, have less vibration and feel better.