Is Kreg Going Out of Business? What We Know
You don’t need to worry that Kreg is going out of business. The company’s very much alive, expanding its lineup with the new 20V Ionic Drive cordless platform, including tools like the Rebel 20V Pocket-Hole Joiner. Kreg is updating older jigs, supporting legacy tools, and pushing into Europe, all under leadership that’s focused on long-term growth. If you’re wondering what this means for buying or using Kreg tools now and in the next few years, there’s more to contemplate.
Key Takeaways
- Kreg is not going out of business; it’s expanding, especially around its new 20V cordless Ionic Drive platform and related tools.
- Recent leadership changes and a 2021 headquarters move signal long-term investment, not shutdown or sell-off.
- Discontinued tools, like certain pocket-hole jigs, reflect normal product refresh cycles, with documentation and support still available.
- Kreg benefited from increased DIY demand during COVID-19 and appears financially healthier than many peers despite broader economic risks.
- Expansion into Europe and plans to double the Ionic Drive lineup by 2026 indicate continued growth and future-focused strategy.
Is Kreg Actually Going Out of Business?
So is Kreg actually going out of business, or just changing? When you look at what the company’s doing, it’s clearly changing and expanding, not shutting down.
Kreg’s poured serious effort into product development, especially its 20V cordless Ionic Drive platform and Blue Ion battery technology. Instead of retreating, it’s moved beyond classic jigs into a full cordless power tool lineup, launching 23 new SKUs and leading with the Rebel 20V Pocket-Hole Joiner. At the same time, Kreg has effectively cancelled the corded Rebel pocket hole machine in favor of prioritizing the 20V cordless version.
You also see deliberate leadership and ownership moves that signal long-term commitment. Todd Sommerfeld bought out his parents’ stock, returned as CEO, and kept the Chairman role, while Kreg became 20% employee-owned through an ESOP.
That kind of structure usually aims at stability and growth, not closure. At the same time, the company’s invested in new cutting solutions, international reach, and a modern headquarters—all consistent with a business positioning itself for the future.
Is Kreg Still Operating Normally Right Now?
If Kreg isn’t shutting down and is instead repositioning for growth, the next thing you probably want to know is how it’s running today. From what you can see, Kreg’s operating like a healthy, evolving brand, not one winding down. Its website is active, products are clearly managed (including discontinued items), and recent history updates highlight a 2021 headquarters move designed for growth, not shrinkage. In addition, the company’s long history of product innovation, from early jigs to more advanced systems, shows a consistent focus on evolving with woodworkers’ needs.
You also see strong signs of forward momentum: Kreg’s pushing its Ionic Drive 20V cordless lineup, expanding digital channels, and planning to double that platform by 2026. Leadership remains stable, with long‑term planning supported by an ESOP structure and established executive systems.
Here’s how that looks in practice:
| Area | What You’ll Notice | What It Signals |
|---|---|---|
| Website | Active, updated product and history pages | Normal operations |
| Product Lineup | New Ionic Drive 20V tools | Investment in innovation |
| Power Tools | ACS and cordless expansion | Entry into new categories |
| Leadership | Consistent CEO and ESOP | Long-term stability |
| Global Footprint | Kreg Europe, new HQ in Ankeny | Ongoing expansion |
Did Kreg’s COVID Boom Make the Brand Safer or Riskier?
Although COVID-19 wrecked demand for many small and mid‑sized companies, Kreg landed on the unusual side of the curve: it benefited from a DIY and home‑improvement surge while much of the economy stalled. As governments launched massive recovery programmes like Next Generation EU, it became clear that policy support and cheap financing were cushioning parts of the wider consumer and retail ecosystem that Kreg ultimately depends on.
While restaurants saw indoor dining collapse by 65% and airlines lost 60% of traffic, you watched tool brands like Kreg ride a wave of at‑home projects.
That boom made Kreg look safer than the typical small firm that faced sales 32% below normal and often had only two weeks of cash.
Kreg suddenly appeared far safer than peers stranded with plunging sales and barely two weeks of cash reserves
Still, a surge can create its own risks. You’re right to ask whether Kreg’s pandemic success:
- Encouraged cost structures that only work with unusually strong demand
- Masked broader economic fragility and credit constraints in its sales channels
- Created expectations from retailers and investors that are hard to meet in a cooler market
What Kreg’s Move Into Europe Says About Its Future
Kreg didn’t just ride the COVID DIY wave; it bet on something bigger by pushing into Europe right as the world grew more uncertain. In January 2020, it formed Kreg Europe, a joint venture based in Inning, Germany, focused entirely on growing European sales of Kreg-branded products. That move, in the middle of a global crisis, signals expansion, not retreat.
You can also read the Europe launch as part of a broader reset. Leadership changes, including Tony Hogan’s rise and Todd Sommerfeld’s return as CEO and Chairman, reshaped the company’s strategy and culture.
By moving toward 20% employee ownership, Kreg tied its future more closely to its workforce. At the same time, it has continued to invest in innovation, including the 2026 expansion of its 20V Ionic Drive™ power tool ecosystem.
At the same time, it rolled out new systems, a larger Ankeny, Iowa headquarters, and upgraded digital capabilities, all aimed at scaling international sales.
For you, Europe isn’t a sign Kreg’s fading; it’s proof the brand’s planning to compete globally.
Do Kreg’s New Ionic Drive Tools Mean the Brand Is Growing?
While some brands pull back when markets get uncertain, the launch and rapid expansion of Kreg’s 20V Ionic Drive cordless line points in the opposite direction: growth.
You’re not just seeing a single hero tool; you’re seeing a full ecosystem built around the 20V Blue Ion platform, from compact impact drivers to high‑torque ½” impact wrenches, hammer drills, and even a shop blower, wet/dry vac, and angle grinder. Kreg is also rolling out these tools through both its website and select retailers, signaling a push into wider retail channels.
This kind of investment usually means a brand’s betting on a bigger future. Kreg’s doing three key things that signal expansion:
- Broadening categories: moving from pocket‑hole jigs into a complete cordless lineup purpose‑built for woodworking.
- Deepening the platform: adding 6.0Ah and 8.0Ah Blue Ion batteries plus a Super Charger for serious runtime and fast turnaround.
- Scaling distribution: pushing new Ionic Drive tools on kregtool.com, a dedicated power tools page, and select retailers.
Do Kreg’s Leadership Changes Signal Any Trouble?
Amid all the rumors about Kreg’s future, the leadership moves you’re seeing don’t look like a company in trouble—they look like one tightening its game for growth.
You’ve got long‑tenured insiders like Donovan Fuhs and Sam Titus stepping into vice president roles, not outsiders brought in to slash and burn. Fuhs has 18 years at Kreg and now leads IT strategy, analytics, and digital solutions—critical areas for a modern manufacturing brand.
At the same time, operations veteran Titus now reports directly to CEO Todd Sommerfeld, tightening the link between strategy and day‑to‑day production, quality, and supply chain.
Layer that on top of an ESOP structure, the Entrepreneurial Operating System, and a move to a larger Ankeny headquarters, and you’re looking at a company aligning leadership with long‑term plans.
These shifts signal Kreg wants to innovate faster and execute better, not quietly wind things down.
Are Discontinued Kreg Tools a Red Flag for Buyers?
When you see a Kreg tool marked as discontinued, you might wonder if it signals trouble or just a normal product refresh.
You’ll need to look at how Kreg supports legacy tools and whether parts, accessories, and documentation remain accessible.
From there, you can evaluate whether buying a discontinued jig, clamp, or accessory makes practical and financial sense for your shop.
Normal Product Lifecycle Changes
Even though seeing favorites like the Kreg Pocket‑Hole Jig K5 Master System marked “discontinued” can feel unsettling, it’s usually a sign of a normal product lifecycle—not a company in trouble.
You’re seeing Kreg retire older models as it rolls out new designs, not abandon the woodworking market.
Kreg’s own materials back this up. Volume 35 of the catalog and the 2024 English catalog highlight the “next evolution” of tools, especially the Ionic Drive power tool lineup.
Those catalogs act as snapshots, showing what’s current, what’s phasing out, and where development is heading.
You can read discontinued labels as normal housekeeping, especially when you see:
- An actively updated discontinued-products page
- New power tools launching
- Clear, current catalogs documenting changes
Support For Legacy Tools
Although seeing a favorite jig wind up on Kreg’s discontinued list can make you wonder about long‑term support, the way Kreg handles legacy tools doesn’t point to buyers being left stranded.
Pocket-hole jigs are still Kreg’s foundational product, and you’ll see older models shown right alongside current offerings on the main site, not buried or erased.
Kreg also maintains a dedicated discontinued-products section on its support site, which signals formal tracking of older SKUs and ongoing access to documentation.
There’s no public indication that Kreg’s backing away from legacy jig support.
Even as Kreg moved into 20V Ionic Drive tools and briefly launched, then cancelled, the Rebel Pocket‑Hole Machine, that shift didn’t involve abandoning its long‑standing jig ecosystem.
How To Evaluate Purchases
Kreg’s ongoing support for legacy jigs naturally leads to the next question: should a “discontinued” label scare you off a purchase? Not automatically.
“Discontinued” usually reflects normal product cycles, not a company in crisis. You just need to evaluate the tool with a cooler head and a slightly longer time horizon.
Focus on three things:
- Support and parts – Check Kreg’s site for manuals, accessories, and whether customer service still answers questions about that model.
- Consumables and compatibility – Confirm it uses standard screws, bits, and accessories you can still buy or substitute easily.
- Price versus risk – A discount can offset future limitations. If the tool is heavily marked down and fills a specific need, the value often outweighs the downside.
Should You Still Buy and Use Kreg Tools Today?
So where does all this leave you when you’re deciding whether to buy and use Kreg tools today? The evidence points to a company leaning into the future, not backing away from it. Kreg’s Ionic Drive 20V platform, Blue Ion batteries, and new cordless tools all show active investment, not retreat.
You can still confidently buy the classics—pocket-hole jigs and accessories remain Kreg’s backbone and aren’t being quietly abandoned.
At the same time, the Rebel 20V Pocket-Hole Joiner, Track Saw Combo, Trim Router, Impact Driver, Jigsaw, and Circular Saws give you a cordless ecosystem that ties directly into those jigs.
Yes, some items get discontinued, but Kreg documents that and continues its core offerings.
With regular launches, retail availability, and ongoing marketing, you’re not buying into a dying brand. You’re buying into a product line that’s expanding and designed to handle full, one-tool jobs in your shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Currently Owns Kreg and Is It Part of a Larger Corporation?
You’d find Kreg is owned by its employees through a leveraged ESOP structure. You don’t deal with a larger parent corporation or private equity owner; instead, employee shareholders control this independent S‑corporation tool manufacturer.
Are Kreg Products Covered by Warranties if the Company Ever Shuts Down?
You’d likely keep warranty coverage through a successor, distributor, or affiliate, but nothing’s guaranteed. You should expect coverage only for the stated term; if Kreg fully dissolved without a successor, enforcement would become difficult.
How Does Kreg Compare to Competitors Like Rockler and Milescraft on Stability?
You can’t reliably compare Kreg’s stability to Rockler or Milescraft with current public data. You should review each company’s financial reports, ownership structure, store footprint, and product pipeline before drawing any conclusions about long‑term stability.
Will Kreg’s European Expansion Affect Product Availability or Pricing in North America?
You shouldn’t see Kreg’s European expansion affect North American availability or pricing. You’ll still access a full lineup, with only normal discontinuations, while Kreg invests in new tools rather than shifting resources or raising prices.
Is Kreg Investing in Sustainability or Eco-Friendly Manufacturing Practices for the Future?
You don’t see clear evidence that Kreg’s investing heavily in sustainability yet. You’d notice no public eco goals, certifications, or green initiatives highlighted, so you should assume environmental efforts, if any, aren’t a current strategic focus.
Conclusion
You don’t need to panic about Kreg disappearing anytime soon. The company’s still operating, launching new tools, and expanding into new markets. Some products get discontinued and leadership changes happen, but that’s normal for a growing brand, not a dying one. If Kreg tools fit your projects and budget, you should feel comfortable buying and using them today—and expect ongoing support, accessories, and innovation for the foreseeable future.
