MTD's original founders, Theo Moll, Emil Jochum, and Erwin Gerhard, were entrepreneurs who set out from Germany to create jobs for themselves and others in America. They believed people were what made the difference and the business they would come to build in MTD was a gift from God. They believed in stewardship, integrity, respect, and passion, and in being good stewards of this gift with which they had been blessed. MTD continues their legacy today by holding true to these core values, giving back to the people and communities we call home, creating jobs, and developing innovative products to inspire people all over the world to care for and enjoy the outdoors.
1932
Theo Moll, Emil Jochum, and Erwin Gerhard formed partnership; purchased assets and goodwill of the Modern Tool & Die Co. on Power Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio.
1935
MTD began manufacturing Egry registers.
1936
MTD produced its first automotive stampings products with grilles for Graham-Paige automobiles.
1944
MTD became a major supplier of military items such as "Mess Kits."
1949
Theo Moll purchased the Old Oak Tree and the land that would later become MTD's corporate campus.
1952
MTD began manufacturing and marketing pedal bikes, kiddie cars, and playground equipment.
1954
MTD entered the garden equipment industry with wheelbarrows.
1959
MTD began manufacturing lawn mowers, garden tractors, and other outdoor power equipment.
1968
Snow blower production began.
1979
MTD headquarters was established in Valley City, Ohio alongside the Old Oak Tree.
1981
MTD acquired the Cub Cadet® product line from International Harvester.
1995
MTD purchased Gutbrod AG in Saarbrücken, Germany, to better serve the European marketplace.
2001
MTD acquired Troy-Bilt® from GardenWay®.
2009
MTD purchased WOLF-Garten®.
2010
MTD acquired Rover Mowers of Brisbane, Australia.
2016
MTD acquired Advanced Turf Technology.
2017
MTD acquired Robomow®.
2019
Stanley Black & Decker purchased a 20% stake in MTD Products.