Philippine Tool Talks · Brand Insider Series · Produced by KHM Megatools Corp.
53 Years of Trust: The Story Behind Makita in the Philippines
Walk onto almost any job site in the Philippines and you will find a Makita tool in someone's hands. It is one of the most trusted names in the trade — but the story of how it earned that trust is one very few people know.
Behind the brand is a family-run Filipino company that has carried the Makita name for more than five decades: CLK Super Tools Depot Inc. Founded in 1957 as a construction materials and general hardware business, CLK began distributing Makita in 1968 and was appointed the exclusive Philippine distributor by Makita Japan in 1973 — making it one of the longest-running brand partnerships in the country.
In this Brand Insider episode of Philippine Tool Talks, hosts Tool Expert Tin and Engr. Sophia Panlilio sit down with three people who live and breathe the brand every day:
- Ms. Althea Liwanag — Product Specialist
- Sir Gene Mariano — Service Manager
- Sir Steven Bernas — Product Tech Head
🎧 Prefer to listen? Play the full episode on Spotify
Key Takeaways From the Episode
- Trust is built on more than engineering. Japanese manufacturing discipline matters — but so does the after-sales network that keeps a tool running for decades.
- Country of origin isn't the whole story. Wherever a Makita tool is made, the same ISO-certified standards and company-owned quality controls apply.
- LXT 18V vs XGT 40V. LXT covers light-to-medium work; XGT is built for medium-to-heavy, high-power applications.
- Beginners can start with LXT Basic — an affordable entry point that shares the same battery platform, so upgrading later is seamless.
- How to spot a fake Makita. Genuine Makita cordless only comes in 12V, 18V, and 40V. Anything listed as 24V, 99V, or "100V+" is fake.
- The after-sales network. Up to 3.5 years warranty on professional tools, 4 factory service centers, 49 authorized service centers nationwide, and a 3-day repair target.
Full Episode Transcript
Lightly edited for readability. Timestamps refer to the video above.
Meet the Team Behind the Brand
Tin: Magandang araw mga ka-tools! Welcome back to Philippine Tool Talks. I am Tin.
Sophia: And I'm Sophia. Today's episode is one we've been truly looking forward to. Ito 'yung brand na talagang inaabangan natin, dahil maraming Pilipino ang ginagamit talaga ang brand na ito pagdating sa totoong job site work. Ito 'yung napagkakatiwalaan talaga. But that trust is not built only by the Japanese engineering that it is — it is also built by a family-run business here in the Philippines that has carried the name for 53 years. This is Makita.
Tin: Founded in 1957, CLK started distributing Makita in 1968, and became the exclusive Philippine distributor in 1973 — creating one of the longest brand partnerships in the country. And to tell that story, I'm here today with Ms. Althea Liwanag, Product Specialist; Sir Gene Mariano, Service Manager; and Sir Steven Bernas, Product Tech Head, at CLK Super Tools Depot Inc. and Makita Philippines. Welcome po to Philippine Tool Talks!
Althea Liwanag: From Tourism to Power Tools
Althea: The funny thing is, I actually studied accountancy, then shifted to tourism, where I graduated Magna Cum Laude. So this tool industry is a totally different path for me. I started doing digital content strategy — explaining the technical side of tools and turning it into creative media. Along the process, my knowledge about power tools grew, and I eventually became part of the product technical team under Mr. Steven Bernas. What really taught me, now that I'm here, is that being inexperienced doesn't mean you're incapable. I'm trusted by a very supportive manager, kaya nagagawa ko ang trabaho ko ngayon.
Sophia: That's very interesting — you have a unique path, and look where it's brought you. Are you enjoying it?
Althea: Yes, of course. Very challenging, actually. During events I get to communicate with customers — our last event was Cebu Con. They ask about the products, so I can offer the right one. Because Makita is such a trusted brand here, whatever new line comes out, customers are curious. Although not every Makita tool available abroad is available here in the Philippines, so most questions are about that.
Gene Mariano: 31 Years in the Industry
Sophia: Sir Gene, how many years have you been in the power tool industry?
Gene: Mahulaan niyo edad ko! I started in 1995 — my first job was as a junior technician for power tools. I've been on a journey with different companies, eventually finding my home here at CLK, at Makita. And the rest is history.
Sophia: That's 31 years. So you've seen how the power tool industry evolved. What can you say about it, from where you stand now with Makita?
Gene: Sa Makita, nakita ko ang discipline — the culture of the Japanese, the way they do things, applied in manufacturing the tools. The dedication is there, and that dedication and discipline paid off, because the quality of the tool in the market is really good.
Steven Bernas: Service, Sales, and Mentorship
Tin: Sir Steven, tell us about yourself.
Steven: I started working with Mayon Construction Supply from 1981 to 1984 as a service technician. Then I left to manage our family business, and came back in 2014 as a sales representative. For two years I traveled Mindanao and Visayas. After that, the marketing team was formed and I started as a demo representative — and I became a mentor to fellow demo reps. Since I really love power tools, everything felt easy. A big portion of my experience I gained through end users — talking to carpenters, plumbers, electricians, whatever their position. Madumi lahat doon, and that's where I learned. Nandito na ako ngayon, matanda na.
Tin: That's great to hear, Sir Steven. When you have the passion or the heart to do something, kahit sobrang hirap, kakayanin talaga.
Steven: Yes. Pag passion mo ang isang bagay, walang mahirap.
Is It Japanese Engineering, or After-Sales Support?
Sophia: Sir, the trust people give to Makita — is it really the Japanese engineering alone, or the after-sales service?
Steven: For me, it comes together. A brand can be good, but without after-sales support, it will fail. One of the pillars of a successful brand is after-sales. Even if you achieved 100% perfection in the product — and there's really no 100% — you still need after-sales to support whatever happens. If there's a failure in production, or a problem in use, after-sales fills in the gap to make it 100%. It goes hand in hand. That's how you improve your service and your products.
The CLK Story: 1957, 1968, 1973
Tin: A lot of Filipinos know Makita, but not everyone knows CLK. Correct me if I'm wrong, Sir Steven — CLK Super Tools Depot Inc. traces its roots back to 1957, when it was founded by Mr. Chua Long Qu and his partners as a construction materials and general hardware business. In 1968, the company began distributing Makita power tools, and in 1973 it was officially appointed by Makita Japan as the exclusive distributor of Makita in the Philippines. Tama po ba?
Steven: Yes. Number one, trust. A partnership will never last long without trust. And then, the effort of the founder. At that time, Mr. Shigi of Mayon Construction was the very first salesman to go around and introduce Makita to the entire Philippines. He was my mentor — from servicing to selling, everything, I learned from him. I call him "master." Malamang kilala siya ng buong hardware industry.
What Kept the Partnership Alive for 53 Years
Tin: Most partnerships can't even last 10 years. Makita and CLK have gone over half a century — 53 years. Aside from trust, what has allowed that partnership to stay?
Steven: When I joined CLK, I saw how it runs and how the relationship with Makita Japan became so strong. As the manufacturer and principal, Makita has its goals and things it looks at in the business, and CLK has been very supportive of those goals. Any plans from Japan, we make sure we execute — because everything Makita Japan lays out is for the good of the brand. We execute it properly with the help of the marketing team and the service team. The whole CLK team has contributed effort to make it happen.
Global Manufacturing: Does "Made in China" Matter?
Sophia: There are different manufacturers globally — Germany, the US, Thailand, China. What maintains the integrity of Japan's standards across all of them?
Gene: Number one, as Sir Steven said, is after-sales. And if you look at the tools, there are more or less 600-plus variants — angle grinders, drills, rotary hammers, demolition hammers, breakers. So many SKUs that whether you're a company, an end user, a dealer, or a backyard worker, we have something that suits exactly what you need. That's a direction from Makita Japan: we go directly to the user, listen to their concerns, and report back to Makita Japan so they can improve the product.
On manufacturing, the same policy and discipline done in Japan is applied all over the world. How are we sure? First, we are ISO certified — that certification makes it clear the process, from raw material to finished product, follows certain rules and standards. So wherever in the world it's made, the standard of the manufacturing leader in Japan is shared with the other plants.
If the question is "what about China — is it weak?" — no. As long as Makita owns the company, the same standard applied in Japan is maintained. That's unlike OEMs, where production is just outsourced to a company Makita doesn't own, so the policies and standards aren't followed.
Tin: That really answers the question, because many Filipinos still judge a product's quality based on country of origin.
"It's What's Inside That Counts"
Sophia: Let's focus on the product itself. The tagline — it's what's inside that counts. Tell us about that, Ms. Althea.
Althea: It was a tagline before — now we've transitioned into "It's all the power you need." Makita tools are very powerful, and not just for heavy industrial applications. We scale that same engineering down to medium standard construction, and even basic occasional DIY use. Inside the tool, the engineering is very innovative — we have smart digital communication with the battery, high-efficiency brushless motors, and specialized safety features like AFT, AVT, and XPT. All of that engineering is there for the safety of end users and to optimize the investment they put into the tool.
Sophia: "It's what's inside that counts" — how do we make sure that what's inside really matches what's written outside?
Althea: We undergo certification from the American National Standards and EPTA (European Power Tool Association). So the power tools distributed worldwide pass those certifications — what's written outside is really what's inside.
LXT 18V vs XGT 40V, Explained
Tin: One question many buyers have — whether to choose LXT 18V or XGT 40V. Sir Steven?
Steven: To make it short: LXT is for light to medium work. XGT is for medium to heavy, high-power work. With LXT, the battery comes in 2.0, 3.0, 5.0, and 6.0 amp-hour — and that capacity translates mainly to run time. Compare a 3.0Ah to a 6.0Ah on the same tool, and the 6.0Ah gives you longer run time. With XGT, you have 2.0, 2.5, 4.0, 5.0, and 8.0Ah batteries — and that translates to both run time and power.
Gene: With LXT, from the smallest to the highest capacity, the output stays steady. With XGT it varies — the 8.0Ah can reach higher output. So for mid-level work, 18V can handle it. When you need real power, you go up to 40V — next level. And on both platforms, you can choose your run time based on the battery.
Althea: On application: for 18V we have a lot of impact wrenches for general fastening and automotive needs. The 40V impact wrenches are for heavy structural steel bolts and truck assembly. So even within impact wrenches, the 18V and 40V are for genuinely different applications.
LXT Basic: Where Beginners Should Start
Gene: For beginners, we also have the 18V LXT Basic. We call it "basic" because it's more affordable than the regular LXT. It has a few features not included on that platform, but it's an entry level — and from there you can decide to move upward.
Tin: So for beginners, better to start with LXT Basic, then upgrade later. Good to know.
When Should a Contractor Upgrade to XGT?
Sophia: Many contractors already collect LXT 18V. How should they decide when it's time to upgrade to XGT — or is it better to stay on LXT?
Gene: The safest answer is: it depends. Some contractors do fit-out or modular work only — the cutting or fastening isn't so large, just medium — so LXT will do for a whole day's work. For concrete works, or building steel structures, it's better to settle with XGT. So it really depends on the application. And the LXT platform now has around 440 compatible tools, while XGT has 200-plus and growing. Both keep innovating.
The Makita Battery Ecosystem
Gene: That's one strength of Makita — the ecosystem of platforms. It's alive; it keeps moving with continuous innovation. If you start with a basic tool, then feel you need a more capable one on the same 18V platform, the battery is interchangeable.
Steven: As Sir Gene said, the LXT Basic battery can be used on all LXT tools, and the LXT Basic tool can also run on an LXT standard battery. The same applies to 40V — all 40V batteries are interchangeable. And you can use one battery across different categories: the same battery for screwing can power a blower for cleaning. So one battery can serve many applications.
Sophia: Can an LXT tool run on an XGT battery?
Steven: No. LXT is LXT, XGT is XGT — hindi sila bati.
Why Makita Gets Passed Down Through Generations
Sophia: For many Filipino contractors, Makita is the first power tool they ever owned — and trusted. Why do you think the brand has earned that kind of loyalty across generations?
Steven: Yung iba, lolo na — pero yung tools, buhay pa. We're talking 35, 40 years. And if it breaks — a tool from 40 years ago — may piyesa pa kami. Others don't have that. Si Makita lang meron non.
Tin: So even a phased-out Makita still has support. That's very nice.
Sophia: I've read this in Makita user reviews — napapamana pa nila ang mga power tool nila.
How to Spot a Fake Makita
Tin: Makita has been in the industry so long that there are many fake tools slapped with the Makita name. What's the biggest risk for a user who buys a fake?
Steven: To be safe — para hindi ka mabiktima ng fake Makita — buy from an authorized dealer, like KHM Megatools. If you're not from Makita, you can't always tell if it's fake or original. For us, one look and we know. You can sometimes tell because the price is too good to be true. But if you don't know Makita products, you won't even know the correct price.
Sophia: What's the easiest way to spot a fake versus the original?
Steven: The brand is embossed — before it was just a sticker. Now even the box and the embossing get copied. Walang imposible sa panahon ngayon.
Althea: To add — our cordless comes in three platforms: 12V, 18V, and 40V. So when you see a "high voltage" cordless online — higher than 40V, or something in-between like 24V, 99V, or 100-plus volts — that's absolutely fake. I've had a customer look for a specific model they saw online; they sent a picture, and the voltage alone told me it was fake.
Fake Tools Are a Safety Hazard
Althea: CLK and Makita are very conscious about combating fakes. One way we support the market is through safety. We conduct safety training. Buying fake Makita products can be hazardous — it could lead to fire risk or injury, because if the power isn't right, it can hurt the user. One of our goals at CLK is to reach users on safety. Nakatipid nga sila sa fake product, nagastos naman sila sa ospital.
Warranty, Service Centers, and Genuine Parts
Sophia: When it comes to after-sales support, what advantages do customers get from Makita's official warranty and genuine service centers?
Althea: Makita offers one of the most comprehensive and longest-running after-sales support networks across the Philippines. As of this episode:
- 3.5 years limited warranty for professional and industrial tools
- 2 years one-time replacement for XGT, LXT, and CXT batteries and chargers
- 2 years limited warranty for G series, MT series, CXT tools, and lights & measuring tools (plus LXT Basic and CXT chargers and batteries)
- 1 year limited warranty for petrol-operated (OPE) and AC tools
Steven: And on genuine parts — wear-and-tear parts like armatures, carbon brushes, switches, and bearings are locally available. So if something breaks, it can be fixed right away, minimizing downtime.
Gene: We have 4 factory service centers owned by CLK — in Davao, Cebu, Pampanga, and Manila — and 49 authorized service centers across the Philippines. We also aim to maintain a 3-day repair target. It's a directive from Japan, and as a partner we put in every effort to reach it.
Quickfire Round
Tin: Quick, simple questions — one word if possible, but you can elaborate.
If you can only own one platform: LXT 18V or XGT 40V?
Gene & Steven: XGT. | For personal / DIY home use: LXT.
Most iconic Makita tool of all time?
The hammer driver drill — and the planer. As Steven explains, the planer was the first power tool produced by Makita, in 1958. Makita itself started in 1915, making large motors; in 1958 they entered power tools and were the first to develop the power planer — because woodworking was the number-one industry in Japan at the time. That planer is still innovating today; there's now a cordless version.
Corded or cordless?
It depends. For fabrication, manufacturing, and continuous stationary work, corded is better. On a new construction site with no power connection yet, cordless lets you start immediately. For personal use, cordless. As Steven notes, cordless isn't meant to replace corded — there are particular applications where each one wins.
Most counterfeited Makita product?
The grinder. Across all brands, the grinder is the hero product, so it's the most copied.
Most sold Makita tool of all time in the Philippines?
The grinder.
One word for the CLK–Makita partnership after 53 years?
Harmonious. A legend.
Will the next 50 years still be Makita?
Absolutely. As Steven puts it: still Makita today, tomorrow, and in the future.
A Message to Filipino Tradesmen
Steven: Makita has so many SKUs and kinds of tools — many not common to you yet. We're here to help make your work faster and better. How? Just book a demo. We'll come, do an ocular, look at your work, talk to your end users about the difficulties they encounter, and do our best to help by recommending the right tool.
Althea: You can invest in us — you'll get the worth of your money, because we offer different services and after-sales support. Hindi po kayo magsisisi.
Gene: Makita has always maintained the quality of its power tools, and CLK has maintained the partnership and given every effort to keep its leadership in power tools. Now we're focused on educating users. You can book a demo, request a product presentation, get onsite repairs, and even borrow a tool to try before you decide if it's right for the job. Learn more at clkmakita.ph — including the full list of authorized service centers and authorized distributors nationwide, including KHM Megatools.
Watch or Listen to the Full Episode
Buy Genuine Makita From an Authorized Dealer
KHM Megatools Corp. is a proud authorized Makita dealer — and proud to be part of a story that goes back 53 years. When you buy from an authorized dealer, you get genuine tools, a valid Makita warranty, and access to the official service network.
👉 Shop genuine Makita at khmtools.com.ph
📍 940 Blumentritt Rd, Sampaloc, Manila
Philippine Tool Talks is produced by KHM Megatools Corp. — real conversations with the brands, builders, and tradespeople shaping the Philippine tool industry. Hosted by Tool Expert Tin and Engr. Sophia Panlilio.
