1. The Home Depot Launches Next Cordless Revolution With Lithium-Ion Power Tools
Makita U.S.A. Inc. and Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation Introduce New Tools With Breakthrough
Technology
ATLANTA, Oct 06, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- The Home Depot(R), the world's largest home improvement
retailer, today announced the exclusive retail launch of cordless power tools that deliver the longest-lasting power available in
the market. The new lines of innovative tools from Makita U.S.A. Inc. and Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation operate with
breakthrough battery technology utilizing Lithium-Ion, which lasts up to 40 percent longer than an average 18-volt power tool.
The tools will be available in all The Home Depot stores in the United States and Canada in November 2005.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030502/HOMEDEPOTLOGO)
"The Home Depot's introduction of these revolutionary, new power tools reinforces our commitment to bringing the latest
innovations to our customers," said Tom Taylor, executive vice president, Merchandising & Marketing for The Home Depot.
"The new tools from Makita and Milwaukee offer more than just battery technology. They feature better ergonomics, longer
cycle times and low weight-to-torque ratios that help make these tools the biggest step forward in cordless technology in
years."
The two product lines will serve both professional contractors and heavy do-it-yourselfers. A selection of the tools already has
been introduced through industrial channels. The tools were developed with the contractor in mind to address the heavy
workload and durability needed for use on a job site. The new technology will enable the tools to run longer, be durable
enough to withstand the rigors of construction work, be comfortable to use for hours on end and have more than enough power
to get the job done.
The new power tool lines include a Milwaukee V28, four-piece, Cordless Combo Kit and Makita 18V LXT, four-piece Cordless
Combo Kit, 18V LXT Cordless Hammer Driver-Drill Kit and 18V LXT Cordless Impact Driver Kit.
Taylor added, "While both tool lines offer superior power and performance, they have different features and benefits to appeal
to different audiences. The V28 series from Milwaukee will be targeted to those who are seeking the most power from a
cordless tool, while the LXT series from Makita is for those customers who want 18-volt power at a weight equal to most 12-volt
cordless tools."
The Milwaukee V28 Lithium-Ion Battery features include:
- dramatically increased power and up to twice the run time of
traditional 18V tools
- a built-in fuel gauge to inform users how much run time is available
- consistent, fade-free power throughout the discharge cycle that ensures
the last job is as powerful as the first
- V28 batteries with a two-year warranty.
The Makita LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Power Tool lineup user benefits include:
- more power with new Makita-built, four-pole motor for maximum output
- unique, ergonomic compact design is 40 percent lighter yet more
powerful than traditional 18V tools
- LXT Lithium-Ion battery and optimum charging system that produces
280 percent more lifetime work and 40 percent longer run time
The Home Depot is introducing the new tool lines in stores in November, but will begin offering them on its Web site at
http://www.homedepot.com and through its Tool Catalog in mid-October. The new power tools and combo kits will be available
for approximately $350-$750.
For more information about innovative products available at The Home Depot, visit The Home Depot Media Zone at
http://www.homedepot.com/mediazone.

2. Founded in 1978, The Home Depot(R) is the world's largest home improvement specialty retailer and the second largest
retailer in the United States, with fiscal 2004 sales of $73.1 billion. The company employs approximately 325,000 associates
and has 1,957 stores in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico. The company has
announced plans for retail expansion into China. The Home Depot has been recognized by Fortune as the No. 1 Most Admired
Specialty Retailer for 2005. Its stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HD) and is included in the Dow Jones
industrial average and Standard & Poor's 500 index. HDG
SOURCE The Home Depot
Financial Community, Diane Dayhoff, +1-770-384-2666, or diane_dayhoff@homedepot.com ,
or News Media, Jen King, +1-770-384-3490, or jennifer_king@homedepot.com , both of
The Home Depot
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