We’ve seen quite a bit of news about the upcoming L-Boxx Contractor tool box line from BS Systems, a joint venture between Bosch and Sortimo, and now seems like a good time to talk about it.
Surprisingly, all of the European YouTube videos, blogs, and teasers about the new Bosch L-Boxx Contractor tool box system has said that the new modular storage system was designed specifically for the USA market.
This image of an L-Boxx Contractor System tool box in Bosch colors popped up on Reddit a few months ago.
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At this time, there has been no official details from Bosch, or their joint venture BS Systems company, about whether it will be available under Bosch branding.
Details have been slim, but there’s a lot that we know or can surmise so far. Thanks to Shadow Foam (links below), which specializes in tool box organizational foam and related products, we have learned a bit more since the news first broke around 8 months ago.
The L-Boxx Contractor tool box system, judging from images of pre-production prototypes, will likely include traditional tool boxes as well as drawer units. There of course will be a standard 3pc combo, with a rolling tool box as the base.
There will also be soft tool bag and backpack options, with a half-width footprint.
Pricing is said to be “very similar to Milwaukee [Packout].”
Not all L-Boxx products are available under Bosch branding, but I think there’s strong likelihood that these will be.
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Tekton launched an L-Boxx-based modular tool storage system in 2023.
I doubt that the new L-Boxx Contractor system would have only been developed with OEM partnerships in mind; putting the Bosch name on it seems like the best course of action.
The modular tool box system situation at Lowe’s seems ripe for Bosch’s entry as well. Lowe’s seems to be propping up Klein Modbox as a pro system, with Craftsman and Kobalt on the value-priced end of the spectrum.
Lowe’s seems to have lost interest in promoting Flex and now ToughBuilt, and so there could be room for Bosch.
Home Depot has Milwaukee Packout, Dewalt ToughSystem, Ridgid Pro Gear, Ryobi Link, Husky BuildOut, and Makita Maktrak could also be on the way to stores.
Bosch’s legacy L-Boxx tool box system is not competitive against modern pro modular tool storage systems, but the new L-Boxx Contractor system could be. Lowe’s selection is not competitive to Home Depot’s, and their efforts waned compared to a year ago, but the L-Boxx Contractor system could change that.
Has anyone heard anything about the Bosch AmpShare system in the USA recently? Me neither. Bosch and Sortimo are going to have to put a lot of effort into the L-Boxx Contractor system to drive interest and adoption, but I think there’s strong motivation for them to do so.
Bosch needs to get back into the modular tool box space in a meaningful way, and perhaps the new L-Boxx Contractor system from their joint venture with Sortimo could help with that.
There are more details via Shadow Foam’s L-Boxx Contractor preview post. You might also want to check out Shadow Foam’s store. My tool kit has been too fluid for me to commit to foam-lining my drawers and boxes, but they’ll be among my first stops once that changes.
Robert
Did they really have to name the joint venture “BS Systems” for the US market?
Another sign they don’t have boots on the ground here. Yes, it doesn’t change any functionality of the L-Boxx Contractor gear, but makes it a bit harder to take seriously.
Stuart
I don’t see a problem.
Karson
I agree. To even think that is a bunch of BS!
Robert
Well, time and social media/comedians will tell. Imagine if Don McMillan gets wind of it. There’s a reason pharmaceuticals spend significant money generating drugs’ marketing names.
After research, I bought a couple of Bosch tools that are best in class. So I know they can do the engineering if they choose to. But this Joint Venture title just opens them up to ridicule without any benefit other than having a simple name.
Stuart
BS Systems was created more than 12 years ago…
OldDominionDIYer
But it’s still a big sign Bosch is out of touch, and that aint no BS!
S
I don’t know, PRV Audio seems to be doing quite well despite my internal child giggling at the name.
eddiesky
Atleast its not PRV Video Audio Group! LOL… ok I’ll leave…
Brian Puccio
> Did they really have to name the joint venture “BS Systems” for the US market?
Why do you think they called it that specifically for Americans? The name of the company is “ BS Systems GmbH & Co. KG” so that’s the name for everyone.
Why didn’t the Chevy Nova sell poorly in Mexico? Supposedly because “no va” is Spanish for “doesn’t go”.
Any sales in the US lost will be for a myriad of other reasons aside from the company name “ BS Systems GmbH & Co. KG”.
Jared
Is it a smaller-sized modular box system than Packout and Toughsystem? The pictures make it look that way – but that might be just how I’m seeing it.
I like seeing drawers.
In some ways it’s too bad this might supplant Flex and Toughbilt at Lowes. Those systems also hold a lot of promise. Toughbilt seems like they could make a run at being a leading system if they actually released all the things they promised.
Terry
The Bosch L-Boxx color scheme in the top image reminds me of the entry level Hart (Walmart) products. Like others I think the modular box space is too crowded.
Jronman
I wonder if they will be compatible with the other L-boxx system. Maybe Menards will finally get a professional focused modular system on shelves as Bosch is their biggest “pro” brand.
James
These do not look compatible with legacy L-Boxx, as the disconnect mechanism here is a front button and the legacy system was two side buttons (single-handedly caused me arthritis ;)…..
Hopefully they updated the plastic to work in North American temps (the legacy system is brittle, especially when cold). The one thing that they continue to lead in is the drawer organizers that remove…I haven’t seen anyone else with that functionality, and those are super handy.
Ken
There was a video a while back from Germany that showed that the new boxes are indeed compatible with the old:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=2hyeV5KSxuI
Unfortunately, the video appears to have been made private. There was discussion on reddit:
https://www.reddit.com/r/BoschProPowerTools/comments/1ckp7m5
The old boxes are smaller in length and width than the new boxes so they sit inside the new box, allowing for two separate stacking mechanisms to work.
James
That’s actually genius. And a slightly larger footprint is welcome. Thanks for the info! Maybe I’ll hold on to my 40-odd empty L-Boxxes that are taking up a pallet spot in the warehouse…..doubt it though….Packout is simply too good.
Brian Puccio
Agreed. Looking at the second photo in the blog post here I see the latching points on the left and right sides of the inner ledge of the lip on the top. Current L-Boxxes will fit in nicely there.
(Though for me it’s moot since I’ve “standardized” on the prior gen of L-Boxxes and I’m a hobbyist with no need to travel.)
Peter Unlustig
If they get any traction I am sure some 3D printer wizard will come up with an adapter plate if it is doable.
will
Since when did Menard get a decent pro power tool brand? They have mostly garbage though i was surprised to see knipex on their shelves.
Rob
They always have random pro stuff mixed in with junk. Last time I was there they still had Halder, Wilde, Vaughn, Pferd, Spax, GRK and so on. At one point they sold white labelled Stabila levels as part of their Masterforce line.
IronWood
#LikeLBoxx
will
#LickLBoxx?
Adabhael
I know I’m in the minority but what I guess we’re calling “legacy” L-Boxx remains better for my applications. They are mostly square and fairly thin with few protrusions, so very space efficient for packing, and easy to make custom inserts. I like that they are quite light. I preferred the original side handles and lid compared to the revised one, and they’ve gotten quite pricy, but I have and still use about a dozen. I don’t transport or store tools in ways that demand the rugged and waterproof designs like this (and the many others listed) but clearly many companies believe that is where the market is now!
Peter Unlustig
Same here, they are perfect similar to the systainer for what I need because my boxes never really stay outside at the work I am doing.
They are also much stronger than they look/feel.
Stuart
I’ve owned dozens. Legacy L-Boxx products are good in certain contexts, but I would never buy them again, except maybe the drawer units with removable organizer trays.
It was good for its time, but does not hold up well against modern systems. I am nearly done converting over to Packout and other storage and organizational methods.
will
The hard plastic of my fee LBoxx’s doesn’t seem as sturdy as dewalts toughsystems more rugged polymers.
PW
All I know is, if they launch with Lowe’s as some kind of primary or exclusive partner, it’s doomed. Lowe’s is the kiss of death.
Stuart
I have come to believe that retail availability is essential for modular tool boxes, at least initially.
Let’s say there are 2 identical tool box systems – but you don’t recognize that fact – and they’re both $300. One is available online and at your local home center, and the other is only available online.
Would you be more likely to buy the online-only system site-unseen, or the system that’s available locally for hands-on inspection as well as online?
PW
I don’t disagree, but Lowe’s seems to be a terrible partner. I understand why businesses that can’t get elbow into HD fall back to Lowe’s – but it seems like Lowe’s inevitably screws them.
I find it very frustrating. The Lowe’s near me are all clean and seem relatively well-run. The inability of Lowe’s corporate to get their act together and be a better competitor is a loss for the marketplace.
will
They can’t get Milwaukee so they need to push Bosch and Dewalt harder rather then that crap lowes brand Kobalt.
Oarman
“Lowe’s seems to be propping up Klein Modbox as a pro system, with Craftsman and Kobalt on the value-priced end of the spectrum.
Home Depot has Milwaukee Packout, Dewalt ToughSystem, Ridgid Pro Gear, Ryobi Link, Husky CaseStack, and Makita Maktrak could also be on the way to stores.”
I just can’t see how the market supports this many (and presumably there are more) systems.
Peter Unlustig
Could be but also not so long ago plastic tool boxes were snuffed at and now people seem to cannot get enough of them.
Stuart
It’s good to have options. I think that one brand has emerged as market leader in the pro space, but there’s plenty of market share left for other brands to fight over. In the non-pro space, saturation isn’t as big a concern.
S
I agree. I can’t understand how the automotive market supports so many brands.
We all know Toyota makes the best trucks, SUV’s, and cars.
A bit tongue-in-cheek, but different needs and usage means a different purchase experience for everyone. Packout might work great as the ‘toyota option’, but Klein could be far better as the ‘chevy option’ for someone else.
Al
Beyond late to the party. Who cares?
Stuart
Arrival time loses significance over time.
will
In a few years if Bosch catches up in availability then they’ll be fine.
JR Ramos
I’m going to have a hard time getting excited about this one but it’d be neat to see them in person if/when they show up in stores. With any luck it’ll be a solid, convenient, durable system. ToughStack sure looked like it solved a lot of problems/answered desires that people had, but it fell short and then…seems like it fell off a cliff. If Bosch brings anything new/better to the table that would be great but otherwise for me it’s just contributing to “packout fatigue”, so to speak.
The handle-activated unlock sounds like it could be great, as well as being able to turn off the locking so you can stack and unstack without latching hassles. Polypro instead of ABS sounds smart although I’ve wondered why nobody thinks a glass-filled nylon wouldn’t be the smartest idea (cost, maybe…at retail and also the dies/molds). I’m sure someone will love the color coded replacement latches and accoutrements a la Sortimo.
Very good to hear that they will be manufactured in the USA. Props to Bosch for that!
If the wheels on the rolling box turn out to be worthy (and the handle) I might be coaxed into buying a short stack…maybe.
JR Ramos
Oh…..on AmpShare. If you follow or seek out the somewhat regular videos from Bosch, they still mention it frequently. I grew the 18v battery collection from them by five in the last two months. The newer 8Ah packs have new stickers that say AmpShare on them rather than ProCore or whatever. The 4Ah I got are the same old labeling but judging by the dust on the clamshell packaging they are probably not the freshest stock.
I think it’ll become a bigger (and welcomed) thing…seems to be catching on in other parts of the world already. May not be much here in the US as none of those brands are nearly as popular as red and yellow and the cheaper flavors.
Frank D
Bosch fan here; but if it looks like a bleached out version of somebody’s else’s system. Plus too little too late.
James
I really like the color scheme. And it looks like there are accessory attachment points on the corners. I’ll probably get a stack when it launches, in particular due to the cross compatibility with the legacy boxxes. It will be interesting as always to see what that rolling box does…..everyone has to know by now that we want a drawer down there….
Ken
I re-read the ShadowFoam article and decided to do a google search for the “L-Boxx US” that they referred to.
I was surprised to find a linkedin page for what appears to be a relatively new American company, L-Boxx Corp.
Their linkedin page claims that they are making the old-style L-Boxxes domestically, but in polypropylene instead of the old ABS and that they are “available now.” I think this means that the recent listings seen on certain websites (like Acme Tools) are the “new” polypro units made in USA and not imported ABS units, but this is just a guess on my part.
Also, the “new” old-style L-Boxxes apparently have an option (?) for a sealing ring, making them IP-rated.
They have some good photos of the new USA made units:
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/l-boxx-corp_introducing-a-new-era-of-tool-storage-the-activity-7272671491136143360-aEko
Their linkedin page has quite a few other recent posts about products from Bosch I’ve not seen before, like toolbelts, soft bags, and clear-lid L-Boxxes. BUT – no word at all on the new “contractor” box system!
Stuart
At this time they only seem to be marketing it towards other brands that might want to put their name on a modular tool box. Think AmpShare but for tool boxes. There are interesting accessories that haven’t been available here, but they’re not orderable via typical retailers.
Ken
I’ve seen some of the Bosch-branded tool belt items when browsing Amazon UK and DE, but never here. I tried doing a search for “ProClick Mobility System” and see that Sortimo is selling them in the US:
https://www.mysortimo.us/en_US/products/tool-storage/proclick-tool-bags
Brian Puccio
I caught wind of the new company (and Tekton now selling red L-Boxxes) but didn’t pick up on the change in materials. Thanks for pointing that out!
Ken
Your post made me question if Tekton’s red boxes are the new made in USA models. A quick look on their website shows that they are made in Germany and are made of ABS:
https://www.tekton.com/stacking-tool-box-olb11022
So I’m still not sure where, if anywhere, the new polypro / USA boxes are sold.
Stuart
They are not sold anywhere, and to the best of my understanding, there are no plans for the L-Boxx US version to be sold anywhere.
Brian Puccio
Interesting. Thanks!
GM
Regarding your question on the AmpShare system, I recently purchased a Bosch Battery Starter Kit from Lowe’s which came with 2 4ah batteries and the GAL18v-40 charger (also came with a free tool). I have several of these exact chargers which have all come packaged with other Bosch products. This time though, the charger comes labeled with AmpShare branding printed right on the charger. So at least at this moment, Bosch seems serious about AmpShare.
Stuart
Bosch is serious about it, but how much effort have they put into building the sub-brand? Increasing familiarity?
How many AmpShare tool or product launches have you heard about other than what’s in the Bosch 18V tool system?
Old Suburban Dad
“Makita Maktrak could also be on the way to stores.”
Is this a hunch or based on some insider info?
And if the latter, any guess in timing?
I am considering buying some and would love to go hands on first. I also wonder if HD might run a combo deal coincident with in-store release.
Stuart
Hunch.
Maktrak is a huge gamble for Makita USA. If I were them, I would have wanted to secure a Home Depot order for in-store placement before proceeding.
I don’t think there will be discounts. If it were up to me, I’d time it for after the Packout holiday promo ends.
Darren Strong
Any further news on release date?
We were told late 2024/early 2025 in the UK but nothing has released.
Seriously looking to move to Packout
Stuart
As far as I am aware, things are in motion and it’s going to take more time.