Sarasota – October 16, 2026 -- Kreate, a product development and manufacturing company, has been named The Home Depot's 2026 Partner of the Year, its third consecutive year receiving the recognition, following a $100 million expansion in Tiffin, Ohio.
The award comes from The Home Depot's annual Supplier Partnership and Innovation Awards, which recognize suppliers that deliver value, innovation and performance for DIY and Pro customers. Kreate said the recognition reflects a multi-year collaboration to expand and improve The Home Depot's storage assortment.
Tiffin expansion adds capacity closer to customer demand
The $100 million Tiffin investment adds production capacity and brings advanced manufacturing closer to customers. Kreate said its manufacturing and distribution locations help cut freight, handling and lead times.
The company has also deepened its vertical integration into resin manufacturing. Kreate said material science and engineering allow it to optimize formulations, product geometry and processing, lowering material cost and waste while preserving strength and durability.
Robotics and AI vision target defects, scrap and downtime
Kreate combines robotics, automated material handling and AI-enabled machine vision with its workforce. The company said the approach reduces defects, scrap and downtime and improves productivity, consistency and responsiveness.
Kreate evaluates total landed cost, covering materials, labor, tooling, energy, packaging, freight, inventory and quality. Founder and Owner Nickolas Reinhart said investments in people, autonomous manufacturing, AI vision and material science are intended to improve quality and lower that cost for retail partners.
HDX and Husky lines anchor Home Depot-exclusive storage portfolio
Kreate designs, manufactures and distributes HDX and Husky storage and organization products sold exclusively at The Home Depot, online and in stores nationwide. Recent launches include:
- Tote Stacker: a system for keeping totes organized and accessible.
- HDX Defender Series: waterproof and dustproof totes with integrated gaskets and heavy-duty latches. The 27-Gallon Defender Tote was named a 2026 Apartment Therapy Organization winner.
- HDX Vista Stack Series: a modular clear-storage system with stackable and nestable designs in multiple sizes.
- HDX 2.5-Quart Mini Tough Tote: a compact tote with a snap lid and stackable, nestable construction.
- HDX Nano Tough Tote: a palm-sized, 0.75-quart tote for hardware, craft supplies and small items.
Kreate said it aligns product development, capacity, capital investment and demand creation with its partners' customers and growth priorities.