Waiblingen, 12/17/2018 | Company press release
STIHL sets up in-house battery production in Waiblingen
The STIHL Group is setting up in-house battery production facilities at its head office in Germany. In doing so the company is underpinning its mission of manufacturing first-rate technology, including for cordless products. Backpack batteries for professional applications will be produced in a highly automated high-tech manufacturing facility in Waiblingen-Hohenacker. With this move the company is once again demonstrating its innovative strength in the field of environmentally friendly power tools for forestry and agriculture, as well as for landscape maintenance and domestic garden owners.
Increasingly powerful batteries have boosted the popularity of these products, and not only among domestic users. Quieter and emissions-free products offer many advantages, especially for work by public authorities.
“Entering into battery pack production is the logical continuation of the STIHL battery strategy,” commented Dr. Bertram Kandziora, Chairman of the Executive Board of STIHL, explaining the move. “In just 10 years, we have expanded our range of cordless products from one hedge trimmer to three product lines featuring a wide selection of different power tools.” STIHL launched its line of battery products for professional use in 2009. In 2016, the company extended the development center at its head office in Waiblingen to open a center of excellence for battery and electronics development. Today, more than 300 employees work there. “We have been able to fill many vacant positions in recent months, especially in the fields of batteries, electronics, connected products and IT. This is an important foundation for further growth in this future-focused segment,” commented Dr. Kandziora. Increasingly powerful batteries have boosted the popularity of these products, and not only among domestic users. Quieter and emissions-free products offer many advantages, especially for work by public authorities.
The battery production facility was built with in-house expertise within the space of just 18 months. The first test series in the new building in Waiblingen commenced in September. The first batteries produced in-house will come to market in the fall of 2019. The batteries will primarily be destined for European dealers.
