Stihl Inc. Celebrates 40 Years of U.S. Manufacturing

Members of the Stihl family from Germany, Stihl employees, product distributors, and many others gathered to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Stihl manufacturing in the U.S.

Stihl Inc. hosts an Oktoberfest-themed celebration to commemorate 40 years of U.S. manufacturing.
Stihl Inc. hosts an Oktoberfest-themed celebration to commemorate 40 years of U.S. manufacturing.

Members of the Stihl family from Germany,  Stihl employees, product distributors, and many others gathered at the Virginia Beach Convention Center in Virginia Beach, VA, on October 9, for the celebration of the 40th anniversary of Stihl manufacturing in the U.S. Stihl Inc. staff was lauded for its hard work and dedication at the Oktoberfest-themed event. The Virginia Beach manufacturing facility was closed the day of the event so all could participate.

“There have been many changes in our facilities, our products, our markets. But something that has not changed is the dedication of all the people who are part of team Stihl. People just like you—real people, Stihl people,” said Fred Whyte, president of Stihl Inc., during the anniversary celebration. “To all our business partners and suppliers who are with us today, our members of state and local government, a sincere thank you for being a part of our success. And to our Stihl employees, you are the heart and soul of this company. You are the folks who bleed orange with true dedication, skill, talent and passion.”                          

Since 1974, the company has steadily increased its investment in its U.S. facilities, introducing new product lines and increasing vertical integration. What began with fewer than 50 employees assembling one model of chainsaw in a rented warehouse in 1974 has grown into a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. Today, Stihl Inc. manufactures more than 275 model variations, exports to more than 90 countries, and employs more than 2,100 nationwide. 

The event was held in conjunction with the company’s national sales meeting where it was announced to the approximately 250 branch and distributor representatives from around the U.S. that the company was enjoying record sales and record market share. 

Stihl Inc. has been recognized with multiple accolades for manufacturing excellence. Most recently, the manufacturer received the AME Manufacturing Excellence Award and Plant of the Year award from Assembly magazine. 

The company is also well known for its unique distribution strategy, selling its products exclusively through a network of 8,500 servicing dealers.

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