The
STIHL Group is setting up an in-house production line for battery products at
its headquarters in Germany.
In
doing so, the company is underpinning its efforts to manufacture
top-of-the-line technology, even for battery products.
Backpack
batteries for professional applications will be produced at a highly automated
high-tech manufacturing facility in Waiblingen-Hohenacker.
As
a result, the company is once again demonstrating its innovative strength in
the field of environmentally friendly tools for forestry and agriculture, as
well as for landscape maintenance and private garden owners.
"Entering
into battery pack manufacturing is the logical continuation of the STIHL
battery strategy," Dr. Bertram Kandziora, Chairman of the Executive Board
of STIHL, says, explaining the move.
"In
just 10 years, we have expanded our range of battery products from a hedge
trimmer to three product lines featuring a wide selection of different
tools."
STIHL
launched its line of battery products for professional and high-end private use
in 2009. In 2016, the company opened a competence center for battery and
electronics development at its headquarters in Waiblingen by expanding its
development center. Today, more than 300 employees work at the center of
competence.
"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
essential to further growth in this promising segment," Dr. Kandziora
says. Increasingly powerful batteries have made the products popular among more
than just private users. The quieter, emissions-free products offer many
advantages, especially for municipal customers.
The
battery production line was built with in-house expertise within the space of
just 18 months. The first trial run at the new building in Waiblingen commenced
in September. The first batteries produced in-house are slated to hit the
market in fall 2019. Most batteries will be destined for European dealers.
