TOOLS, PLANT & EQUIPMENT
Resilience in Wartime( 1940s) The 1940s brought significant challenges. Bombing raids would severely damage STIHL’ s Stuttgart plant, prompting production to move to Waiblingen, a location that remains the company’ s headquarters today. In the post-war years, STIHL rebuilt with renewed strength, setting the stage for decades of growth.
During this period, STIHL also released its KS 43‘ power chainsaw’ innovation, made from lightweight magnesium die-cast material.
the design set new performance and safety benchmarks.
STIHL experts also prioritised environmental protection during these decades. As a result, the company developed and launched the first catalytic converter for twostroke engines, fitted as standard to the 1989 STIHL 044 C.
By 2019, STIHL launched the MS 500i, the world’ s first chainsaw with electronic fuel injection, and the GTA 26 pruner, a global hit among professional users.
The Future is Electric( 2020s) Today, STIHL offers four battery system ranges, catering to everyone from home gardeners to professionals. In 2023, STIHL GB moved to Contra House, a stateof-the-art facility with a 9,000 m ² distribution centre, signalling STIHL’ s commitment to the UK market and beyond.
The 1990s saw STIHL acquire VIKING and expand into Eastern Europe, while Andreas Stihl’ s grandson, Dr. Nikolas Stihl, joined the company, continuing the family tradition.
Innovation Takes Centre Stage( 1950s) The 1950s marked a turning point, redefining the future of the chainsaw. STIHL introduced the BL, the first single-person petrol chainsaw, followed by the lightweight BL, and the legendary Contra, a gearless chainsaw packed with innovations like chain lubrication and sound suppression. Marking the dawn of a new era in innovation, landscaping and forestry would never be the same.
Global Expansion( 1960s & 1970s) With new plants in Germany and Switzerland, and with the establishment of STIHL Inc. in the USA in 1974 and STIHL Ltd. in the UK four years later, STIHL solidified its status as a global brand. The adoption of Swiss-made saw chains further strengthening its reputation for precision engineering.
Leadership and Legacy( 1980s & 1990s) The 1980s saw STIHL introduce its 024 chainsaw. With a chain brake,
A New Millennium of Innovation( 2000s & 2010s) STIHL invested heavily in Research and Development, opening a € 40 million development centre in Waiblingen.
The decade also marked STIHL’ s entry into battery-powered tools. As a result, the first battery-operated chainsaw, the STIHL MSA 160 C B-Q, was launched, alongside cutting-edge hedge trimmers, offering low noise and weight.
100 Years On: The Legacy Lives A century later, STIHL is not just a brand, it’ s a symbol of trust and innovation. From forests to gardens, STIHL’ s mission remains unchanged, empowering those passionate about nature with tools that combine performance, safety, and sustainability.
As STIHL celebrates this significant milestone, dual technology leadership remains at the heart of the company’ s approach. As batterypowered equipment continues to gain traction, STIHL will provide and innovate scalable systems to enhance growth. However, for those with a strong preference for petrol machines, STIHL will continue to offer precision engineering in this space, as it has done over the past century. www. stihl. com
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