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www.arborage.com Arbor Age / July 2014 25 Like those long-ago motorbikes, today's Husqvarna products rest comfortably — when not in use — in garages and back- yard storage sheds throughout the U.S. and the world. While the engineers and machinists who earned widespread acclaim on earlier products are long gone, they established a legacy that today's workforce holds dear — a commitment to high quality, profi ciency, value and safety that has earned Husqvarna strong sales and a well earned reputation for leadership. Our mission statement as a 21st century company is quite specifi c: We provide innovative quality products and solutions to make garden, park and forest care, as well as construction easier for professionals and consumers around the world. But I feel certain that elements of that mission — especially the references to innovation, quality and a commitment to making life easier for customers — have been important to the hundreds of thousands of Husqvarna employees who came before us. 1689: RiÁ e factory When Swedish weapons produc- tion took off in the late 17th century, hydropower was needed to handle certain mechanical operations. The drillingwork at the waterfalls in Huskvarna, southern Sweden, was our ¿ rst plant. 1872: Breaking new ground A very innovative and ambitious period, resulting in a broad array of new products: sewing machines (1872), hunting weapons (1877), wood stoves (1884), mincing machines (1890), and the ¿ rst Swedish type- writer (1895). 1896: Bicycles The era of bicycles begins — and lasts through 1962. 1903: The motorcycle era begins Husqvarna earns a worldwide reputation, as its lightweight- yet-powerful engines helped make some of the most successful track racing and motocross bikes in history. 1919: The À rst lawnmower Husqvarna acquires 'Norrahammars Bruk', the ¿ rst step in the Group's current focus on outdoor power products. The ¿ rst motorized Husqvarna lawnmower for commercial use is launched in 1947, and in 1959 the ¿ rst homeowner model reaches the market. 1959: The À rst chain saw Expertise in engines from the production of motorcycles is now utilized in new product areas, as Husqvarna introduces its ¿ rst chain saw — which used motorcycle mufÀ er technol- ogy to achieve lower noise levels than its competitors. 1969: Setting new standards for ergonomics When the Husqvarna 180 chain saw is released, it features a groundbreaking anti-vibration function that prevents "white ¿ n- gers disease," a common problem for forestry workers around the world. In 1973, Husqvarna introduces the world's ¿ rst chain saw with an automatic chain brake. In 1999, the feature TrioBrake is introduced, enabling users to activate the chain break with the right hand — further reducing the risk of injury for forestry workers. 1978-79: Outdoor power products expand The outdoor operation contin- ues to expand both through organic growth and through acquisitions. Power products now include chain saws, motorcycles, lawn mowers and power cutting machines. 1980s: Strengthened positions in the U.S. Organic growth and acquisitions expand Husqvarna's opera- tions in lawn and garden. Two major acquisitions, Poulan/Weed Eater and Roper Corp, complement Husqvarna's product range, making the U.S. the largest market for garden equipment. 1995: The birth of the robotic mower Husqvarna pioneered the market by launching the world's ¿ rst solar-powered fully robotic lawn mower. In 2013, a third generation model with built-in GPS is introduced. 2002: Power cutters and diamond tools When Diamant Boart International was acquired in 2002, the construction business doubled in size, turning into a world leader within its segment. 2007-2008: Expansion Husqvarna expands in watering by acquiring the Gardena brand, followed by Zeonoah (which enables expansion in Japan). Production in China is expanded through the acqui- sition of Jenn Feng and the construction of a new plant for chainsaws and other handheld products. 2009: Husqvarna demolition robot Husqvarna's ¿ rst remote-controlled demolition robot is launched, designed for all demolition tasks and for where it is too dangerous for workers to enter. 2012: Battery products Husqvarna introduces a range of battery products for con- sumers and professional. Timeline Sidebar provided by Husqvarna. Husqvarna's logo has evolved throughout the years, yet still harkens back to the motif of the company's original logo (right).