Landscape and Irrigation is read by decision makers throughout the landscape and irrigation markets — including contractors, landscape architects, professional grounds managers, and irrigation and water mgmt companies and reaches the entire spetrum.
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/351389
36 Landscape and Irrigation August 2014 www.landscapeirrigation.com Anniversary Series Special bicycle, and on the housing of the family sewing machine. A history of Husqvarna mirrors the history of Europe and, ultimately, the world. As technology has evolved, Husqvarna has been there, priding ourselves in our inventiveness, inno- vative capacity and technical proficiency. Glancing through a book about Husqvarna produced in 1989 to commemorate our 300th anniversary yields fascinating facts and photos, like those of Husqvarna motorcycles shown racing to victory on the world's fastest courses. Like those long-ago motorbikes, today's Husqvarna products rest comfortably — when not in use — in garages and backyard 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, proficiency, 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 specific: 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. Today's Husqvarna zero-turn mowers, professional chain saws, drill systems and dozens of other product lines may not bear a literal resemblance to the muskets and kitchen equipment of our past. But the precision of our products and the passion of our 14,000-plus employees in over 40 countries have remained con- sistent all these years. Perhaps what has been passed down is the "Gnosjo spirit," which our early workers were said to have — a blending of industriousness, inventiveness and resolve. Often, as the head of Husqvarna's North American operations, I am asked what has made our company so successful in the highly competitive outdoor power equipment marketplace. That is a simple question, and — despite the complexities of the modern marketplace — demands a simple answer. Perhaps I should borrow a line from one of my Husqvarna for- bearers, who wrote the following 25 years ago: "Thanks to our very capable, well trained personnel, our good products and our excel- lent reputation, we are well equipped to meet new challenges." So true, 325 years into our history. Alan Shaw is Head of Americas for Husqvarna, Charlotte, N.C. What does the future hold for Husqvarna? A clue can be found from our 325-year past. Husqvarna has prospered, evolved, and grown due to our commitment to engi- neering excellence, a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for developing innovative, high-quality solutions. That begins with staying close to customers, whose input, insights and changing needs have fed our steady stream of new products and enhancements that not only promote ease of use but also showcase our focus on sustainability. In 2014, we have unveiled a number of groundbreaking solutions that address our customers' demands for high-quality solutions. A few of the latest Husqvarna technological break- throughs include: • AutoTune, a technological and environmental advancement in professional chain saws that minimizes exhaust emissions and optimizes engine performance; it eliminates the need for carburetor adjustments. • X-Torq, a technology that delivers lower fuel consumption and reduced exhaust emission levels in accordance with the most stringent environmental regulations; it is used predomi- nantly in handheld products. • Additions to our growing line of battery-powered products; these lightweight products are quiet and free from direct emis- sions. • Continued enhancements to our line of self-operating robotic mowers, which save time and effort for homeowners and facility managers; they produce no direct emissions during use and consume very little energy. • Additions to our line of industry-leading all-wheel-drive mowers, designed for uneven terrain and tough mowing con- ditions. Looking ahead, Husqvarna will focus on continuing to grow our independent dealer sales and retail channel, while also focusing on high-growth geographic markets, especially in Latin America. And with housing starts and existing-home sales on the rise once again, Husqvarna will continue to leverage our leadership position as the world's largest provider of outdoor power equip- ment. Here's to the next 325 years! Sidebar provided by Husqvarna. Husqvarna: Looking Ahead LI Husqvarna's logo has evolved throughout the years, yet still harkens back to the motif of the company's original logo (left). All photos and graphics provided by Husqvarna.