1974
STIHL began manufacturing in the U.S. with
the 015 chain saw.
1977
STIHL Inc. broke ground for Manufacturing
Plant I and Administrative Offices.
1980
Crankshaft, Heat Treating and Polymer depart-
ments added.
1982
In-house injection molding developed.
1985
STIHL Inc. launched the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS
series on ABC/ESPN.
1989
Production expanded to include trimmers, spe-
cifically FS 36, FS 40 and FS 44 models.
1992
Fred Whyte (above) named president of STIHL Inc.
1993
Production of the 029, 039, and 009 MiniBoss
chain saws; HS 72, 74 & 76 hedge trimmers
and FC 72 edger.
1995
STIHL Inc. achieved globally recognized ISO
9001 registration for quality.
2000
STIHL Inc. awarded U.S. Senate Productivity
Medallion of Excellence. STIHLUSA.com
launched.
2002
U.S. Production of 4180 (4-MIX) series engine
began.
2004
STIHL Inc. recognized with Governor's Environ-
mental Excellence Award (Silver) and inaugural
Virginia Shingo Prize by Virginia Manufacturers
Association.
2007
Hans Peter Stihl (above right), son of STIHL
founder, Andreas Stihl, dedicated a 60,000-square-
foot guide bar production plant, marking the first
time guide bars are manufactured in the U.S.
2009
STIHL Inc. started producing the majority of all
STIHL powerheads worldwide. STIHL became
the number one selling brand in America*.
2012
STIHL Inc. produced its 50-millionth powerhead.
2012
Acting Secretary Rebecca Blank (above right)
selected STIHL Inc. as site to announce the
Make it in America Challenge, a $40-million
initiative to accelerate the trend of insourcing.
2013
STIHL Inc. receives Association for
Manufacturing Excellence award.
2014
Celebrating 40 years built in America**.
* "Number one selling brand" is based on syndi-
cated Irwin Broh Research, as well as independent
consumer research of 2009-2013 U.S. sales and
market share data for the gasoline-powered hand-
held outdoor power equipment category combined
sales to consumers and commercial landscapers.
**A majority of STIHL powerheads are built in
the United States from domestic and foreign
parts and components.
Information provided by STIHL Inc.
Ti m e l i n e
www.stma.org September 2014 | SportsTurf 41
