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INDUSTRY NEWS Briggs & Stratton facility reaches production milestone Scag and Power Tool Company launch factory certified technician program Briggs & Stratton Corporation announced Dec. 3 that it has produced its 70-millionth small engine at its Murray, Ky.-based facility. A committed team of approximately 1,000 American workers has achieved this milestone of consistently producing millions of engines each year since the plant's opening in 1985 for the OPE industry. This notable accomplishment is further evidence that Briggs & Stratton, like many companies, is solidly committed to U.S.-based manufacturing. The approximately 300,000-square-foot Murray facility is responsible for die casting, machining, and the assembly of engines and related components. "It's hard to believe that just this facility alone has produced 70 million small engines," said Rodney Bohannon, plant manager. "This is a true testament to the dedication and hard work of our employees and suppliers." The Murray facility is one of four Briggs & Stratton small-engine plants located in the United States. "Briggs & Stratton has a longstanding relationship with the Commonwealth of Kentucky and is a top employer in the community," said Murray Mayor Bill Wells. "Manufacturing 70 million engines is a significant accomplishment. They continue to invest in our community and are a significant part of Murray's economic success and for that we are extremely thankful." Scag Power Equipment and Power Tool Company recently announced the inaugural class of the Scag Factory Certified Technician Program. Twenty Scag authorized dealers with more than 25 technicians have signed on and started training in this industry-first program. Technicians will learn and become certified in all aspects of a Scag commercial lawn mower. Curriculum includes engine diagnostics, hydraulic systems, cutter deck dynamics and electrical training; upon the course conclusion, this elite group will be experts in Scag Power Equipment. "This program was developed in conjunction with not only Power Tool Company's technical staff, but also the experts from our component manufacturers such as Hydro-Gear and Kohler Engines," said Pat Rohloff, Scag's technical service manager. "This program will ensure that our end users are being serviced by the best technicians in the industry." Dealerships from six states (Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia) are represented in this inaugural class. Levels one and two of a three-step, yearlong program have been completed both online and at the George Bennett Training and Service Academy (GBTSA) in Johnson City, Tenn. The next step for the technicians is a monthly continuing education program, which is provided online. After this process, the technicians will return to the GBTSA for their final hands-on training and certification. "We are proud to be leading the way in technical training for the commercial lawn mower industry," said Todd Bohon, president of Power Tool Company. "The commitment and participation from our dealer base is outstanding, and we look forward to certifying not only our inaugural class, but many more for years to come." 10 OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT www.outdoorpowerequipment.com