SportsTurf provides current, practical and technical content on issues relevant to sports turf managers, including facilities managers. Most readers are athletic field managers from the professional level through parks and recreation, universities.
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/356087
1978-1979: Outdoor power products expand The outdoor operation continues 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 operations 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 first 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 busi- ness 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 Zenoah (which enables expansion in Japan). Production in China is expanded through the acquisition of Jenn Feng and the construction of a new plant for chain saws and other handheld prod- ucts. 2009: Husqvarna demolition robot Husqvarna's first remote-controlled demo- lition 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 consumers and profession- als. Sidebar provided by Husqvarna. www.stma.org August 2014 | sportsturf 37 Husqvarna has been there, priding ourselves in our inventiveness, innovative 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 vic- tory 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 commit- ment to high quality, proficiency, value and safety that has earned Husqvarna strong sales and a well earned reputation for leadership. Top right: During the past 325 years, in addition to outdoor power equipment, Husqvarna has manufactured muskets, swords, sewing machines, wood-burning stoves, motorcycles, household products, and much more. Bottom right: Husqvarna began on the banks of the Swedish river that gave the company its name.