History of STIHL
STIHL started out as one man with a vision. Now, more than 80 years later, the STIHL Group provides jobs for more than 12,000 people, including over 400 designers and engineers. As a company, we have over 35,000 Dealers in more than 160 countries and, due to the excellence of our products and craftsmanship, STIHL has become the preferred choice of many professionals and hobby gardeners worldwide.
1927
One year after founding his company, Andreas Stihl opens a factory in Bad Cannstatt, near Stuttgart. The building is severely damaged during the war and Stihl moves production to Waiblingen where it remains today.
1930s : Apprentice Training
From the very early years STIHL believed in developing good people.
1930s
One of the first petrol-driven two-man STIHL chainsaws.
1954 : Diversification begins
An attachment to the STIHL BL chainsaw transforms it into an earth auger.
1959 : The Legendary STIHL Contra
Andreas Stihl's vision is realised and the 'lightweight', portable chainsaw revolutionises the tree work industry.
1970s
Production processes are becoming more mechanised. Hair is getting taller!
1970s : The STIHL logo
Evolution of the STIHL logo reflects diversification of the range. Originally designed as a symbol of forest work, it is now internationally recognised as a mark of quality power tools.
1971
In order to meet the high standards of quality and reliable deliveries it demands, STIHL opens a magnesium pressure die-casting plant in Prüm-Weinsheim. The plant produces components such as crankcases for chainsaws and power tools.
1973
The company's founder, Andreas Stihl dies at the age of 76. Management passes to Hans Peter Stihl and his sister Eva Mayr-Stihl.
1974
STIHL Incorporated in the United States is founded.
1978
Andreas Stihl Ltd in Great Britain is founded.
1985
Lumberjacks have long tested their strength with an axe and chainsaw. Harnessing that competitive spirit and showcasing their skill, the STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS® Series is launched. It now has a global fan-base following events live and on TV.
1992 : VIKING
STIHL acquires garden equipment manufacturer, VIKING. Based in the Austrian Tyrol the company rapidly expands under the leadership of Dr Nikolas Stihl – grandson of the Group founder.
2000
The century turns and STIHL launches its innovative multi-tool concept. A splitting shaft allows a whole range of tools to be powered by one engine. It is known today as the KombiSystem.
2004
STIHL opens its state-of-the-art Engineering Centre in Waiblingen, on time and on budget. The project represents a €40 million investment in STIHL's future R&D infrastructure.
2008
VIKING launches a unique lawn tractor range. Designed from the ground up by the Austrian team, the new models have been over four years (17,000 hours) in development.
2009
STIHL enters the cordless power tool market with two standard-setting new hedge trimmers. Quiet, powerful and lasting performers, the new models are praised by gardeners.
2010
A fully electronic engine management system, STIHL's M-Tronic technology makes the MS 441 C-M chainsaw its most advanced ever. The self-tuning engine makes this a chainsaw with a brain!
2011
A new era begins with the arrival of a complete range of cordless garden power tools from STIHL. A clean, quiet and long-lasting lithium-ion battery powers each of the five tools available.