Stihl has announced the opening of its first battery-only production site in Oradea, Romania.
Citing the rapid growth of the market for battery technology, Stihl reports that more than a quarter of its products sold worldwide are now battery-powered, a trend that is driving its €125 million investment in the new factory. The manufacturer further reports that it wants to increase the proportion of Stihl battery products sold to around 35% by 2027 and to around 80% by 2035.
Equipped with flexible assembly lines for multiple products and a high level of automation, the facility covers 47,000 square meters on a 147,000 square meter site. With sustainability a key design principle, the facility is able to power its own operations via an integrated photovoltaic and geothermal system.
Biodiversity objectives were also taken into account in the development of the site, the factory with green roofs, more than 250 newly planted trees and the preservation of an existing woodland area within the site.
Dr. Nikolas Stihl, Chairman of the Advisory Board and Supervisory Board, comments: “The new factory in Oradea expands our global network and strengthens Stihl's position in the fast-growing battery segment. It is an important addition that will ensure our long-term competitiveness in Europe and support our customers with high-performance products designed and built for professionals and demanding consumers worldwide.”
The factory currently employs 135 people and is expected to grow to around 700 by 2028.