Stihl opens battery-exclusive plant in Oradea, Romania
The Stihl Group announced it is opening its first battery-only production site in Oradea, Romania with an investment of 125 million euros. Stihl said it designed the site as “a core element of the Group’s international production network,” and that “the site will play a central role in meeting the growing demand for battery-powered products across European markets.”
Construction began in March 2024 and was completed in less than 18 months. The factory will gradually ramp up operations to reach an annual capacity of 1 million battery packs by 2026. By 2028, Stihl expects output to rise to 1.8 million battery packs and 1.7 million battery-powered tools. It will focus initial production on battery-powered blowers and AP battery packs. Over time, it will expand the portfolio to include additional battery-powered equipment such as brush cutters, chainsaws, and other tools.
The new facility has 47,000 square meters of operational space on a 147,000 square meters site. The plant is equipped with flexible multi-product production lines and a high degree of automation, integrating Industry 4.0 principles that ensure digital traceability, optimized processes, and outstanding operational efficiency.
Battery technology has become a major growth-driver for the company. Today, more than one in four of all its products sold worldwide are battery-powered. The company aims to increase this share to approximately 35 percent by 2027 and to about 80 percent by 2035 — a clear reflection of the accelerating transformation in the industry.
Stihl decided to build the new plant in Oradea due to its strategy to strengthen its European footprint and to locate production close to key markets. The city offers logistical connections, a modern infrastructure, and access to a highly qualified workforce — good conditions for sustainable industrial growth within the European Union. The battery-powered equipment market is a potentially stronger one in Europe than in America, though Stihl does product batteries at its American facility in Virginia Beach, Va.
Read more about Stihl’s global strategies.
During the inauguration event on October 15, 2025, Prime Minister of Romania, Ilie Bolojan, emphasized the national significance of the investment: “The Stihl factory in Oradea is not merely an economic investment. It is a powerful signal that Romania can be a reliable partner, a competitive industrial destination, and a place where things can be done well — to European standards. This investment represents jobs, cutting-edge technology, a genuine transfer of know-how, and positions Romania at the heart of an industry undergoing continuous transformation. I thank everyone who contributed to this project — the STIHL team, local authorities, technical partners, and all those who worked on site day after day. It is the result of a shared, responsible effort.”
Recruitment and training are progressing steadily. The plant currently employs around 135 people and will reach approximately 700 employees by 2028. Stihl said it aims to become one of the most attractive employers in the region, offering long-term career opportunities, modern working conditions, and a corporate culture valued by nearly 20,000 employees worldwide.
Sustainability was a central design principle from the very beginning. The facility has been certified by the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) with the Gold standard, recognizing its energy-efficient construction and use of renewable energy systems. The combination of photovoltaic and a geothermal system significantly reduces fossil fuel use. During the day and under favorable weather conditions, the plant can generate renewable energy to cover its internal electricity demand.
