STIHL celebrates 100th anniversary, reflecting on century of growth

STIHL is marking its 100th anniversary, tracing its evolution from a one-man operation in a Stuttgart workshop to a global manufacturer of gasoline- and battery-powered outdoor power equipment used in forestry, landscaping and residential applications.

Founded in 1926 by Andreas Stihl, the family-owned company has built its reputation on chainsaws and other handheld equipment. While long associated with gasoline-powered products, STIHL in recent years has expanded its focus on battery technology as part of what company leaders describe as a dual-technology strategy.

“Any company that reaches the grand old age of 100 hasn’t got there by relying on tradition alone,” said Dr. Nikolas Stihl, chairman of the Supervisory Board and Advisory Board. “It can only stay successful for a century if it knows its roots, while also recognizing when it’s time to start a new chapter. With that in mind, our anniversary is not just a time to look back, but also a moment to recognize the strength that comes from our combination of heritage, engineering expertise, and the courage to innovate.”

Battery-powered tools now account for about one in four STIHL products sold globally, according to the company. Adoption has been particularly strong in Western Europe, where battery-powered products represent more than 60 percent of sales in countries such as Germany and Switzerland.

To support that growth, STIHL recently opened a production facility in Oradea, Romania, focused entirely on manufacturing battery-powered tools for the European market. At the same time, gasoline-powered equipment remains a core part of the company’s product lineup, with continued investment aimed at long-term viability and sustainability.

The company said its approach to balancing gasoline and battery technologies will be reflected in new products introduced during its anniversary year. These include developments in battery-powered tools as well as new gasoline-powered equipment. STIHL is also promoting a synthetic, biogenic fuel designed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from combustion engine products.

Among the anniversary-related releases is a limited-edition version of the STIHL MS 500i, a gasoline-powered chainsaw originally introduced as the first mass-produced model with electronically controlled fuel injection.

STIHL plans to mark the anniversary with events for employees across its global operations. The company is also scheduled to host the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS World Championships in Stuttgart in October 2026, returning the competition to the city where the company was founded.