Briggs & Straton Corporation started production in its new manufacturing plant in Ostrava, Czech Rep.

25 Mar. 2007 | CzechInvest | Briggs & Stratton Corporation, a leading name in the outdoor power equipment industry, built its first assembly factory in Europe. It is based near Ostrava, Czech Republic.

This factory, situated on 3 hectares in the Hrabova industrial zone, manufactures vertical-shaft petrol engines for lawn and garden applications. Production started in December 2006.

The company cooperated with the CzechInvest on setting up the plant. “Briggs & Stratton is among the leading companies in its field of business,” says Jakub Mikulasek, Chief Operating Officer of CzechInvest. “We were able to help several Czech companies to negotiate long-term contracts with Briggs & Stratton for the production of important components worth tens of millions of crowns.”

“Briggs & Stratton is committed to remaining the industry leader of quality engines on a global basis. This investment in Central Europe further expands our ability to serve the special seasonal needs of the lawn and garden industry in Europe.” said Mike Schoen, President of Briggs & Stratton’s International Power Products Group.

The European demand for Briggs & Stratton engines continues to increase, and this new facility will allow Briggs & Stratton to better fill this demand. Building engines closer to the customer’s factories lets Briggs & Stratton respond more quickly to their needs, just as having a comprehensive dealer network in Europe ensures fast Briggs & Stratton service after the engine is put into use.

When fully operational, the Ostrava, Czech Republic engine facility will employ approximately 250 people.

More about BRIGGS & STRATON

Briggs & Stratton Corporation (NYSE symbol “BGG”) is the world’s largest manufacturer of small, air-cooled engines for lawn and garden and other outdoor power equipment. The company is also the largest producer of generators and pressure washers in the United States. Briggs & Stratton products are designed, manufactured, marketed and serviced in over 100 countries on all seven continents.