Stihl was founded in 1926 in Waiblingen, Germany by Andreas Stihl. Stihl was founded with one machine, a HP Two-Man electric saw. The company as we know it today was started as one man with a vision, now in it's 93rd year the company has amassed over 12,000 employees, including 400 expert designers and engineers. What once started in Germany has become a globally recognisable name within the industry and beyond.

You may be wondering how the business grew to what it is today. Well we have had a look through the history of Stihl to bring you some interesting facts through the years.

In 1927 just one year after it's founding Andreas Stihl moved the company to a factory in Bad Cannstatt, near Stuttgart. Sadly this building was severely damaged in the war, and another move was made to Waiblingen where production remains to this day.

1930, the company was still expanding at a rapid rate. A focus was created around "developing good people" within the business. This aim promoted the creation of an Apprentice training scheme. The 1930's also saw the launch of the first petrol-driven two-man Stihl chainsaws.

As you may know Stihl offers a wide range of machines and tools, well this began in 1954. In this year they built an attachment for their BL chainsaw, this attachment transformed this machine into an earth auger. This would be the first of many diversification projects for the company.

In 1959, Andreas Stihl realised his vision to create a revolutionary "lightweight" portable chainsaw for the tree work industry.

The 1970's brought more innovation for Stihl, the production process across the business became more mechanised. This era was also the start of the Stihl logo as we know it today. The logo began to diversify as the company did, a once forestry themed logo became the sleek design that can be seen on machines across Stihl's complete range.

In 1992 Stihl acquired VIKING an Austrian based garden company, this acquisition saw VIKING rapidly expand under the Stihl group.

The new millennium saw Stihl launch it's multi-tool concept. One engine with a splitting shaft capable of powering a range of tools. Today this machine is known as the Kombi system.

2009 came and Stihl entered the cordless power tools market. This venture began with two models of standard-setting hedge trimmers. These soon became praised by gardeners for the portability and power and are still popular to this day.

2010 saw even more innovation as Stihl launched their MS range of chainsaws that are self-tuning, a "chainsaw with a brain."

As well as being global name within the industry, Stihl continues to create innovative product ranges. We have a wide range of genuine Stihl spares and machines available. If you haven't already why not check out our parts diagrams for Stihl's popular machines, including chainsaws, hedge trimmers and more!

Stihl Chainsaw Spares

Stihl Brushcutter Spares

Stihl Hedge Trimmer Spares

Copyright Notice

No copyright Infringement intended. Please note all information used is for informational use only. All copyright belongs to Stihl Ltd at https://www.stihl.co.uk/history.aspx. For full list of historical information please visit Stihl's website.