For 329 years, Husqvarna, now an outdoor power equipment manufacturer, has produced a variety of products from firearms to motorcycles to chainsaws. Now, the company focuses on outdoor products, but its vast history and acquisitions around the globe prove Husqvarna to be an innovative company. In light of its proud past, check out these 10 facts about Husqvarna history.
- Husqvarna began as Husqvarna Vapenfabriks Aktiebolag, a Swedish weapons foundry in 1689 that sold rifles and later shotguns in 1989.
- By 1872, demand for weapons declined, and since the equipment used to build rifles could be co-opted to build sewing machines, a shift in operations took place. Husqvarna spun off to build its own company apart from the weapons foundry.
- Husqvarna’s headquarters is Stockholm and Huskvarna, Sweden. Their U.S.A. headquarters are Charlotte, NC and Olathe, KN.
- Husqvarna motorcycles, which began production in 1903, became world titles in track racing and motocross bikes.
- Electrolux, a home appliance company based in Stockholm, Sweden, briefly acquired Husqvarna in 1978 until 2006. Since then, Husqvarna has made several of its own acquisitions, including Gardena, Jenn Feng, and WeedEater.
- Another interesting tidbit about Husqvarna history is recent: the introduction of a demolition robot, ideal for situations too dangerous for human workers.
- In addition to meat grinders, the production of lawn mowers in 1918 is another important facet to Husqvarna history, having paved the way for the company’s current interest in outdoor products.
- Husqvarna introduced its first chainsaws 1959, power cutters in 1968, and robotic lawnmower in 1995, proving the company’s skill in small engines.
- In a historic move for feminism, Lil Wettergren became the first elected female member of Husqvarna’s Board of Directors in Sweden.
- In 1969, Husqvarna launched the first ever anti-vibration system in chainsaws; since 2015, the company has manufactured its own saw chains in Huskvarna.
Innovation and technology is what drives Husqvarna to be its best, from a weapons manufacturer in Sweden during the late 1600s to an outdoors power tools manufacturer by 2018.
Meadows Farm Equipment is proud to serve Wedowee and the surrounding community for its small engines and power equipment needs. Come see us today on County Road 811 in Wedowee, or visit us at www.meadowsfarmequipment.com.