Investment: 125 million euros to establish STIHL’s European Competence Center for the production of battery packs and battery-powered tools
Scale: 47,000 square meters facility on a 147,000 square meters site — capacity of up to 1.8 million battery packs and 1.7 million tools by 2028
Employment: Approximately 700 jobs to be created by 2028
Network: Romania plant becomes the eighth STIHL production country worldwide, serving as the European hub for STIHL battery-powered products
The German family-owned STIHL Group has officially inaugurated its first battery-only production site in Oradea, Romania. The investment of 125 million euros marks a major milestone in the company’s transformation toward battery technology and strengthens its European manufacturing footprint. The new facility becomes STIHL’s European center of competence for the production of battery packs and battery-powered tools, adding a key hub to the Group’s global network. Designed as a core element of the Group’s international production network, 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, output is expected to rise to 1.8 million battery packs and 1.7 million battery-powered tools. Production initially focuses on battery-powered blowers and AP battery packs from the professional STIHL range. Over time, the portfolio will expand 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.
Expansion of global network to drive future growth
Battery technology has become a major growth-driver for the company. Today, more than one in four of all STIHL 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.
“The new plant in Oradea expands our global network and strengthens STIHL’s position in the fast-growing battery segment. It is a vital addition that will secure our long-term competitiveness in Europe and support our customers with high-performance products developed and built for professionals and demanding consumers worldwide,” said Dr. Nikolas Stihl, Chairman of the Advisory and Supervisory Board.
The decision to build the new plant in Oradea reflects STIHL’s strategy to strengthen its European footprint and to locate production close to key markets. The city offers excellent logistical connections, a modern infrastructure, and access to a highly qualified workforce — ideal conditions for sustainable industrial growth within the European Union.
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.”
Continuing on this point, Florin-Alin Birta, Mayor of Oradea Municipality, highlighted the importance for the local economy: “The fact that an international group such as STIHL has chosen Oradea for an investment of this magnitude confirms the city’s attractiveness and its strong development direction. The Oradea City Hall consistently supports investments that bring added value to the community, aware that a dynamic economic environment is the engine of prosperity. Our goal is to strengthen Oradea’s position as a city open to innovation, performance, and collaboration with reputable investors. Through major projects such as the STIHL factory, we demonstrate that sustainable development and competitiveness can go hand in hand, transforming Oradea into an increasingly attractive industrial and technological hub at both regional and European levels.”
The success of the Oradea project is also a story of people and partnership. Thanks to the close cooperation between STIHL experts from Germany, the local management team and regional partners, the new plant was completed efficiently and on schedule. This joint effort created not only a modern production facility, but also a strong foundation for the company’s future in Romania.
The organizational setup of the new site was overseen by Dr. Robert Feulner, Managing Director of the newly founded ANDREAS STIHL Power Tools S.R.L. “The new Oradea plant reflects both technological excellence and strong local collaboration. We feel very much at home here and are impressed by the professionalism and commitment of the people in this region. It’s clear that choosing Oradea was the right decision for STIHL’s future.”
Recruitment and training are progressing steadily. The plant currently employs around 135 people and will reach approximately 700 employees by 2028. STIHL aims to become one of the most attractive employers in the region — offering long-term career opportunities, modern working conditions, and a corporate culture appreciated by nearly 20,000 employees worldwide.
State-of-the-art manufacturing plant
The Oradea plant combines advanced production technology with a strong focus on sustainability. Flexible, multi-product assembly lines allow the site to adapt quickly to different battery models and tool types. A high level of automation and the integration of Industry 4.0 principles ensure digital traceability, data-driven quality control, and high operational efficiency.
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.
Biodiversity goals were also taken into account: the factory features green roofs, more than 250 newly planted trees, and the preservation of an existing forest area within the site — ensuring a balanced coexistence between industrial activity and the surrounding environment.
Overview of the STIHL plant in Oradea, Romania.
Image source: STIHL
Dr. Nikolas Stihl, Chairman of the Advisory and Supervisory Board.jpg
Image source: STIHL
Dr. Nikolas Stihl, Chairman of the Advisory and Supervisory Board
Image source: STIHL
STIHL factory in Oradea.
Sursă foto: STIHL
Dr. Robert Feulner, Managing Director Dr. Robert Feulner of the newly founded ANDREAS STIHL Power Tools S.R.L.
Image source: STIHL
36 V, 4.0 Ah Lithium-Ion battery. The AP 20 is an entry-level battery that powers some tools within the STIHL AP System.
Image source: STIHL
Ideal for lighter gardening and landscaping tasks, the AP 20 is suitable for domestic, semi-professional and professional users. Durable and IPX4 rated for all weather conditions, the AP 20 delivers long working times whilst offering a cost-effective way of powering entry level AP System tools.
Image source: STIHL
36 V, 7.5 Ah Lithium-Ion battery. The AP 30 is an entry-level battery that powers some tools within the STIHL AP System.
Image source: STIHL
Ideal for lighter gardening, landscaping and tree maintenance tasks, the AP 30 is suitable for domestic, semi-professional and professional users. Durable and IPX4 rated for all weather conditions, the AP 30 delivers long working times whilst offering a cost-effective way of powering entry level AP System tools.
Image source: STIHL
The BGA 50 blower features 11 N of power, an over 20% increase in blowing force over the previous model.
Image source: STIHL
The BGA 50 blower allows users to get the job done right with constant power technology that maintains peak working performance throughout the entire life of the battery charge.
Image source: STIHL
About STIHL
The STIHL Group has a history of almost 100 years and is a global market and technology leader, operating internationally in the development, production, and distribution of battery-powered, electric, and gasoline equipment for forestry and agriculture, landscaping, construction, as well as private garden owners. The portfolio is complemented by digital solutions and services. Products are distributed primarily through the network of authorized dealers, who also provide service support, as well as through STIHL’s own online shops, which will be expanded internationally in the coming years.
The global distribution network includes 44 own sales and marketing companies, approximately 120 importers, and more than 52,000 authorized dealers in over 160 countries. STIHL manufactures worldwide in eight countries: Germany, the USA, Brazil, Romania, Switzerland, Austria, China, and the Philippines. Since 1971, STIHL has been the world’s best-selling chainsaw brand. The company was founded in 1926 and is headquartered in Waiblingen, near Stuttgart. As a family-owned business with a sustainable orientation, STIHL’s mission is to make people’s work in and with nature easier. In 2024, STIHL employed 19,732 people worldwide and generated a turnover of 5.33 billion euros.
STIHL in Romania
In Romania, STIHL Romania is responsible for product sales and managing the national network of authorized dealers, while ANDREAS STIHL Power Tools S.R.L. operates the production facility in Oradea, inaugurated in 2025 and dedicated to the battery-powered products segment.
Press Contact Romania:
Raspberry Communication
PR & Communication Agency for ANDREAS STIHL Power Tools S.R.L.
Simona Grindeanu
Managing Partner, Raspberry Communication
Phone: +40 729 09 82 24
E-mail: [email protected]
Press Contact International:
Michael Schattenmann
Vice President Communications & PR
Phone: +49 170 27 85113
E-mail: [email protected]
