Stihl introduces its first battery-exclusive plant in Romania

The Romania plant becomes the eighth Stihl production country worldwide.

The will serve 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 centre of competence to produce 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.

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 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.

Recruitment and training are progressing steadily. The plant currently employs around 135 people and will reach approximately 700 employees by 2028. 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. Source