From armaments, to sewing machines, bicycles and motorcycles and to lawn mowers, mowers, cultivators and just about everything you need to take care of the garden and the forest. Find out in a few words what happened in the over 300 years of activity that support the quality and performance of Husqvarna devices.
The history of a brand can reveal a lot about the company’s experience in the field in which it operates, the principles that dictate its activity and the people behind the image. For those interested in Husqvarna products, we present in this article some relevant aspects from the past over three centuries that define the company’s path from establishment to success today. Find out, in short, who Husqvarna is, where it started and how it became one of the most popular brands of garden and agricultural equipment in the world.
early
Husqvarna is the eastern part of the town of Jonkoping in the Swedish province of Smaland and the place where, in 1689, the company bearing this name, which was owned by the state at the time, was born. Because at that time the energy of the water was used to set in motion the systems needed to produce weapons, the first Husqvarna factory was located near a waterfall.
Until 1989 the factory produced weapons. Starting with 1872, Husqvarna stopped the production of weapons and reconfigured the machines in order to be able to make sewing machines, produced today by VSM Group, the company detached from the parent company when the product range began to diversify.
During the same period, the company began to produce kitchen appliances, made of cast iron, such as meat grinders, later adding to the offer ovens and hobs. Meat grinders have been a great success, being sold in 12 million pieces.
Bicycles and motorcycles
Husqvarna launched into the bicycle manufacturing industry at the end of the 19th century, registering numerous patents. Production was stopped in 1962, but the Husqvarna Bicycles brand is currently owned by manufacturer PEXCO Gmbh, which makes a variety of electric models.
The year 1903 means the expansion in the field of motorcycle production, the first model being called at that time the motorized bicycle. Husqvarna is the oldest manufacturer of motorcycles with uninterrupted activity, with over 110 years of experience. Between 1933 and 1934 the racing models of this brand were often among those present on the podium of competitions, and in 1953 the lightweight, single-cylinder version of the Husqvarna brand was one of the most popular versions for off-road routes. road. The motorcycle division was sold in 1986 to Cagiva.
Lawn mowers and saws
The lawn mowers came into the company’s attention and offer with the acquisition of Norrahamamars Ironworks, representing the first step in the development of the company’s current trend of focusing on outdoor equipment. The first lawn mower was powered by an engine in 1947.
Starting with 1959, the experience of Husqvarna specialists in engine production, as well as the assembly lines, are reoriented towards the development of saws. Permanently concerned with the development and improvement of product quality, the company launched in 1969 the first saw that includes an integrated vibration reduction system, making use safer and less tiring.
In 1968 Husqvarna opened the line of motor cutting devices, the first product being a modified saw.
Change of ownership
In 1978 Husqvarna was acquired by the Electrolux group and resulted in the intensification of the development of motor products, the offer including during this period the range of motorcycles, the saw line, the one for lawn mowers and automatic cutting devices. Husqvarna regained its independence in 2006 when it broke away from Electrolux.
The segment of garden products expanded naturally in the 1980s, both through the development of its own products and through the acquisition of new companies such as Roper Corp and Poulan / Weed Eater. Fifteen years later, the company launches the first solar-powered lawnmower that has become another success story.
The 21st century
The passion for robotic devices continues, and in 2009 Husqvarna launches the first robot for demolition. The year 2015 means a return to the beginning, with a new factory opened in Husqvarna to complete the locations where chain saws are produced.
The range of garden products is completed in 2016 with the Gardena Smart system that allows the optimization of the irrigation of the green space to save water and energy and reduce user effort.
The last years, the present and the news
The year 2018 meant for Husqvarna the launch of a new generation of chain saw that offers a higher level of productivity and durability, being at the same time more efficient, safer and more comfortable during use. For owners of uneven land or gardens located in areas with steep slopes, Husqvarna launched in 2019 a new model of lawn mower, which can cope with an angle of inclination of up to 70%.
Currently the range of forest and garden devices includes chainsaws, blowers, robots and lawn mowers, Husqvarna mowers with thermal and electric motor, for household and professional use, scarifiers, aerators, choppers, garden tractors, cultivators, snow blowers, forestry mowers.
Husqvarna’s factories and headquarters have over 13,000 employees, and the list of innovations owned under this brand is embodied in over 2,200 registered patents.
Owned brands
Acquisitions made over time to enrich the company’s experience and product range, as well as its own launched lines, make Husqvarna currently own 11 brands under which it develops and sells products: Husqvarna, HTC, Gardena, RedMax, McCulloch, Diamond Boart, PoulanPro, Klippo, WeedEater, Jonsered and Flymo.
In Romania, Husqvarna products have been present for over 25 years, the distributor network being currently well enough developed to easily and quickly find spare products, accessories or authorized service nearby, no matter in which area of the country you are.
