Strong as STIHL in Virginia Since 1974

Half a Century of Success

STIHL Inc., the Virginia-based headquarters for U.S. operations of the worldwide STIHL Group, produces and exports pro‑grade outdoor equipment to more than 80 countries around the world, with the majority of STIHL products sold in America built in America.

Specifically, right here in Virginia. 

Founded in 1926, Germany-based STIHL Group, recognizing the immense U.S. market, opened a manufacturing facility in Virginia Beach in 1974. Over 50 years of success have resulted in international competition for the company’s many expansions, but the Commonwealth continues to provide the most fertile environment for growth.

Location, Location, Location

Finding a site near a major port, essential transportation infrastructure, and access to world-class talent were all critical to STIHL’s early selection process. Luckily, Virginia’s strategic location helps companies unlock their full potential. 

Virginia Beach’s proximity to The Port of Virginia, the country's most modern gateway, made it an ideal choice. The Commonwealth is also home to the second-densest interstate system in the Southeast, offering direct access to critical north-south and east-west trucking thoroughfares and 3,000 miles of railways.

Additionally, Virginia continues to provide STIHL with one of the top workforces in the country, including a robust working veteran population. Each year, thousands exit the military and enter the civilian workforce in Virginia, many of them from the 15 bases in the Hampton Roads region. The Commonwealth is also known for its world-class post-secondary education system, made up of more than 45 local and regional universities and 23 public community colleges with 40 different campuses.

Supporting Growth, Enabling Expansion

In 1974, STIHL Inc. began assembling one model of chainsaw in a rented facility in Virginia Beach with 50 employees. The manufacturing area was expanded in 1983 and again in 1990. In 1996, STIHL opened a new 50,000-sq.-ft. storage facility. In 2003, the company announced another addition, followed by an additional $78.4 million expansion in 2005.

In 2017, STIHL expanded the Virginia Beach facility, investing $30 million and constructing a state-of-the-art, 80,000-sq.-ft. facility, as well as a new museum and brand experience center.

Today, more than 2,100 employees work in over 1 million square feet of operating space on the 150-acre campus at Virginia Beach’s Oceana West Corporate Park. The advanced manufacturing facility uses automated technology to produce more than 80 equipment models and is STIHL's largest manufacturing facility worldwide.

Compounding Investments

In 2022, STIHL announced plans for a $49 million expansion of its chainsaw guide bar manufacturing facility. The expansion added space to an existing building, totaling 86,000 square feet. It also allowed additional manufacturing activity to be moved to the Virginia Beach location, adoption of state-of-the-art equipment, and 15 highly skilled positions.

Securing STIHL’s U.S. headquarters and manufacturing operation more than 50 years ago continues to bring far-reaching benefits. Virginia is proud to be the home of STIHL’s largest manufacturing location worldwide, and looks forward to supporting the company’s growth for decades to come.