Bucharest, October 15, 2025 – RBJ – 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.
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.
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 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.
