Virginia Manufacturers Association Visits STIHL during Manufacturing Appreciation Week

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – STIHL Inc., the number one selling brand of handheld outdoor power equipment in America*,  recently welcomed the Virginia Manufacturers Association (VMA) and several state and local officials to the Virginia Beach plant on Thursday, October 20, 2011 as part of Virginia’s Manufacturing Appreciation Week. The visit included a tour of the plant and facility, led by Simon Nance, training manager for STIHL Inc.

Manufacturing represents $34 billion dollars of Virginia’s gross state product and employs six percent of the state’s private workers. STIHL alone employs more than 2,000 people.

“We are honored to host the VMA at our facility in light of the first Manufacturing Appreciation Week in Virginia,” said Peter Mueller, executive vice president for STIHL Inc. “The VMA’s focus on developing policies on behalf of the industry directly supports STIHL and all other manufacturing based companies in the state, and we are happy to see their dedication rewarded by an official proclamation from the governor.”

"STIHL represents the 'platinum standard' in world class manufacturing. Showcasing this company's facilities, employees, achievements and leadership was the highlight of Virginia Manufacturing Appreciation Week," stated Brett Vassey, VMA president and CEO.

Recognizedby Governor Bob McDonnell, Manufacturing Appreciation Week in the Commonwealth of Virginia took place October 17 thru October 21.

Among the distinguished guests were elected officials Senator Harry Blevins, Senator Jeff McWaters and Delegate Bob Purkey. Scott Tilley, VMA board member and general counsel for STIHL Inc. was also in attendance.

For more information on the VMA, visit www.vamanufacturers.com. For more information on STIHL Inc., visit www.stihlusa.com.

About STIHL Inc.
STIHL Inc. manufactures the number one selling brand of gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment in America for homeowners and professional landscapers*, as well as the number one selling brand of chain saws in the world. STIHL products are sold through servicing power equipment retailers from coast to coast – not mass merchants. STIHL products sold through U.S. STIHL dealers are for distribution in the United States only. For more information or for the name of a local STIHL retailer, call toll free 1-800-GO STIHL (1-800-467-8445) or visit the dealer locator on the STIHL website at www.stihlusa.com.
 
*"Number one selling brand" is based on syndicated Irwin Broh Research (commercial landscapers) as well as independent consumer research of 2009-2011 U.S. sales and market share data for the gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment category combined sales to consumers and commercial landscapers.
 
STIHL is pleased to support the work of Independent We Stand , the Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund) , International Society of Arboriculture (ISA ), the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) , National FFA , Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) , the American Tree Farm System (ATFS) , and the National Association of State Park Directors .