STIHL RESPONDS TO HURRICANE CHARLEY
Over 20,000 Chain Saws Re-Routed To Assist in Rescue and Clean-Up Efforts

Date: August 19, 2004
Release Date: IMMEDIATELY

Press Contacts:
Anita Gambill (757) 486-9151 or
Terry Kelley (757) 340-7425
All other inquiries:
STIHL Incorporated
(757) 486-9100

Or for specific STIHL Southeast inquiries:
Tony Betros, STIHL Southeast (407) 240-7900

All other inquiries:
STIHL Inc.
(757) 486-9100

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – STIHL Inc., manufacturer of the number one selling brand of chain saws in the world, redirected inventories of chain saws and protective apparel, along with other outdoor power equipment needed to assist servicing dealers and emergency response operations in advance of Hurricane Charley. Hurricane Charley, a Category 4 storm packing sustained winds to 145 miles per hour, made landfall along the west central Florida coast Friday August 13, 2004.

STIHL Inc. began re-routing thousands of chain saws to Florida prior to landfall in support of relief efforts administered by emergency response and rescue crews, as well as to aid clean-up efforts after the storm. In the aftermath of serious storms, chain saws are the most effective tools in clearing downed trees and heavy branches. Gas-powered, telescoping pole saws were also included in the re-routed shipments.

STIHL Southeast, distributor for STIHL Inc. and based in Orlando, Fla. opened for business all day both Saturday and Sunday (operation is usually Monday through Friday) to allow dealers to pick up much needed products. They also began delivering chain saws early Saturday morning to dealers in Ft. Myers, Orlando, Daytona and other affected areas – and continued deliveries throughout the weekend. Although the power was out in their area for a while Saturday, STIHL Southeast was fortunately able to efficiently continue business powered by their back-up generator.

Bob Noble, Jr., president of STIHL Southeast, praised the efforts of the STIHL distributor's employees, "On Saturday and Sunday, despite whatever power outages and damages may have occurred at their homes, all employees reported to help process, pick and deliver orders. I've never been more proud of this team.

"We had trucks mobilized throughout the whole territory and we were in constant contact with local and state officials to make sure our drivers could get to the affected areas safely and quickly,” continued Noble.

STIHL Southeast went through similar experiences with Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and Opal in 1995. Noble credits these experiences with the company's ability to respond effectively to Charley.

Many STIHL dealers who were able to get to their businesses were opened to their customers both Saturday and Sunday, regardless of their usual hours. They also responded by making sure their customers received chain saws and other supplies despite such conditions as power outages, structural damage to their businesses and other hardships.

As Hurricane Charley worked his way up the coast, Mid-Atlantic STIHL in Hillsborough, N.C. stood ready to respond, as needed. They opened for a partial day Sunday and routed additional product to dealers on the coast.

To assist homeowners in the event of serious weather conditions, STIHL has produced an online video, STIHL Chain Saws and Storm Safety, detailing safe practices to adopt before, during and after a major storm. It can be viewed online at www.stihlusa.com in the "Know How” section, under "Tips & How To Information.” A detailed Chain Saw Safety Manual is available for download, as well.

"Our primary objective is to ensure that emergency crews have the necessary supplies to administer any disaster and rescue efforts,” said Fred J. Whyte, president of STIHL Inc. "We are ever cognizant of helping local communities safely prepare and respond to natural disasters as quickly and as efficiently as possible.”

Such re-routing of equipment is a standard practice at STIHL for such natural disasters. Similarly, last year, in response to Hurricane Isabel, more than 20,000 chain saws were re-routed to the Mid-Atlantic region. The strong relationship fostered between STIHL, the STIHL distributors and branches, and the STIHL servicing dealer network makes it possible to provide the best possible support to communities hit by such disasters.

About STIHL Inc.
STIHL Inc. manufactures the world’s largest selling brand of chain saws and produces a full line of powerful, lightweight, and versatile handheld outdoor power equipment for homeowners and professional users. STIHL products are sold through servicing power equipment retailers from coast to coast— not mass merchants. For more information or for the name of the closest STIHL retailer call toll free 1-800-GO STIHL (1-800-467-8445) or visit the STIHL Web site at www.stihlusa.com.

For information on job opportunities with STIHL Inc., please go to www.stihlcareers.com. STIHL is an EEO and drug-free work environment.

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