Stihl has announced that it has opened its first battery-only production site in Oradea, Romania.

Citing rapid growth in the battery technology market, Stihl reports that over a quarter of its products sold globally are now battery-powered, a trend driving its €125 million investment in the new plant. The manufacturer further reporting that it aims to increase the share of Stihl battery products sold to approximately 35% by 2027 and about 80% by 2035.

Equipped with flexible, multi-product assembly lines and a high degree of automation, the facility spans 47k square meters on a 147k square meter site. With sustainability as a core design principle, the plant is capable of powering its own operations through an integrated photovoltaic and geothermal system.

Biodiversity goals were also taken into account the development of the site, the factory featuring green roofs, more than 250 newly planted trees and the preservation of an existing forest area within the site.

Dr Nikolas Stihl, chairman of the Advisory and Supervisory Board, comments: “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.”

The plant currently employs 135 people, with plans to grow to around 700 by 2028.