Citing a rising demand for standby generators, caused in part by recent extended power outages, Briggs & Stratton has announced plans to more than double production with the additional work being done at the firm’s Auburn plant as soon as May.
“So many Americans now work and learn from home and it’s more important than ever to have backup power in case of an unexpected power outage,” says Tom Rugg, president, standby power — Briggs & Stratton. “The events of the last 12 months have made it clear that consumers need reliable standby power and Briggs & Stratton is prepared to provide power solutions to protect what matters most.”
Briggs & Stratton currently produces standby generator units in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and will expand production to Auburn, Alabama — close to the region the company primarily services, allowing for quicker response to customer needs. “We are making this investment in our future because of the phenomenal demand for standby generators,” says Rugg. “Reducing lead times for our customers is a key priority for our business, and we’re excited to be investing in additional manufacturing capabilities and new product development.”
The firm, which already employs 638 people in Auburn, plans to add at least 35 people to the workforce.
“We are investing in the plant to support the standby product production from a technologies, manufacturing machinery, assembly line and personnel standpoint,” the Wisconsin-based firm said.
“Auburn has successfully manufactured Briggs & Stratton Vanguard engines since 2014 and they will continue to do that,” the firm said. “However, now the Auburn plant will play a key role in manufacturing home standby generators. By taking advantage of the space in our Auburn plant, we are able to further expand our standby generator production and capacity.
“This also allows us to apply the expertise of the manufacturing team in Auburn to our standby generator production. Bringing us extra efficiency benefits as a key component to our standby generators is the Vanguard engine that powers them. Being engineered, designed and assembled in the U.S.A. is important to us and we are excited to continue to expand capacity of product production in the U.S.”
Headquartered in Milwaukee, Briggs & Stratton describes itself as “the world’s largest producer of gasoline engines for outdoor power equipment, and is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of commercial lithium-ion batteries, power generation, pressure washer, lawn and garden, turf care and job site products.”
The firm’s products are designed, manufactured and marketed in 100 countries on six continents.
