Stihl reports first-quarter sales increase
Stihl Inc. announced April 7 that its first-quarter sales for 2010 exceeded those of the previous year’s first quarter by more than 5 percent, despite the softened handheld outdoor power equipment market.
“We are sensing that in a challenging economy, consumers want to buy reliable, long-lasting products to make their dollars go further,” said Stihl Inc. President Fred Whyte. “We are experiencing renewed optimism from our customers for continued economic recovery, and these results are certainly encouraging.”
Stihl Inc., which employs more than 2,000 people in its manufacturing facility and branch offices in the United States, credited its distribution channels and the release of several new products as contributing to the performance. “When money is tight, consumers buy from someone with whom they have a relationship and they trust,” said Whyte. “The only place you can purchase our line of equipment is at a dealer who not only sells but services our product, assuring the buyer of quality and performance throughout the life of the product.”
An increasing eco-consciousness among consumers is also seen as contributing to the increase in sales. “We are launching 12 new products this year under our ’Caring for Nature’ line in our commitment to socially responsible environmental stewardship,” added Whyte. “As a leader in the industry, we believe it is our duty to deliver the performance our customers demand, while reducing emissions and noise.”
