Stihl Inc. this week announced it will expand its manufacturing operation by 53,256 square feet at its Virginia Beach, Va., headquarters. The expansion, scheduled for completion in spring 2012, represents a total capital investment of $10.3 million and the creation of 52 new jobs.

Stihl Inc. established its U.S. headquarters in Virginia Beach more than 30 years ago with less than 50 employees in a small 20,000-square-foot warehouse. Since then, Stihl has grown into more than one million square feet of manufacturing and administration space on 89 acres with more than 2,000 employees nationwide.

“Our Virginia Beach workforce has proven its ability to meet the demands of our customers, both here and overseas,” said Peter Mueller, executive vice president for Stihl. “Because of the manufacturing-friendly environment in Virginia Beach, we are able to compete domestically and globally, ultimately, allowing us to continue to expand our operations here.”

The expansion will add manufacturing capacity to an existing building. Stihl’s capital investment includes $4.6 million in new machinery and tools to accommodate growth in the blow-molding operation. The expansion will double the company’s blow-molding capabilities, enabling it to manufacture additional blow-molded components onsite; expand its line-winding operations for trimmers; and relocate welding operations.

The Virginia Beach Development Authority awarded Stihl an Economic Development Investment Program grant worth $100,000 based on the capital investment and number of full-time jobs created.

“Stihl’s continued growth and success in the city is very impressive,” said Warren Harris, director of the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development. “It is one of the largest manufacturing employers in the region, and we are extremely pleased that this expansion will bring new high-paying jobs for our citizens.”

Stihl manufactures gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment for homeowners and professional landscapers. For more information on Stihl, visit www.stihlusa.com/.