Husqvarna, Sweden-based manufacturer of lawn-and-garden products, is celebrating 325 years in business this year. The company began in Husqvarna, Sweden, now spelled Huskvarna, as a manufacturer of weapons during a time of significant warfare across the European continent.
Once the need for weaponry subsided, Husqvarna applied its technological knowledge to the production of other products. Over the years the company has made sewing machines, hunting weapons, wood stoves, mincing machines, bicycles, motorcycles, gas stoves microwave ovens and more.
The company is known for innovations. For example, it took the technology it used to create mufflers on motorcycles to quiet chainsaws. Its anti-vibration technology was widely adopted as well as its automated chain brake.
More recent technological developments included:
- X-Torq, used in handheld products, delivers lower fuel consumption and reduced exhaust emission levels;
- AutoTune is a technological and environmental breakthrough in professional chainsaws, minimizing exhaust emissions and optimizing engine performance, omitting the need to spend time on carburetor adjustments;
- Battery powered mowers and chainsaws that perform the same as gas counterparts;
- Robotic mowers that free up time for homeowners and facility managers, producing no direct emissions and consuming little energy;
- Demolition robots, developed for the construction industry, equipped with a Bluetooth remote control.
Husqvarna’s U.S. headquarters is in Olathe, Kan.
