Groundbreaking ceremony for extension of STIHL Sales and Distribution Center, Germany

The STIHL Group began construction of a new logistics center at the German sales and distribution center in Dieburg with a ground-breaking ceremony on April 15. This new building, which will cost more than €25 million is the largest single construction investment in the history of the sales subsidiary since 1969. Hans Peter Stihl, general partner of STIHL Holding, stressed at the ceremony: “This groundbreaking ceremony is a symbol of our confidence in the future growth of the German market. We also see the new building as an award for the successful work of our German sales team here in Dieburg.” The new building is scheduled to open in November 2009. “With the new logistics center we will be in an even better position in future to gain market shares and meet the requirements of our discerning customers,“ said Norbert Pick, general manager of the STIHL sales and distribution center.

District administrator und mayor welcome extension
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by district administrator Alfred Jakoubek, who expressed his pleasure at the extension of the sales and distribution center: “STIHL’s decision is a positive signal for Darmstadt-Dieburg and the eastern part of our rural district. STIHL has thus made an important contribution towards securing jobs in the longterm and has underscored the region’s potential with its decision.” Dieburg’s mayor Dr. Werner Thomas said: “The town of Dieburg welcomes STIHL’s decision in favor of Dieburg. It confirms the significance of Dieburg as a hub located in an area with good access for all forms of traffic."

German market highly important for STIHL Group
Measured in terms of turnover, the German subsidiary is the second largest in the STIHL Group and the largest in Europe. It achieved a turnover in the order of €231 million with STIHL and VIKING products in 2006. STIHL is market leader in chain saws in Germany; VIKING is among the leaders in gasoline lawn mowers with specialized dealers and aims to become the number one. Products are sold exclusively through servicing dealers to ensure that customers receive the necessary advice, instruction and technical service. This traditional sales channel differs from the sales policy of competitors, who distribute their products through DIY stores and discounters. Hans Peter Stihl on the future sales policy: “The time-proven policy of selling through servicing dealers is an essential factor for the success of STIHL and VIKING, and we will continue to rely on it in the future, too.”

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Caption:

Groundbreaking ceremony for extension of STIHL Sales and Distribution Center, Germany in Dieburg.

Photograph: STIHL (Reprint free of charge/voucher copy requested)