Husqvarna

The story begins not in a garage, but at a waterfall in Huskvarna, Sweden, in 1689. Founded by a royal decree from the Swedish monarch, the company started as a state-owned rifle factory, producing muskets for the army. This origin in precision metalworking set the stage for centuries of innovation. When the demand for weapons declined, the company pivoted. The machinery used for making rifles was well-suited for producing sewing machines, which they started in 1872. This was just the first of many reinventions, as the company soon expanded into bicycles, motorcycles, and kitchen equipment. The transition to outdoor power products began in 1919 with the acquisition of another company, which brought lawnmowers into the portfolio. However, the real turning point was in 1959, when Husqvarna produced its first chainsaw. Leveraging their in-house engine expertise from motorcycle production, they created a quieter and more user-friendly tool. This marked their specialization in high-performance outdoor equipment. Significant corporate changes occurred over the years; Electrolux acquired the company in 1978 before it was spun off to become an independent entity again in 2006. This led to strategic acquisitions, including the German watering-product leader Gardena in 2007, solidifying its position in the consumer garden market.