Todd Teske, Briggs & Stratton President and CEO, welcomed Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and Auburn Mayor Bill Ham, Jr. to the company’s Auburn, Alabama. facility. Briggs & Stratton announced a $12 million investment to bring V-Twin Vanguard engine manufacturing to the U.S.
Gov. Ivey exclaimed, “It’s an exciting day for our great state!” This move will create 50 jobs in Alabama.
Teske says moving production from Japan to the U.S. brings manufacturing closer to its engineering arm as well as dealers and end-users.
David Rodgers, Senior VP and President of Engines and Power, says the move is part of a larger commercial growth strategy. Also, dealers can expect faster production times and shipping once the move is completed. Production of V-Twin Vanguard engines in the U.S. is expected in mid-2018.
“By moving to the U.S. Briggs has the ability to be more flexible—delivering the right product to customers easier. People don’t want to wait, and Auburn has proven with the 810cc to have the capabilities to do the commercial manufacturing in the U.S.,” says Rodgers in an exclusive PET interview.
Mayor Ham presented Teske with an official proclamation declaring October 30, 2017 “Briggs & Stratton Day” in Auburn, Alabama.