Share On Social
Husqvarna Buys Tecumseh's Peerless
Husqvarna Outdoor Products recently bought the Peerless transmissions business, according to TecumsehPower Co. officials. The Peerless division, located primarily in Salem, Ind., with limited operations in Grafton, Wis., designs and manufactures transmissions for lawn and garden power equipment OEM customers, and aftermarket parts to OEMs and central warehouse distributors. Husqvarna is not acquiring any assets or operations of Tecumseh’s engine business.
The transaction is the latest in a series of major moves for the formerly major U.S. small engine maker: Tecumseh was sold to Los Angeles-based Platinum Equity in 2007, and last year informed its customers that the company would shut down manufacturing operations related to its engine business, a process that was largely completed by the end of 2008.
Also, the past two years have seen a power struggle between Tecumseh’s founding family and new management for control of Tecumseh’s board following former Tecumseh President Todd Harrick’s removal in January 2007. Meanwhile, Tecumseh has sold off all but its compressor division in an attempt to return to profitability.
According to TecumsehPower Co. president and CEO Rudolf Strobl, the sale of Peerless comes “in response to a very difficult situation. We are executing an orderly plan that protects our customers, creates value for our investors and preserves as many jobs as possible,” he says. “The successful divestiture of the Peerless transmissions business was a critical step in that process and is good news for everyone involved.”
Latest News
New From Echo: DPB-5800T Battery-Powered Backpack Blower
Echo Inc. has launched a new battery-powered backpack blower, the DPB-5800T. The world’s first and only 3-battery port backpack blower, the DPB-5800T, has a combination of high speed and high air volume output, given the power to tackle even the toughest home and garden projects and is ideal for homeowners and light commercial applications. This mid-range tool is built and compatible with Echo’s 56 V battery platform and features all the benefits consumers and professionals have trusted for more than 50 years, including outdoor grade power, comfortable ergonomics and quiet operation.
This Old House’s Kevin O’Connor Will Deliver Keynote for Equip Attendees
Renowned This Old House host and home improvement expert, Kevin O’Connor, will deliver the keynote address, sponsored by Kress, at Equip focusing on energizing landscapers, contractors, dealers, and manufacturers and helping them identify ways to build their business. The trade show, which drew over 27,000 people last year from all 50 states and 46 countries, will be held October 15-18 at the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC).
Yakta Unveils Full Production Line
Yakta, building upon 35 years of manufacturing excellence through its sister company Arrowquip, transfers a customer-focused approach to the zero-turn mower industry and has announced full-scale production of its range of zero-turn mowers. Fresh off the success of last year’s Equip Expo prototype display, Yakta’s production lineup, including the YXR 710, YXR 610 and YXR 410, with the YXR 910 soon to follow, boast industry-shattering durability, from their strong I-beam caster arm construction to their 7-ga. steel decks—strength that sets a new standard in mower resilience.