STIHL sees positive first-quarter sales increase

 

“We are sensing that in a challenging economy, consumers want to buy reliable, long-lasting products to make their dollars go further,” said STIHL president Fred Whyte. “We are experiencing renewed optimism from our customers for continued economic recovery, and these results are certainly encouraging.”

 

Handheld sales were up 5 percent compared to the first quarter of 2009, which the company credits to its distribution channels and the release of several new products.

 

“When money is tight, consumers buy from someone with whom they have a relationship and they trust,” said Whyte. “The only place you can purchase our line of equipment is at a dealer who not only sells but services our product, assuring the buyer of quality and performance throughout the life of the product.”

 

STIHL employs more than 2,000 people in its manufacturing facility and branch offices in the U.S.