Briggs Electric history

In 1953, however, Briggs & Stratton revolutionized the lawn and garden industry by developing the first lightweight, air-cooled aluminum engine.

In 1954, Briggs & Stratton patented its new die cast technique for the production of four-cycle engines, which rapidly became the industry standard.

The Burleigh plant, built in Wauwatosa in 1955, was also expanded to keep pace with demand for Briggs & Stratton engines.

By 1965, sales volume had risen to a record $105.1 million.

In 1966, Forbes magazine estimated that 90 percent of its sales were in "small engines, used mostly in power lawn mowers but also in air compressors, pumps, generators, etc." The remaining ten percent were in auto locks and switches.

The plant was expanded in 1967 and again seven years later to increase production.

The 1970’s brought a fuel shortage to the Unites States and Briggs & Stratton responded to the need to use less gas with the development of electric motors and one of the first gas/electric hybrid car prototypes.

In 1976, Shiely became the company's chairperson and, by the time of his death in 1976, was also chief executive officer.

By 1980, Briggs & Stratton remained unrivaled as the world's lowest-cost producer of small engines.

In response, the company produced a slew of new products, including an improved line of its basic 3.5 and four horsepower engines introduced in 1985, as well as a wholly redesigned line of other engines.

When he resigned in 1988, Richard E. Marceau was elected president and chief executive officer.

The corporation had adopted an Economic Value Added business philosophy in 1990, which emphasized earning a cash return that was higher than the cost of capital.

In 1991, Marceau retired, and Frederick Stratton Jr., grandson of co-founder Harold M. Stratton, assumed the office as president.

In 1992, Briggs & Stratton reincorporated in the state of Wisconsin.

Having already built two plants in the South which had lower labor costs and a more productive work force, Briggs & Stratton made the decision in mid-1994 to move 2,000 jobs from Wisconsin to three new plants in the South within the next four years.

In late 1998 Briggs & Stratton and the United Paperworkers held talks aimed at reaching common ground, which purported to yield a new spirit of cooperation.

In 2000, Briggs & Stratton purchased Generac Portable Products Systems, which produced pressure washers, generators, pumps and other home products.

In 2004, the Company acquired Simplicity Manufacturing, a leading designer and marketer of a broad range of premium outdoor power equipment used in both consumer and commercial lawn and garden applications.

In 2006, Briggs & Stratton organized our various segments into four main business groups: Engine, Yard, Home and International Products Groups.

In 2012, Briggs & Stratton acquired Branco, which provides broad range of outdoor power equipment used primarily in light commercial applications in Brazil.

In 2014, the Company acquired Allmand, a leading designer and manufacturer of high quality towable light towers, industrial heaters and solar LED arrow boards.

In 2015, Briggs & Stratton acquired Billy Goat Industries, a leading manufacturer of specialty turf equipment.

In 2016, Briggs & Stratton unveiled its new branding YOU.POWERED., which is aimed at the millions of dedicated and passionate customers who achieve amazing things using Briggs & Stratton products.