Auburn, AL, Aug. 17, 2018 – Briggs & Stratton, one of Auburn’s largest industrial employers for 23 years, announced today that a new distribution center will be built at their existing manufacturing facility.
The 400,000 square feet distribution hub will be operational by spring of 2019 and will create 20 new jobs. Its existing manufacturing facility primarily produces twin-cylinder engines for lawn-mowing equipment and employs over 430 workers.
Briggs & Stratton’s decision to add the Alabama distribution hub comes less than one year after the Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based company launched a major expansion at its Auburn manufacturing facility.
In October 2017, the company announced a $12 million project to begin production of Vanguard commercial V-twin engines in Auburn, eventually creating 50 jobs. The new warehouse will be used to store these engines, along with other products, for final shipment.
Dave Rodgers, senior vice president and president — engines and power at Briggs & Stratton, said the decision to open the new distribution hub aligns with the company’s commitment to invest in being a “partner of choice” in the communities where it operates.
“We’re already enhancing two of our existing plants in Auburn, Alabama, and Statesboro, Georgia, to bring production of our commercial Vanguard V-Twin engines back to the U.S., and we’re continuously investing in our research and development efforts to create products that help make work easier and lives better — it’s an exciting time to be at Briggs & Stratton,” he said.
Briggs & Stratton is the world’s largest producer of gasoline engines for outdoor power equipment.
“Auburn is happy with the continued commitment of Briggs & Stratton to our community,” Mayor Bill Ham said.
Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, said the addition of the distribution hub reflects the high level of confidence Briggs & Stratton has in its Auburn operation and the workforce there.
“Supporting world-class companies like Briggs & Stratton that are looking to grow in Alabama is a high priority for the state’s economic development team,” Secretary Canfield said.
“They’ve been a great corporate citizen in Auburn for many years, and we look forward to seeing them continue to grow in the state.”
“I’m encouraged to see Briggs & Stratton expand again in Alabama because I know that means that they are finding all the ingredients they need for success right here in our state,” Governor Kay Ivey said.
“This represents a powerful endorsement from a leading manufacturer and shows once again that we are open for business.”