The Story of Briggs & Stratton and the Clean Energy Revolution

On a movie set in 2001, a single idea sparked a new kind of power. The batteries for the illuminated suits in TRON: Legacy needed to be incredibly lightweight, safe, and reliable. What emerged was SimpliPHI Power—a technology so trusted it not only powered the futuristic world of a blockbuster film but also kept the iconic moon on Conan O’Brien’s set glowing for over a decade.

As we celebrate National Clean Energy Week, we are proud to share a story that begins over a century ago and culminates in a new era of power—one that is both powerful and profoundly sustainable.

Origins of Power

Our journey began in 1908, with a heritage forged in the engine room of a new industrial age. Yet even then, our vision extended to the future. Recognizing that the landscape of power was changing, we embarked on a strategic transformation from being primarily an engine manufacturer to becoming a broader “power application company.” This pivotal shift in identity is key to understanding our deep investment in battery technology. 

Central to this evolution is our Vanguard brand, engineered to meet the rigorous demands of professional applications. We adopted a “power agnostic” approach, understanding that no single solution fits every need in markets transitioning to alternative power. In 1980, our engineers collaborated with industrial designer Brooks Stevens to develop a six-wheel hybrid concept car, an early testament to a legacy of power that was always in motion.

That innovative spirit is the same thread that runs through the history of Briggs & Stratton. Recognizing that the landscape of power was changing, we embarked on a strategic transformation from a primary engine manufacturer to a broader “power application company.”

Your Power, Your Sanctuary

The modern world demands resilience. Your home, your sanctuary, needs security and independence from an aging grid. Our advanced battery storage systems offer just that—a seamless, silent guardian against power outages. They are more than just backup power; they are intelligent energy solutions that provide peace of mind and offset high electricity costs.

Powering the Professional World: The Vanguard Revolution

Our commitment to versatile power solutions is most evident on the job site. The commercial market, a designated area for our growth, has increasingly signaled a need for electric solutions. This interest is fueled by stricter emissions and noise regulations and operational advantages of electric power, such as instant torque and the ability to work longer in noise-sensitive environments. 

To remain solely an engine manufacturer would have limited our ability to meet these evolving commercial needs. Therefore, our Vanguard Commercial Battery lineup is a direct result of this focus. 

From Humanitarian Aid to Global Impact

Our solutions were developed in the most demanding environments, a testament to their unwavering reliability.

In the U.S. Army's “Energy to the Tactical Edge” (E2E) effort, our ruggedized Forge solar+storage kits were deployed to remote outposts, providing "stealth electricity" that reduced the high cost and grave risk of fuel convoys.

That same life-saving reliability is now a foundation for humanitarian aid. For two decades, Clinic In A Can has created ready-to-use medical facilities from recycled shipping containers for villages and disaster-stricken areas worldwide. Powered by solar and our battery storage solutions, these clinics can be up and running in a few hours, a critical advantage in times of crisis. 

As founder Michael Wawrzewski III notes, “We’re focused on providing medical care, no matter what the surrounding circumstances are, so building power into our clinics is one of the essential components.”

This commitment has extended to global rebuilding efforts, too. In the wake of Hurricane Maria's devastation in 2017, eight hospitals in Puerto Rico installed our energy storage solutions to power essential equipment and refrigeration, giving them a "Plan C" for resilience. And in Dominica, our mobile, solar-powered Nanogrid Disaster Recovery Office was deployed to the island’s largest hospital, providing critical backup and a central hub for rebuilding efforts.

Our dedication to sustainable solutions has even reached the commercial sector. In Fiji, we helped an organic ice cream factory align with its mission and save $13,000 annually by partnering with them on their energy needs. They were able to offset their reliance on a fuel-based generator, and in the process, they eliminated the noise and pollution that were disrupting their employees and neighbors.

A Circular Legacy

Our 'Powered by Possibilities' mission extends to the end-of-life of every battery. We believe in a circular economy, not a linear one, because true innovation means taking responsibility from start to finish—and beyond. That’s why we developed a Battery Recycling Program.

Our process is a cycle of renewal: We assess each returned battery. If it can be restored, we refurbish it. Our certified refurbished batteries are then donated to non-profit organizations and underserved communities, bringing power to those who need it most. If a battery cannot be restored, its materials are recovered through a wet chemistry process and recycled, ensuring valuable resources are returned to the supply chain. The environmental advantages of our LFP chemistry, which does not contain hazardous heavy metals like cobalt, make this entire cycle safer and more sustainable.

This commitment is more than just a process; it’s a tangible impact. Through partnerships with Empowered by Light and the Footprint Project, our refurbished batteries are already on the ground, providing critical power to California’s first responders during emergencies.

Our story is a journey powered by progress, bound by a single thread of unwavering commitment: our deep expertise, a relentless pursuit of innovation, and an unwavering focus on meeting the customer's needs. It is this foundation that allows us to power a world in motion, from the professional job site to keeping the lights on during a storm and providing a quieter way to get work done.

For us, progress isn't just about the products we engineer. It's about the communities we serve and the planet we all share. 

This commitment is brought to life through our employee volunteer program, which stands on three pillars: Community Enrichment, STEM Education, and Neighborhood Greenspace. Through this pillar, our team has been proud to get our hands dirty right here in our own backyard, partnering with Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful to clean up the beautiful Oak Leaf Trail and plant flowers at the Summerfest grounds. These initiatives are a tangible expression of our commitment to environmental stewardship—a commitment that extends far beyond the clean energy products we design.

From our global engineering labs to our local parks, we are Powered by Possibilities.