Powering Progress, the Enduring Legacy of Briggs & Stratton Energy Solutions

Expansion and Diversification 

1920 - Became the largest U.S. producer of specialty lights, ignitions, regulators, and starting switches, catering to major automobile makers. Introduced the type "P" small engine. 

1923 - Successfully entered the engine manufacturing business, powering various industrial and agricultural equipment. 

1924 - Reincorporated in Delaware and entered the automotive lock business, becoming the largest producer of automotive locks within five years.

1928 - Acquired and then sold the Evinrude Outboard Motor Company. Stephen Briggs formed Outboard Motors Corp. with Ole Evinrude.

1931 - Successfully entered the engine manufacturing business with the Model PB engine and later the Model F series engine. These engines powered various industrial and agricultural equipment. Launched a best-selling engine for washing machines. 

1938 - Introduced the Cushion Action Starter Drive, a new automobile self-starting mechanism.

World War II - Became one of the nation's largest military suppliers, producing a range of items from detonating fuses to engines for generators and emergency hospitals.

Post-War expansion and market dominance 

1953 - Aluminum die-cast engines with chrome-plated pistons were introduced, becoming lighter and more durable than competing models. Briggs & Stratton transformed the lawn and garden sector by creating the initial lightweight, air-cooled aluminum engine, enhancing the usability of lawnmowers, snow blowers and generators. 

1954 - Patented a new die-cast technique for four-cycle engines.

1955 - To meet rising demand, a new plant was opened in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin​. 

1958 - Engine innovation was taken a step further with the introduction of Kool-Bore (entirely aluminum) and Sleeve-Bore engines.

1965 - Sales volume rose to a record $105.1 million.

1966 - Estimated that 90% of sales were in small engines.

1970-1976 - Vincent R. Shiely became president and later chairperson, leading the company to significant growth in net sales.

1980 - Remained the world's lowest-cost producer of small engines.

1980 - The first U.S. hybrid engine was invented, a car still owned by Jay Leno. The invention faced intense competition from Japanese manufacturers, particularly in the small engine market. This competition led to substantial changes in product lines and increased spending on engineering and research​.

1985 - Introduced improved engine lines.

Modernization

1992 - Reincorporated in Wisconsin; engines and related products accounted for 93% of total sales. 

1994 - Moved 2,000 jobs to new plants in the South, focusing on increasing profits and cost-cutting measures. This decision was part of an economic value-added business philosophy adopted in 1990​. 

1995 - Sold the automotive component business. 

Late 1990s - Improved union-management relations led to some jobs being shifted back to Wauwatosa from southern plants. Wauwatosa remained the world's largest manufacturer of small gasoline engines and continued to streamline its operations for better financial performance​. It also complied with stricter emissions standards set by the U.S. EPA for small engines. This period also saw several divestitures, including the spin-off of Strattec Security Co., the sale of iron foundries and the Powercom-2000 subsidiary.

2000 - Acquired Generac Portable Products Systems. 

2008 - Celebrates 100 Years of Business and acquires the Victa Lawn Care business.

2014 - Acquired Allmand. 

2015 - Acquired Billy Goat Industries. 

2020 - Acquisition by KPS Partners. Bringing strength to the energy storage market 

2021 - Briggs & Stratton Energy Solutions was formed by combining the Standby Power business with the acquisition of SimpliPhi Power, a California-based energy storage and management system manufacturer. Briggs & Stratton Energy Solutions supports a full range of energy solutions, including standby generators, battery storage and software applications.

A consistent theme has woven its way through Briggs & Stratton's history since its inception in 1908 to its current support of the energy storage industry: a dedication to adapting and making highly reliable products to meet market demands.

Briggs & Stratton has consistently led markets during changing tides of technology and market demands for over 116 years. Today, bringing leadership and quality to energy storage reinforces the legacy, strength, and reliability long held. This strategic move into energy solutions marks a new chapter in its rich history, ensuring that Briggs & Stratton remains at the forefront of energy solutions. In doing so, it honors its past achievements while boldly embracing the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, securing its place as a beacon of enduring innovation and industrial might.

Learn more about how Briggs & Stratton Energy Solutions delivers over a century of experience and deep expertise in energy storage.