Husqvarna to manufacture chain???

Yatt · February 27, 2014, 02:16:18 PM

I have heard Husqvarna is going to start manufacturing chain rather that rebadging the stuff they have yet. Anybody know anything about this?

http://rermag.com/supply-side/husqvarna-invest-us-159-million-chainsaw-production-facility

From the article:

Husqvarna Group this week said it will invest in a new production facility for manufacturing of chainsaw chains in Huskvarna, Sweden, where the Group already manufactures professional chainsaws, brush cutters and trimmers. The Group will also invest in expanded capacity for manufacturing of cylinders for two-stroke engines for chainsaws in its facilities in Nashville, Tenn., and in Huskvarna, Sweden.

Philbert · February 27, 2014, 02:22:32 PM

As long as they do a good job with it. They sell a lot of it, just counting the OEM stuff on their saws, so there must be a significant percentage in it for them.

Better news than hearing they plan to import it from you know where. Bad news for Blount/Oregon. Also kills STIHL's ads stating that they are the only major saw manufacturer that also makes their own chain.

Philbert

mad murdock · February 27, 2014, 02:27:36 PM

very interesting! will be anxious to see the offerings, I wonder it if will all be homeowner safety chain, or if they will go full boat and offer a full line of pro options?

sharkey · February 27, 2014, 03:55:19 PM

Oregon will flood the market with cheap Carlton chain and this venture will go the way of Sabre.

Yatt · February 27, 2014, 05:39:42 PM

Quote from: sharkey on February 27, 2014, 03:55:19 PM
Oregon will flood the market with cheap Carlton chain and this venture will go the way of Sabre.

If what you say is true, then it will drive price down for all chain and then benefit the consumer? ;)

sawguy21 · February 27, 2014, 11:25:42 PM

Chain is not place to compromise on quality to shave pennies. There is a huge safety issue involved. I'm not a bean counter but I fail to understand how they believe they can save enough to make tooling, manufacturing and packaging worthwhile. I work for an Oregon distributor, margins are thin. We have to move a lot of chain to make any money.

Andyshine77 · February 28, 2014, 01:13:54 AM

My guess, "if this is really in the works" Electrolux purchased existing infrastructure. The Swedish know how to make some of the best processing machines, if they want to make saw chain, they will.

Timberjack_395XP · February 28, 2014, 07:13:32 AM

I remember not too long ago John Deere branded saw chain here one day gone the next but I'd say there is a reason for husky to consider this but I just cant see them making a impact on chain sales hopefully they'd go with a branded chain from Oregon

bandmiller2 · February 28, 2014, 07:23:50 AM

The more players the better, they have the money behind them and the ability. Time will tell if they build a better mouse trap. Wonder if they will be a full line supplier or just cater to their .058 gauge.?? Frank C.

bandmiller2 · February 28, 2014, 07:27:11 AM

Anyone in the industry know, is chain making machinery available or does each company have to design and build their own.?? In other words can you order an acme sawchain machine and dies. Frank C.

Philbert · February 28, 2014, 09:41:09 AM

Oregon designs and/or builds their own equipment according to a ccompany rep. But other companies also manufacture saw chain (Tri-Link, etc).

Husqvarna is a big enough company to have the resources, and have been in the business long enough to have the product knowledge. They must figure that the volume they generate across all of their product lines is worth the margins.

We will have to see how well the chain works and if they can make a go of it. Again, surprised it states Sweden and not China.

Philbert

Dave Shepard · February 28, 2014, 09:53:18 AM

Maybe they want to offer something on par with Stihl chain. You know, something that is a little bit harder than soft butter. ;)

Yatt · February 28, 2014, 10:28:48 AM

Quote from: Timberjack_395XP on February 28, 2014, 07:13:32 AM
I remember not too long ago John Deere branded saw chain here one day gone the next but I'd say there is a reason for husky to consider this but I just cant see them making a impact on chain sales hopefully they'd go with a branded chain from Oregon

I disagree.

Just supplying the saws they make will be a lot loops. Often times consumers will buy replacement parts based on the name of the product they are using. It is not a stretch for the occasional user to buy Husky chain for a Husky saw. Actually a novice Husky owner buying Oregon is a harder sell.

Besides when manufacturing you control your own destiny for supply, quality and price rather than going to another vendor.

Dave Shepard · February 28, 2014, 10:35:53 AM

Quote from: Timberjack_395XP on February 28, 2014, 07:13:32 AM
I remember not too long ago John Deere branded saw chain here one day gone the next but I'd say there is a reason for husky to consider this but I just cant see them making a impact on chain sales hopefully they'd go with a branded chain from Oregon

Isn't the Husky chain already Oregon with a "Husq" stamp on the link? If not, then whose chain is it?

SawTroll · February 28, 2014, 10:46:14 AM

The rumors have been out for a while, but I don't actually know any more than what that link is telling.

joe_indi · February 28, 2014, 10:52:34 AM

The article in that link is a year old.
Way I heard it, things are moving a bit slower than a literary debate between Tibetian monks :D
Probably another one and a half years before anyone sees a Husky made drive link

Joe

Spike60 · February 28, 2014, 11:28:31 AM

Part of the reasoning behind this is to free themselves from constant supply difficulties with Oregon. Despite the fact that Husqvarna is Oregon's largest customer, Oregon frequently has trouble filling purchase orders. With bars as well as chains. Husky sells huge amounts of chain, and not just on the new saws. Many dealers but most or all of their chain from Husky. I get a better deal from them than I'd get buying Oregon from anyone else. Plus with Blount buying up Carlton and Windsor to go along with Oregon, there is a certain vulnerability in relying on them as the only option. So that plus the supply issue is a position that Husky isn't all that comfortable in.

DeepCreek · February 28, 2014, 01:07:23 PM

Quote from: Spike60 on February 28, 2014, 11:28:31 AM
Plus with Blount buying up Carlton and Windsor to go along with Oregon, there is a certain vulnerability in relying on them as the only option. So that plus the supply issue is a position that Husky isn't all that comfortable in.

Bingo.

sawguy21 · February 28, 2014, 11:44:29 PM

Supply is a huge issue. Blount pretty much controls it, Stihl by choice is a relatively small player, and they cannot meet demand. The lead times are simply not acceptable but what can we do except stock huge amounts hoping we are reading the market correctly. We scored what could be a very good account, they are thoroughly pithed with their current supplier, but it will be wasted effort if we can't meet their needs.

bandmiller2 · March 01, 2014, 07:51:18 AM

Love them or not Stihl saws and chain is top of the line that's the german mindset. The Sweeds are pretty much the same, you can sell a world class chainsaw but if you put so so chain on it you have a so so saw. Husky wants more control and I hope they do it right, and well. I'am sure there will be startup problems. Frank C.