Briggs & Stratton Corporation held an event at its Statesboro, Georgia manufacturing facility to provide an update to Governor Nathan Deal, city officials, employees and the community following the Company’s announcement last October that it will move production of its V-Twin Vanguard engines from a joint venture partnership in Japan to its existing manufacturing facilities in Statesboro and Auburn, Alabama.

At the event, Briggs & Stratton leaders reaffirmed the Company’s commitment to its commercial growth strategy, investing in the communities wherein it operates and creating meaningful job opportunities and developing talent, announcing that the Company anticipates adding approximately 100 jobs in Statesboro as a result of moving production of the Vanguard Small Block V-Twin engines to the facility.

“Briggs & Stratton has been part of the Statesboro community for more than 23 years, and we’re pleased to leverage the knowledge, skill and physical capacity to manufacture these V-Twin engines in our Alabama and Georgia facilities,” says David J. Rodgers, senior vice president and president – Engines & Power. “This is a strategic competitive advantage because we can manufacture closer to our customers in the U.S., resulting in faster production times and faster shipping.”

“I’m excited to be here in Statesboro for Briggs & Stratton’s ribbon cutting event,” said Georgia Governor Nathan Deal. “This expansion solidifies the Company’s commitment to Georgia, and will provide significant job opportunities for our citizens in Bulloch County. Georgia’s critically important advanced manufacturing network is consistently growing and providing countless opportunities in communities across the state.”

“The Development Authority of Bulloch County is very pleased to have worked with Briggs & Stratton on its decision to expand in Bulloch County,” said Bruce Yawn, Chair of the Authority. “This facility has provided great jobs and capital investment in our community, and we look forward to helping the Company continue to succeed here.”

Production of the V-Twin engines will begin in Statesboro this fall. The line is expected to reach full capacity by next summer, and Briggs & Stratton will need to add 30 Technicians to work on its new equipment, more than 30 Vanguard Operators with engine knowledge to build the commercial-grade engines, and approximately 40 individuals for component and support areas due to increased production. The Company will host a hiring event on July 17, 2018 at Ogeechee Technical College’s Natural Resources Building to staff for this move.