Our history
30 years of VIKING
1981
VIKING is founded in Kufstein, Austria. Production of its garden shredders is expanded continuously under Managing Director Heinrich Lechner.
1984
Three years after the company's foundation, VIKING begins the development of its own line of lawn mowers.
1992
VIKING is incorporated into the STIHL Group - the global market leader for chain saws and renowned outdoor power tool company. VIKING completely renews and expands its gardening power tool range.
1993
Dr. Nikolas Stihl, grandson of the STIHL company founder is appointed Managing Director of VIKING.
2001
VIKING opens its new Competence Centre to accommodate the company's rapid growth. The new state-of-the-art facility is just 4km from the original site and houses production, marketing, sales and administration.
2006
VIKING looks back at its 25-year success story. What began in 1981 with the first garden shredders has progressed to now offer a comprehensive range of premium quality machines for demanding gardeners.
2007
Expansion continues. Construction of Phase II of the VIKING headquarters is complete. The expanded Competence Centre provides ideal conditions for the company to develop even more effectively in the future.
2008
The first of its roller lawn mowers is developed by VIKING specifically to meet the needs of British gardeners, producing the stripes and patterns some lawn lovers prefer. The VIKING MB 545 VR rotary roller receives the Best New Product Award from the British Hardware Federation the following year.
2009
VIKING introduces a new and unique range of lawn tractors to the British market. The T5 and T6 Series lawn tractors are designed entirely in-house by the VIKING team and win two International Design Awards.
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2011
In April 2011, Peter Pretzsch assumes the position of Managing Director at VIKING, replacing Dr. Nikolas Stihl. Dr. Stihl moves to the parent company STIHL in Waiblingen (Germany).
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Today
The new motto for the VIKING brand is "Love your lawn". VIKING is a premium brand which designs, developes, manufactures and sells an expansive range of lawn mowers, lawn tractors, scarifiers, garden shredders and tillers. Consistent development of high-quality products, a powerful reputation and strong collaboration with the STIHL Group have made VIKING a leading company in the gardening power tool sector.