Husqvarna of Sweden Transfers UK Robotic Lawn Mower Production to the Czech Republic

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On October 21, Swedish garden machinery manufacturer Husqvarna Group announced an adjustment to its European manufacturing footprint, having transferred part of the robotic lawn mower production from its Newton Aycliffe plant in the UK to the Czech Republic in autumn 2026, affecting approximately 50 positions at the UK factory. The company also decided to move part of its battery-powered handheld tool production from Europe to Asia, with the related adjustments planned for full completion by 2028; the production will be undertaken by its own factories in China and external suppliers in Asia.

The transfer of robotic lawn mower production was completed this autumn, involving a reallocation of capacity between the existing UK production site and the Czech manufacturing operations. Husqvarna CEO Glen Instone said the company is also evaluating options to further expand robotic lawn mower production in Asia, with shipping cycles and inventory carrying costs to be factored into the choice of production locations. The company has not yet determined new manufacturing arrangements for this product category in Asia.

In addition to robotic lawn mowers, Husqvarna is advancing several adjustments at its European factories. Its Gardena garden equipment business will transfer part of its manufacturing activities from Germany to the Czech Republic, with the adjustment planned for full completion by the 2029 selling season; the closure of the Brastad plant in Sweden is scheduled to be completed in the first quarter of 2027. Part of the battery-powered handheld tool production will be moved to the group's Asian factories and external suppliers, involving a reallocation of operations from existing European manufacturing facilities.

During the manufacturing adjustments, Husqvarna faces volume and price competition in the European robotic lawn mower market. The company said its sales share in the European market declined this year, with competition particularly pronounced in retail and online channels. The entry price for Husqvarna-brand robotic lawn mowers is approximately EUR 1,000, and the company is studying ways to lower the entry-level price but does not plan to enter the low-price market below EUR 500.

As of the third quarter of 2026, the company had achieved cumulative cost savings of approximately SEK 935 million for the year. Management said in the same-period earnings presentation that it will continue to advance manufacturing base consolidation, business outsourcing and product portfolio adjustments; projects currently under implementation include the transfer of robotic lawn mower production from the UK to the Czech Republic and the transfer of battery-powered tool production from Europe to Asia.