STIHL TO RECOGNISE DEALER EXCELLENCE

STIHL is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year and as part of their celebrations the company has announced they will recognise their dealer network with a dedicated awards ceremony at a special dealer conference, taking place in June at its Contra House headquarters.

In a statement the company said, "Throughout its journey in Great Britain, its dealer partners have played a pivotal role in delivering expertise, service excellence, and support to its customers. Therefore, as STIHL marks its 100th year, it celebrates not only a rich history of heritage and innovation, but the dealer partnerships that have underpinned its success over the years."

The company says the summer conference will form an integral part of their centenary celebrations. The event will provide an opportunity for dealers to connect with the STIHL team and fellow partners, share best practice, and gain insight into the future direction of the business. The conference will also serve as the stage for its STIHL 100 Awards ceremony. 

The company say the awards will celebrate excellence across their dealer network, shining a spotlight on star dealers and individuals. There will be 12 awards presented on the evening covering a range of areas and dealers are invited to nominate themselves for the awards before 27th February. The categories include: 

• Marketing Excellence Award
• Leading Parts and Accessories Dealer
• Customer Service & Aftercare Award
• Leading Retail Experience  
• Technician of the Year
• Star of the Dealership 
• Leading New Dealer 
• Leading Battery Dealer 
• Leading Commercial Solutions Dealer  
• Leading Forestry and Arb Dealer  
• Leading Garden Machinery Dealer  

One final award will be based on sales growth and will be rewarded with an MS 500i Centennial Edition. The winning dealer will also be entered into a Western Europe Dealer regional final, to win an opportunity to join the Stihl family at an exclusive gala event in Waiblingen, Germany, later this year. By recognising its top performing dealers and teams, STIHL say they aim to acknowledge and reward the contribution they make to the brand’s continued success. 

As part of their wider celebrations, the brand will also pay tribute to the MS 500i, the world’s first mass-produced petrol chainsaw with electronically controlled fuel injection, by launching a centennial edition of the model. Featuring a black design and distinctive centenary detailing, the machine will be available to buy later in 2026 from selected dealers.

Additionally, STIHL will run a series of end user competitions, such as sweepstakes and fan awards, designed to engage customers and support dealer activity throughout the anniversary year. 

Dr. Nikolas Stihl, chairman of the Supervisory Board and Advisory Board of STIHL, said, “Any company that reaches the grand old age of 100 hasn’t got there by relying on tradition alone.
 
“It can only stay successful for a century if it knows its roots, while also recognising when it’s time to start a new chapter. With that in mind, our anniversary is not just a time to look back, but also a moment to recognise the strength that comes from our combination of heritage, engineering expertise, and the courage to innovate.”