60 years ago - on the 26th of August 1964 to be precise - a partnership began that is still regarded today as an example of creativity, consistency and joint growth: the collaboration between STIHL and BUSSE Design + Engineering. A letter from Hans Peter Stihl to our company founder Rido Busse - who sadly passed away in 2021 - not only marked the beginning of the friendship between the two entrepreneurs, but also the start of a collaboration that goes far beyond the usual customer-supplier relationship: Over six decades, we have jointly developed generations of gardening tools that impress with their functionality, but above all with their iconic design and have decisively shaped the STIHL brand image.
As product designers, we are proud to have been involved in the development of the STIHL products and brand over such a long period of time.
From the first joint projects in the 1960s to the modern high-tech tools of today, much has changed - and yet the basic principles of our co-operation have remained the same. The development of STIHL products has always been the result of a successful synergy of precise technology and the design of the respective zeitgeist. Our task at BUSSE was and is to translate this vision into form and function. In doing so, we create a harmonious design language that supports the operation of the machine and generates associations such as 'powerful', 'robust' and 'modern' among customers worldwide. We always develop the design in line with the STIHL brand identity and with a special focus on the entire product family to ensure the unmistakable STIHL image.
The requirements for garden tools have changed over time. Appliances have become more powerful, more effective and more environmentally friendly. These developments are reflected in the design. Where simple shapes used to dominate due to the manufacturing process, the focus today is on ergonomic, aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly designs thanks to technical developments. This enables STIHL to offer its customers products that are not only practical, but also make a visual statement.
Our partnership is characterised by a common goal: to create the best products for professional and private users. The focus is always on a product design that creates brand-defining unique selling points and emphasises the advanced technology with an appropriate design. With each new product cycle, we have been able to redefine the standard for the entire industry together with STIHL.
The last 60 years have shown us that successful partnerships are based on mutual trust, appreciation and a common endeavour for continuous improvement. We are proud that STIHL has relied on our expertise for so many years, and we look forward to continuing to actively shape STIHL's success story with our product designs in the future.
Here's to the next 60 years!
