Where Are Generac Generators Made? – [Brief History]
This article is all about answering your burring quarries about “Where Are Generac Generators Made?”, who manufactured them, and do their generators comes with Chinese engines?
Generac Generators are imagined, Designed, and engineered in OSHKOSH, Wisconsin. With a huge plant of 255,000 square feet in the USA, Generac is now a leading manufacturer of portable, commercial, and residential generators. In addition to that they are also providing one of the finest backup and power-related accessories like transfer switches, power cords, etc.
Quick Overview
| Founded in | 1959 |
| Goes Public | 11th February 2010 |
| Founded by | Robert Kern (Passed Away on November/9/2022 at the age of 96 years) |
| Current CEO | Aaron Jagdfeld |
| Oldest Headquarter | Wisconsin |
| Current Employees | 6500 |
| Products | Generators, transfer switches, pressure washers, etc. |
| Competitors | Kohler, Terex, Cummins Inc., MTD Products, Briggs & Stratton Corporation. honda, Westinghouse, DuroMax |
| Engine Types | G – Force, OHVI, OHV |
| Revenue | US$2.023 billion was recorded in 2018 |
| Market share | 70% |
| Website | Generac |
Where Are Generac Generators Made? – A Brief History
SOURCE
Generac was founded in 1959 by Mr. Robert D. Kern with 5 employees only. He took the start from his garage in Wales, Wisconsin.
In the beginning, the company starts producing portable generators for Sears, Roebuck, and Co. under the Craftsman brand.
Later in the 1970s Generac expanded its production and enters the commercial and industrial market in the 1980s with its backup power generation system.
At the beginning of the 1980s Generac starts their first gaseous-fueled automatic home standby system.
Later Generac decided to produce generator sets for Caterpillar, Inc. under a private labeling arrangement in 1992, but sadly as the company starts grew Caterpillar decided to terminate the private labeling agreement.
Generac decided to sue Caterpillar, Inc under the Wisconsin Fair Dealership Law (“WFDL”) but the decision was in the favor of Caterpillar, Inc.
Moreover, The owner of Generac challenge the lower court’s rulings of the US but the case was dismissed by them and Generac have to supply transfer switches to caterpillar till 2002.
Meanwhile, Generac sold some of its portable production division to the beacon group and they sold it to Briggs & Stratton.
After the expiration of the agreement in 2007, Generac decided to launch its own powerful portable units.
Finally, Generac goes public on 11th February 2010, Generac Holdings Inc. (NYSE: GNRC), a parent company. Jagdfeld was selected as a Chief executive officer (CEO).
As per the press release on November/9/2022, the founder Mr. Robert D. Kern passed away at the age of 96 years on the 8th of November.
Recommended Read: Where Are Champion Generators Made?
Are Generac Generators Made/Built in the USA?
Yes, Generac generators are entirely designed in the USA, there was a brief movement where the Generac owners think to expand their production lines by building some of the manufacturing units in China but once the cooperate taxes becomes lower they decided to stick back with the USA by building a few more facilities.
Recommended Read: Made in USA Generators
Who Manufactures Generac Generator Engine?
Generac engines are made by Generac Power Systems Inc. at their main facility situated in Wisconsin USA.
What Kind of Engine Does Generac Use?
Generac generator mainly has the following engines.
- G-Force engine
- OHVI engines
- OHV engines
The type of engines may vary as per the requirement of the generators, i.e. a modern portable generator may have G-Force engines for maximizing efficiency within a light weigh compact frame.
Are Generac Engines Any Good?
With over 63 years of experience in the power industry generator is well known for providing the most reliable portable, residential, and commercial generators with extremely efficient, quiet, and long-lasting engines.
As per a third-party study, the Generac standby generators are 99% reliable, cost-efficient, and environmentally friendly with very low noise levels.
In addition to that the Generac engines are infused with premium industry-grade parts with air-cooled technology to make sure that the generator will provide the same efficiency and durability even at 100% load.
Top Features of the Generac Engines:
Low Oil Pressure Protection: A sensor constantly monitors the oil conditions, if the following things will happen the engine shuts off immediately to avoid repairing costs down the road.
- Improper lubrication
- Dangerously low oil
- Overheated or less viscous oil
Pressurized Lubrication System: Pressure lubrication makes sure that every critical part of the OHVI engine should be lubricated from start-up to shut down so that they can work smoothly.
The purpose of the pressurized lubrication system is to provide a controlled flow of fresh oil across all parts of the engine, bearings, etc. to mitigate wearing down.
Dual Element Air Filter: The heavy-duty filter is adopted to protect the engine from dirt and debris even in the toughest environment, and also extends the maintenance time as well.
Automotive-grade Spin-on Oil Filter: Because of the pressure lubrication an OHVI engine is compatible with an automotive grade spin–on oil filter that removes the dirt, carbon, and harmful solids that can cause engine wear and other issues.
Recommended Read: Where Are Kohler Generators Made?
Who Is Generac Owned By?
Generac is a subsidiary of Generac Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: GNRC).
Who Are Competitors of Generac Generators?
The following are the direct competitors of Generac.
- Kohler
- Terex
- Honda
- Cummins Inc
- MTD Products
- Briggs & Stratton Corporation
Also, there are other competitors in the portable generators category like Honda, Westinghouse, Duromax, etc,
Follow this link: comparably to get more details about the competitors.
- Checkout our guide about Honda vs Generac Generators
Are Generac Generators Made in China?
No, as we have stated above that the Generac generators are only imagined, designed, and engineered at the facilities of them located in Wisconsin.
Additionally, they have clearly mentioned here that the Generac G-FORCE® and OHVI engines of the Generac generators are purely manufactured in the USA.
It is widely believed that Generac OHV engines are made by Briggs & Stratton. This is quite possible since most industries outsource parts to meet demand, but there is no clear evidence.
What Is the Life Expectancy of a Generac Generator?
Typically a standby generator of Generac will last for about 25 – 30 years, however, a portable generator will provide you with about 10 – 15 years depending on the usage and maintenance.
here is the guide about generator runtime, make sure to have a look if you need a detailed version of the generator’s runtime.
Where Is Generac Headquarters?
The main and oldest headquarter of Generac is in Wisconsin, USA; however, they have more than 20 facilities around the world. Click here to explore or get the direction for any facility.
Current Employees And Future Plans Of Generac
Being a pioneer in this category Generac owns more than 70% of market shares. With constant hard work and dedication, Generac manages double digits growth year by year.
In addition to that, Genrace has decided to expand its production to the southeast part of the USA by starting distribution operations in Trenton, South Carolina.
This newer distribution plant will create close to 450 newer jobs in upcoming years, you can also apply here.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Does Briggs & Stratton own Generac?
No, a small percentage of shares (about 8%) were owned by Briggs & Stratton in 2007, however, as per the current reports Generac is now an independent power industry with Generac Holdings Inc.
Who Is the Largest Generac Dealer in the US?
Generator Supercenter is the #1 dealer of Generac throughout North America; they have a crew of certified trained technicians that will not only assist you with the products but also do necessary maintenance and repairs at a reasonable cost.
Does Generac Use Honda Motors?
No, as we have mentioned above the Generac G-FORCE® and OHVI engines are entirely manufactured at their main manufacturing unit situated in OSHKOSH, Wisconsin United States of America.
You may find some similarities but both engines are manufactured with different processes.
Kashif has been a valuable asset to the electric generator industry for over 5 years. Now, As a skilled energy engineer, he’s been on the front lines of diagnosing problems, fixing broken parts, and performing routine maintenance tasks to keep generators running smoothly.