STIHL Inc. Names Stephen Ballenger Vice President of Operations

Words: Lindsy ShrewberrySTIHL Inc. is pleased to welcome Stephen Ballenger as the new vice president of operations in the U.S. Ballenger will be responsible for all production operations at the more than one million square foot corporate headquarters in Virginia Beach, VA where the company produces more than 275 models of handheld outdoor power equipment. His role will include directing manufacturing, engineering, materials and procurement, logistics, buildings, maintenance and quality assurance activities.

Ballenger brings more than 30 years of engineering and manufacturing expertise and leadership experience to STIHL, most recently serving as president of Light Vehicles USA for Metalsa in Elizabethtown, Ky. Previous leadership experience includes positions at Carl Zeiss, Hella and a 15-year career with Bosch North America.

“Stephen has the depth of knowledge and experience to lead our manufacturing operations here in Virginia Beach. His extensive background running large scale, modern manufacturing facilities in the U.S. make him a natural fit for STIHL,” said Bjoern Fischer, president of STIHL Inc. “We welcome him to STIHL Inc. and are confident he will continue to drive our business forward.”

“STIHL Inc. has an exceptional reputation for high quality, cutting edge technology and product performance, but it’s the people behind the products that really drew me to the company,” said Ballenger. “The passion and commitment of STIHL employees is clearly evident. I look forward to being a part of the team and continuing the tradition of excellence.”

Ballenger has a Master of Science in industrial management and a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Clemson University.
About: Featured
 0
STABILA Tools: Engineered for Professionals Worldwide
June 2025

With a history spanning over 100 years, STABILA has firmly established itself as a trusted name in precision and durability. Known for crafting tools that stand the test of time, STABILA has become the standard for long-lasting performance. Today, the bra

Elsa Bueno
Featured MAP Partner
Read More
Check out CrewTracks' Latest Innovations
June 2025

In today's masonry industry, the right tools are essential for efficient operations. At CrewTracks, we're constantly innovating to provide masonry contractors with the solutions they need to thrive. We're excited to offer a sneak peek at some of our newes

Erin Laird
Featured MAP Partner
Read More
The Importance of Durable Safety Footwear on Masonry Jobsites
June 2025

Masonry work is a rewarding trade that relies on precision, strength, and skill. However, it also comes with its share of risks. From handling heavy materials like bricks and concrete blocks to navigating rough, uneven surfaces, masonry jobsites present n

Andrew Moffatt
Featured MAP Partner
Read More
OSHA’s Proposed Heat Stress Standard
June 2025

The goal of OSHA is to work tirelessly to keep us, the workers, as safe as possible as we go about our jobs every day. According to the statistics that the Bureau of Labor Statistics provides, a staggering 479 workers died from heat stress from 2011-202

Justus Everett
Featured
Read More