The new operation, known as Midwest Stihl, a division of Stihl Inc., serves Stihl dealers in Iowa, northern Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Stihl Inc. officials announced the consolidation of distributor operations Mississippi Valley Stihl of Peoria, Ill. and Midwest Stihl of Hayward, Wis. Also, the establishment of a new single distribution site in Cottage Grove, Wis.

According to Stihl President Fred Whyte, the new location allows Stihl to better service its dealers in the region. “We are also happy to announce that all employees from both locations will be offered employment and many are looking forward to joining us at the new location,” he added.

The Cottage Grove location has good access to the Interstate 90 and Interstate 94 corridors, which are main routes for deliveries to Stihl dealers, Whyte said. Streamlined services from the new branch will allow for one-day shipping service to most of Stihl’s 1,000 dealers in the region.

Joe Hickey, current branch manager for Mississippi Valley Stihl, is manager for the new operation. The new Midwest Stihl facility will occupy almost 10 acres. The consolidation of operations will take place over the course of 2015.

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