October 1, 2009 - Woodcliff Lake, NJ -- Husqvarna Motorcycles inaugurated an all-new Development & Operations Center at Cassinetta di Biandronno in Varese, Italy. The spacious tri-level structure demonstrates the latest major achievement for Husqvarna since BMW Motorrad acquired the brand in 2007. Construction commenced on July 2, 2008 and was completed in just under 15-months.

"Our new headquarters and its organization optimizes product development by integrating all production units across the entire Husqvarna motorcycle range," explains Rainer Thoma, President and Managing Director of Husqvarna Motorcycles. "The structure has been designed to enhance projected growth both in the short term and in the long term. For example, with only minor further changes production capacity can reach 40,000 motorcycles a year."

Sharing inaugural ceremony duties with Thoma was BMW Motorrad president Hendrik Von Kuenheim. Also on hand for the celebration was a large contingent of government officials and local church authorities, as well as a crowd of understandably enthusiastic Husqvarna factory staffers.

The total complex measures in at 470,000-sq./ft., with the new Development & Operations Center occupying 67,850 sq./ft. It has a footprint of 28,000 sq./ft. and rises three floors above ground for a total of nearly 838,198 cubic ft. Fitted with the latest in thermal and acoustic insulation, the new facility conforms with strict EU energy savings regulations. Hot water for the entire building comes courtesy of a solar panel system.

New headquarters completes Cassinetta plant layout

"The Engine Division and roller test beds are located in the center of the ground floor, with the surrounding area dedicated to a prototype and racing motorcycle production workshop. A second section is a training center for Husqvarna's after-sales service engineers. Sharing the second floor are the Styling Center and the Development Division. This floor also houses the Acquisitions and Market Research offices, each within close proximity to the Development Division to ensure both functions remain in contact with commercial activities. According to Thoma, the arrangement is ideal in terms of functionality, quality and cost. Management and administrative offices are also on the third floor in the northern reaches of the building.

Rainer Thoma and the 2010 TC250

A Husqvarna motorcycles showroom is located at the front of the building facing the road. The showroom (325 square meters) is visible from the outside and used to display the company’s top models and the finest photographs of racing events around the world. "It's destined to become the heart of the company and a Mecca for all Husqvarna fans," concludes Thoma.

Husqvarna Motorcycles. Tradition on two wheels since 1903.

Husqvarna Motorcycles, a part of the BMW Group since October 2007, are widely known and respected in the off-road world for a heritage of competition and numerous motocross and enduro world championships. Originally founded in Sweden in 1903, Husqvarna motorcycles have been designed and manufactured in Varese, Italy since 1987.

Husqvarna Motorcycles NA, LLC

Husqvarna Motorcycles NA, LLC is part of BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group's sales headquarters for North, Central and South America is located in Woodcliff Lake, NJ. Husqvarna Motorcycles NA, LLC returned to off-road racing competition in 2008 and during 2009 Husqvarna will expand its professional race team to compete in AMA GNCC, Endurocross, National Hare & Hound, the AMA Hare Scrambles Series, and WORCS competition. Husqvarna team riders will compete in the premier classes of each series aboard 2009 Husqvarna TXC 450, TXC 510, and WR 300 off-road models.
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Husqvarna Motorcycles NA, LLC
300 Chestnut Ridge Road
Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677 USA
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