Felker

Lennart Gustafsson to Retire as President of Electrolux Construction Products North America

OLATHE, Kan. – Effective April 16, 2004, Lennart Gustafsson will retire his position as President, Electrolux Construction Products North America. Lennart’s retirement completes 35 years of service with Partner beginning as an assistant draftsman long before Partner was known in the United States.

Lennart then moved into the position of Design Engineer for both chain and cut-off saws. It was during this position in the early 70’s that he developed the “chain brake”, a safety feature for chain saws that launched Partner as a leader in the industry.

While in Sweden, he served as Training Manager, Service Manager, Product Manager and then Sales Manager responsible for Overseas Sales. It was at the end of the 70’s that Electrolux acquired Partner. Lennart was asked to move to the U. S. and became responsible for the Partner operation in the United States. In later years, Electrolux moved forward with the acquisitions of Magnum, Cushion Cut, Diamant Boart, Target and Felker. Lennart also moved forward from Vice President, Partner/Dimas, to President, Partner/Dimas. He was then named President of Dimas North America and subsequently Electrolux Construction Products North America, encompassing the Partner, Dimas, Target, Felker and Diamant Boart names.

Lennart has also been responsible for coordinating product liability lawsuits over the past 20 years. He often appeared as an expert witness during trial for those lawsuits involving hand-held outdoor power products sold in the United States under Swedish brand names. His honesty and true expertise provided great credibility in the eyes of judges, juries and plaintiff’s counsel throughout the country. Today he is regarded by many in the Group as one of the foremost trial experts for cases such as these.

Lennart’s continuous contribution to the development, marketing, advertising, sales & management of the Partner brand has brought Partner to the top. Partner has had seven consecutive months of record sales and will finish with an annual sales figure surpassing any previous year in operation.

Our heartfelt thanks go to Lennart for his dedicated service. Industry friends and associates are worldwide…he will be missed by all.

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