Victa is an Australian manufacturer of outdoor garden equipment, including petrol and electric lawn mowers, edgers, trimmers, and chainsaws. They manufacture these in petrol and battery-powered variants. However, Victa is best known as a manufacturer of rotary lawn mowers.
The Victa brand is currently owned by the American engine manufacturer Briggs & Stratton; while being American owned, some assembly is retained in Australia with much occurring at various sites overseas. Manufacturing also primarily occurs overseas.
In Australia and New Zealand, Victa products are sold through major hardware chains and specialist dealers. Victa is also sold in limited quantities through specialist dealers internationally.
History
The company was founded by Mervyn Victor Richardson in 1952.
In 1970 Victa was acquired by Sunbeam Corporation Ltd. In 1996, the company was sold to GUD Holdings Limited, who sold the Victa Lawn Care business to American-based Briggs & Stratton for A$23 million in 2008.
In the 1960s, Victa produced a range of project homes in Australia.
While most design and manufacturing capability has remained in Australia, such as assembly, research and development, and parts manufacture, all engine products are sourced from Briggs & Stratton's Facilities in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
See also
City of Canada Bay Museum
References
Further reading
"Aussie Icon Falls into American Hands" , Brisbane Times, 2008-06-04
External links
Australian Innovates
Victa Lawn Mower patent at IP Australia website
National Museum of Australia 1958 Victa lawn mower, one of two held at the National Museum of Australia.