On Saturday, 17 September 2016, gardening power tool manufacturer VIKING held an open day at its factory premises in Langkampfen. Despite or possibly because of the non-stop torrential rain, some 2,500 visitors used the opportunity to learn more about VIKING in a varied programme of events.
As well as factory tours, a comprehensive product show and insights into the world of testing, younger visitors amused themselves at numerous child-focused stops, while the grown-ups showed great interest in the innovations from VIKING. The biggest hit of the day among grown-ups and youngsters alike was the fastest lawn mower in the world with driver Pekka Lundefaret, who holds the world record at a speed of 215 km/h (134 mph). The Norwegian started up the modified VIKING lawn tractor every hour, and also completed a number of short trips. For many, this souped-up tractor developing over 400 hp was one of the highlights of the day.
The rainfall meant the ride-on mower slalom competition had to be moved from the grass to the tarmac, however this did nothing to dampen the atmosphere. At the VIKING careers booth, the company provided information about vacancies and opportunities for apprentices.
VIKING GmbH, based in Langkampfen, produces and sells lawn mowers, robotic mowers, ride-on mowers, scarifiers, garden shredders and tillers. VIKING is a member of the STIHL Group and achieved a turnover of € 193.9 million with 373 employees in 2015. Sales partners are service-providing specialist dealers.
Attached are a few pictures showing the atmosphere of "VIKING Saturday".
Photos:
Photo 1 Great interest:
The visitors showed great interest in the tours of the VIKING factory.
Photo 2 VIKING open day:
The VIKING open day allowed visitors to experience the fastest lawn mower in the world at first-hand. It holds the world record for the fastest lawn mower at 215 km/h (134 mph).
Photo 3 The youngest visitors:
Even the youngest visitors got a chance to test some VIKING machines.
Photo 4 Ride-on mower slalom:
The participants in the ride-on mower slalom competition had to contend with some slight aquaplaning due to the last-minute change from grass to tarmac.
(Photos: VIKING, printing free of charge)