Poulan chainsaws are owned by Husqvarna AB, the Swedish outdoor power equipment company, though manufacturing rights for Poulan Pro branded tools now sit with a Mexican company called Valsi. Poulan is a long running consumer chainsaw brand with roots stretching back nearly eight decades.
Husqvarna, the parent brand, became the owner of Poulan after being spun off from Electrolux in 2006. In 2022, Valsi purchased tooling and manufacturing rights to build outdoor power equipment under the Poulan Pro name.
How did a brand founded by a Louisiana chainsaw pioneer end up split between a Swedish company and a Mexican manufacturer? This guide will explore Poulan’s ownership, manufacturing process, brand history, and what makes its chainsaws a practical option for homeowners. So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Owns Poulan Chainsaws
Poulan is a brand name currently tied to Husqvarna AB, the Swedish manufacturer of outdoor power equipment.
Husqvarna took control of the Poulan brand in 2006 when Electrolux spun off its Husqvarna division into its own separate company.
More recently, a Mexican company called Valsi purchased tooling from Husqvarna and acquired the rights to manufacture equipment under the Poulan Pro brand name.
This arrangement means Poulan Pro products may now involve manufacturing decisions made outside of Husqvarna’s direct control.
Where Are Poulan Chainsaws Manufactured
Poulan chainsaw manufacturing has shifted over the years as the brand changed ownership multiple times.
Historically, Poulan built its chainsaws at a factory in Shreveport, Louisiana, before that plant was closed in 1988 under Electrolux ownership.
Since 2022, Poulan Pro branded outdoor power equipment has been produced using tooling and manufacturing rights purchased by Valsi in Mexico.
Some Poulan branded products may also continue to share manufacturing resources with Husqvarna’s broader outdoor power equipment lineup, which includes a full range of chainsaws sold under the Husqvarna name.
Are Poulan Chainsaws Worth The Investment
Poulan chainsaws are generally seen as a budget friendly option for homeowners with light to moderate cutting needs.
The Poulan Pro line, with its black and gold color scheme, targets a slightly more upscale segment of the consumer market.
Compared with professional grade brands, Poulan chainsaws are not built for heavy commercial use, but they suit occasional yard work well.
Buyers focused on price over premium features often find Poulan a practical entry point into chainsaw ownership, similar to how budget shoppers approach Craftsman generators.
History Of Poulan Chainsaws
Poulan was founded as Poulan Saw Co. in 1946 by chainsaw pioneer Claude Poulan in Shreveport, Louisiana, a heritage the brand still references in its marketing today.
The company was purchased by the Beaird Company in the late 1950s and became known as Beaird Poulan before being acquired by Emerson Electric in 1972.
Electrolux purchased the brand in 1984 and closed the original Shreveport factory in 1988, shifting production elsewhere.
Electrolux spun off Husqvarna in 2006, and in 2022 Valsi in Mexico acquired the rights to manufacture Poulan Pro equipment.
Poulan Chainsaws Comparison
Poulan chainsaws are often compared with Stihl and other mid tier consumer chainsaw brands.
Against Stihl, Poulan typically sits at a lower price point but with fewer premium features and less commercial grade durability.
Poulan Pro, the brand’s more upscale line, narrows that gap somewhat with added features aimed at serious homeowners.
Shoppers should weigh expected usage frequency before choosing between Poulan’s budget lineup and pricier competitors.
Are Poulan Chainsaws Made In The USA
Poulan chainsaws are not currently manufactured in the United States.
The brand’s original Shreveport, Louisiana factory closed in 1988, and production has since moved through several ownership changes.
Since 2022, Poulan Pro equipment has been produced using manufacturing rights and tooling purchased by Valsi in Mexico.
Buyers who prioritize domestic manufacturing should look toward other brands within the broader outdoor power equipment market.
Poulan Chainsaws Warranty And Customer Support
Poulan chainsaws typically come with a limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship for a set period.
Warranty terms can vary depending on whether the product falls under the standard Poulan line or the more premium Poulan Pro branding.
Customer support and parts access are generally handled through retailers and service centers connected to the current manufacturing rights holder.
Buyers should keep proof of purchase and register their equipment promptly to simplify any future warranty claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes Poulan chainsaws
Poulan is a brand name tied to Husqvarna AB, though manufacturing rights for Poulan Pro equipment were sold to Valsi in Mexico in 2022.
Are Poulan chainsaws made in the USA
No, Poulan chainsaws are not currently made in the United States after the original Louisiana factory closed in 1988.
Is Poulan the same as Poulan Pro
Poulan Pro is a more upscale line within the Poulan brand family, distinguished by its black and gold color scheme and added features.
Is Poulan a good chainsaw brand for homeowners
Poulan is considered a solid budget option for homeowners with light to moderate cutting needs rather than commercial use.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.