Generac makes its own engines. The larger engines in its home standby generators, the OHVI “G-Force” line, are designed and manufactured by Generac in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Smaller standby models and most Generac portable generators use Generac’s OHV engines, which Generac designs but has assembled overseas. Briggs & Stratton does not make Generac engines today, though the two companies share some history.
Which engine is in which Generac generator?
| Engine | Used in | Where it’s made |
|---|---|---|
| OHVI (G-Force) | Larger air-cooled home standby generators | Whitewater, Wisconsin |
| OHV | Smaller home standby models | Designed by Generac, assembled overseas |
| OHV (portable) | Most GP, XT and iQ portable and inverter generators | Overseas, mostly China |
That breakdown comes from Generac’s own support article on its standby engines, which describes the OHV engines as “Generac-designed and assembled overseas” and the G-Force engines as manufactured in Whitewater. Generac’s home standby generators themselves (Guardian, PowerPact) are assembled at its Wisconsin plants using domestic and foreign parts. For a brand-by-brand list, see our guide to generators made in the USA.
A short history of Generac
- 1959: Robert Kern founds Generac in Wisconsin. Its first products are portable generators sold by Sears under the Craftsman name. (Here’s who makes Craftsman generators now.)
- 1989: Generac introduces the first gaseous-fueled automatic home standby generator.
- 1998: Generac sells its portable products business to the private equity firm Beacon Group, which later sells it to Briggs & Stratton. A non-compete keeps Generac out of portables for years.
- 2006: CCMP Capital buys Generac.
- 2008: The non-compete has expired, and Generac re-enters the portable generator market. Aaron Jagdfeld becomes CEO.
- 2010: Generac Holdings goes public on the New York Stock Exchange (ticker GNRC).
Generac is headquartered in Waukesha, Wisconsin, and its company history lists manufacturing plants in Wisconsin towns including Whitewater, Eagle, Jefferson, Berlin and Oshkosh.
Does Briggs & Stratton own Generac?
No. Briggs & Stratton bought Generac’s old portable generator business (sold off in 1998), not Generac itself. Today the two are separate competitors. Generac Holdings is an independent public company, and Briggs & Stratton was sold to the investment firm KPS Capital Partners after its 2020 bankruptcy.
Are Generac portable generators safe? The 2021 recall
In July 2021, Generac recalled about 321,000 6,500-watt and 8,000-watt portable generators sold from June 2013 through June 2021, including Generac GP6500, GP8000E, XT8000E and HomeLink 6500E models and some DR Power units. According to the CPSC recall notice, an unlocked handle could pinch fingers against the frame when moving the generator. Generac received eight injury reports, including seven finger amputations. If you own one of these models, check the CPSC notice for the full model list and get the free handle locking-pin kit from Generac.
Where to buy Generac generators
Generac generators are sold at home centers and hardware stores. You can browse Generac generators at Ace Hardware or at Walmart. (We may earn a commission if you buy through these links.) Already own one? Here’s what type of oil a Generac generator uses.
FAQ
Are Generac generators made in the USA?
Generac’s home standby generators are assembled in Wisconsin with domestic and foreign parts, and the larger ones use Wisconsin-built G-Force engines. Most Generac portable generators are made overseas.
Does Generac use Briggs & Stratton engines?
No. Generac designs its own engines. The confusion comes from Briggs & Stratton owning Generac’s former portable generator business in the early 2000s.
Who owns Generac?
Generac Holdings Inc., a public company traded on the NYSE as GNRC and headquartered in Waukesha, Wisconsin.
Is a G-Force engine better than an OHV engine?
Generac calls the OHVI G-Force its “industrial” engine family, built for the long run times of home standby use. It’s used in Generac’s larger air-cooled standby units.