Husqvarna has its origins in a Swedish weapons factory established in 1689. The company ventured into the lawn equipment sector in 1918 by purchasing Norrahammars Bruk. Subsequently, Husqvarna expanded its lawn mower line by acquiring Malmo and Poulan/Weed Eater. In 1978, it became a subsidiary of Electrolux, but in 2006, the outdoor products division was separated from the parent company.