The multi-media team at ag publisher Lessiter Media has announced a new ongoing documentary-style video series on the unique stories of independent farm equipment manufacturers.

According to a Jan. 27 report from the BizTimes, Briggs & Stratton is planning to lay off 160 employees as its Wauwatosa, Wis., plant beginning in March.

The original family farm where Dixie Chopper was born is now the new (old) home for the assembly of mowers.

The new expansion and a subsequent paint system will increase paint capacity by up to three times with maximum automation and allow a parts manufacturing capacity increase of up to two times in the previously occupied space. 

The round was led by Energy Impact Partners and included additional new investors ArcTern Ventures, Alumni Ventures, and Amazon's Alexa Fund alongside participation from existing investors True Ventures, Inspired Capital and more. 

The entire Cat OPE product assortment is powered by either 60V 2.5Ah and 5.0Ah lithium-ion batteries. All Cat OPE products will be sold kitted with battery and charger or there are bare tool options minus the battery and charger.