About CS COSMOS STIHL
An OEM manufacturing partner to the outdoor power equipment industry since 1972.
CS COSMOS STIHL Manufacturing, Inc., formerly COSMOS Manufacturing Inc., is an OEM manufacturer of mufflers, exhaust systems, and metal-formed components for the outdoor power equipment industry. Since 1972, the company has supplied Tier 1 OEMs from its South Chicago Heights, Illinois facility, producing more than 5 million units a year. Today it is part of the STIHL Group.
Our Story
CS COSMOS STIHL began in 1972 as COSMOS Manufacturing Inc., a family-owned company founded by John Michelon in South Chicago Heights, Illinois. For decades, COSMOS served as STIHL's development partner and primary muffler supplier. In December 2022, STIHL announced plans to acquire COSMOS to deepen its expertise in mufflers and exhaust components, establishing CS COSMOS STIHL Manufacturing, Inc. Employees and customer relationships moved to the new company, so production and service continued without interruption. Today, CS COSMOS STIHL is a Tier 1 OEM supplier of mufflers, exhaust systems, and metal-formed components, serving equipment manufacturers from the same vertically integrated facility.
What We Do
We engineer and manufacture application-specific mufflers, exhaust systems, stamped and deep-drawn parts, concrete cutting chains, and battery-pack components for outdoor power equipment OEMs. Stamping, deep drawing, welding, finishing, and assembly all happen under one roof and one quality system, so customers get finished, validated components from a single accountable partner.
From COSMOS Manufacturing to CS COSMOS STIHL
1972: John Michelon founds COSMOS Manufacturing Inc. in South Chicago Heights, Illinois, building mufflers and stamped metal components for small-engine equipment makers.
Decades of partnership: COSMOS serves as STIHL's muffler development partner and primary supplier.
2022: STIHL announces the acquisition of COSMOS, establishing CS COSMOS STIHL Manufacturing, Inc.
Today: More than 50 years of metal forming expertise shows up in DFM guidance, tooling built to last, and capacity planning that keeps OEM programs on schedule through peak season, now backed by the STIHL Group.
Also known as: You may see our company listed as COSMOS Manufacturing Inc., Cosmos Manufacturing or CS Manufacturing. All refer to CS COSMOS STIHL Manufacturing, Inc. Our official website is www.cs-mfg.com.
In the news: STIHL press release (Dec. 6, 2022) | Turf Pro | Manufacturing Today
Quality & Certifications
CS operates an ISO 9001-aligned quality system with PPAP-level documentation. Quality is built into the process — from incoming material through in-process inspection to finished-goods validation — so components meet OEM requirements consistently, program after program.
Capability Snapshot
Since
1972 (50+ years)
Annual Output
5M+ units
Location
South Chicago Heights, IL
Quality
ISO 9001-aligned
Why OEMs Partner with CS COSMOS STIHL
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Single-source vertical integration — design through finished, assembled components under one roof
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More than 50 years of outdoor power equipment manufacturing experience
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5M+ annual units with seasonal capacity planning
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ISO 9001-aligned quality with PPAP documentation and traceability
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A responsive Chicago-area facility and an engineering team that works as an extension of yours
Frequently Asked Questions
What does CS COSMOS STIHL make?
CS manufactures OEM mufflers, exhaust systems, stamped and deep-drawn components, concrete cutting chains, and battery-pack components for outdoor power equipment.
How long has CS been in business?
CS has manufactured components for the outdoor power equipment industry since 1972 — more than 50 years.
Where is CS COSMOS STIHL located?
CS manufactures in South Chicago Heights, Illinois, in the Chicago metro area.
Is CS COSMOS STIHL quality-certified?
CS runs an ISO 9001-aligned quality system with PPAP-level documentation.
What production volumes does CS handle?
CS produces 5M+ units annually and scales from prototypes to ongoing high-volume OEM programs.
Was CS COSMOS STIHL formerly COSMOS Manufacturing?
Yes. The company was founded in 1972 as COSMOS Manufacturing Inc. After STIHL announced its acquisition of COSMOS in December 2022, the business became CS COSMOS STIHL Manufacturing, Inc. It operates from the same South Chicago Heights facility with the same team.
Let's Build Something Together
CS COSMOS STIHL has engineered and manufactured OEM components for the outdoor power equipment industry since 1972 — all under one roof in South Chicago Heights, IL. Tell us about your program and our team will follow up promptly.
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Share your application, drawings, and target volumes
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Include material, finish, and program timing