Where Are Generac Generators Made? (Here’s What Most Buyers Don’t Know)

Most Generac generators are made in the United States, primarily in Wisconsin, where the company’s key manufacturing facilities and headquarters are located. This includes models built for homeowners, RV travelers, and businesses needing serious backup power, such as those relying on whole house generators for complete home energy coverage.

But here’s where most people get confused—while Generac is a proudly American brand, not every component inside the unit is 100% U.S.-made. Some engines or electronic parts may come from overseas, especially in smaller portable models. Still, the core engineering, assembly, and testing happen on American soil, making Generac one of the few reliable generator brands tied strongly to U.S. manufacturing.

So, if you’re wondering whether your Generac generator is truly “Made in USA,” or how it compares to dual fuel generators, understanding what’s assembled locally versus imported is key—Let’s break it down so you don’t get misled by the label, marketing, or guesswork.

Quick Overview of Generac Generator Manufacturing

Wondering where Generac generators are actually made? Here’s a quick, fact-based overview to answer your questions fast. Moreover, this table covers everything from their U.S. factory locations to ownership, global production, and what buyers often get wrong about the label.

Category	Details
Main Headquarters	Waukesha, Wisconsin, USA
Primary Manufacturing Plants	Whitewater, Oshkosh, Eagle, Trenton, and Jefferson – all in Wisconsin
Are They Made in USA?	Mostly yes, with some imported parts (e.g., engines, control modules)
Owned By	Generac Holdings Inc. – Public company (NYSE: GNRC)
Overseas Production	Limited; includes Italy (Pramac), and selected third-party suppliers
Common Buyer Question	“Are Generac engines made in China?” – Some small portable models may use imported engines
Domestic Support?	Yes – U.S.-based service network and customer care team
Founded In	1959
Founded By	Robert Kern
Current CEO	Aaron Jagdfeld
Oldest Headquarters	Waukesha, WI – same since inception
Current Employees	~9,800 worldwide (as of 2024)
Products	Home standby generators, portable generators, solar + battery solutions, transfer switches
Revenue (2024)	Approx. $4.4 billion USD
EBITDA (Adjusted, 2024)	Approx. $710 million USD
Official Site	https://www.generac.com/

Brief History of Generac

Generac was founded in 1959 in Wisconsin by Robert Kern as a manufacturer of backup power systems.

It began as a small engineering business supplying OEM parts, but quickly grew into a leading name in residential and industrial generator systems. By the 1980s, Generac pioneered the first automatic home standby generator.

Today, Generac Holdings Inc. (NYSE: GNRC) is a billion-dollar public company with a wide product portfolio, including portable, standby, and solar-integrated power systems. According to Generac’s official records, it has continued to expand its reach through acquisitions like Pramac and Ecogen while keeping core manufacturing anchored in Wisconsin.

Are Generac Generators Made in China?

No, most Generac generators are not made in China, but some portable models may include Chinese-sourced parts.

The majority of Generac’s product line—especially residential standby units—is manufactured and assembled in the United States. However, certain components, such as small engines and electronics in lower-priced portable generators, may be sourced from international suppliers, including China.

This is common across the power equipment industry and does not imply lower quality. According to customer data and service records, even units with globally sourced components are subjected to the same U.S.-based quality control and testing.

This matters to buyers looking for reliable, American-assembled backup power solutions that meet both performance and compliance standards.

Where Is Generac Headquartered and Manufactured?

Generac is headquartered in Waukesha, Wisconsin, and manufactures its generators across five major facilities throughout the state.

This Midwest manufacturing network supports the bulk of their global production, especially for residential and industrial standby units. While some smaller components may come from overseas, the core of Generac’s design, assembly, and testing happens in the U.S.

Corporate Headquarters in Wisconsin

Generac’s corporate headquarters is located in Waukesha, WI, where the company was founded and continues to operate its core management, engineering, and R&D divisions.

From this central hub, the company has grown from a local parts manufacturer into a global energy tech brand. Generac’s leadership and long-standing presence in Wisconsin have been a driving force behind its product development and expansion.

Key U.S. Manufacturing Locations

Generac’s production footprint includes five main facilities across Wisconsin:

• Whitewater – Largest residential generator assembly plant, focusing on portable and home standby models.
• Oshkosh – Specializes in heavy-duty industrial and commercial generator systems.
• Eagle & Jefferson – Handle high-volume part production and internal component assembly.
• Trenton – Focuses on metal fabrication, enclosures, and engine-related production.

These plants employ over 5,000 skilled workers and have received multiple capacity upgrades in the last 3 years to meet growing demand, particularly in the residential and renewable energy sectors.

Are Generac Generators Made in the USA?

Yes, most Generac generators are made in the USA, with final assembly and testing performed at multiple plants across Wisconsin.

However, “Made in USA” doesn’t always mean every single part is domestic. Generac complies with FTC labeling rules, meaning most components are sourced or assembled in the U.S., but certain small parts—especially in portable models—may come from overseas.

Understanding ‘Made in USA’ Labeling

To qualify for the “Made in USA” label, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires that:

1. Final assembly must take place within the United States
2. All or virtually all parts must be of U.S. origin
3. Any imported parts must be minimal and not influence core function

This is why many Generac products—particularly their home standby systems—carry this label. But some lower-cost models only meet the threshold for assembled in the USA, with foreign-sourced components.

Buyer tip: For American-assembled and tested generators, look at the Guardian Series and Protector Series, both built entirely in Wisconsin.

Parts Made in the USA vs. Imported

Here’s a breakdown of which parts are commonly U.S.-made versus globally sourced:

Commonly U.S.-made:

• Alternators
• Control panels
• Enclosures and steel frames
• Wiring and final system testing

Often imported in small models:

• Gasoline engines (especially under 3,500 watts)
• Circuit boards and electronic modules
• Carburetors and starter motors

Imported parts are typically found in entry-level portable models, not in the larger home standby units. This allows Generac to keep costs manageable without sacrificing reliability.

Bottom line: Generac generators are largely U.S.-built, especially for residential and commercial systems. Smaller, lower-wattage portables may include some imported parts.

Does Generac Manufacture Anything Outside the USA?

Yes, Generac manufactures a portion of its products and components outside the United States through international acquisitions and partnerships.

While most core product lines are built in the U.S., the company operates global facilities to support international markets and maintain flexibility in sourcing.

International Operations & Acquisitions

One of Generac’s key international acquisitions is Pramac, a European power equipment brand headquartered in Italy. This strategic move enabled Generac to:

• Build and distribute products for the European and Asian markets
• Expand into global commercial and industrial sectors
• Increase manufacturing capacity without overloading domestic plants

Additional offshore production comes from facilities and OEM suppliers in Mexico, Italy, and Asia, mostly for export-oriented models or parts sourcing.

According to Generac’s 2024 investor report, these global operations account for approximately 20 to 25 percent of total production capacity, while U.S. facilities remain responsible for most residential units sold in North America.

Are Any Generac Engines Made in China?

Yes, some portable Generac generators use engines manufactured in China or supplied by Chinese OEMs.

This is typically limited to:

• Portable generators under 3,500 watts
• Value-tier models sold at big-box retailers
• Entry-level units designed for light-duty use

The reason is twofold: lower manufacturing costs and scalable production for high-demand periods, such as natural disasters or seasonal spikes.

That said, final assembly and testing for many of these models still occur in the U.S., maintaining a consistent standard of quality control.

To verify your unit’s engine origin, check:

• The product label (often near the recoil start or engine block)
• The serial number plate
• The owner’s manual or manufacturer’s documentation

Who Owns Generac and What Is Its Market Scope?

Generac is owned by Generac Holdings Inc., a publicly traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol GNRC.

The company began in 1959 in Wisconsin and has since grown into one of the largest global suppliers of residential and commercial power systems. Moreover, Generac Holdings Inc. now oversees an international portfolio of energy products, brands, and technologies—all anchored in the backup generator space.

Generac Holdings Inc. – Corporate Overview

Headquartered in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Generac Holdings Inc. manages everything from residential generator innovation to large-scale industrial solutions. According to its 2024 annual report:

• Generac generated $4.4 billion in revenue
• Employs more than 9,800 people worldwide
• Operates manufacturing and distribution centers across North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America

Note: Revenue and employee counts may vary slightly year to year based on quarterly reports, acquisitions, and market conditions.

Furthermore, the company became publicly listed in 2010, and its stock trades under the NYSE ticker: GNRC. It is also regularly listed in power equipment industry indexes and mid-cap investment portfolios.

Market Reach and Product Categories

Generac’s reach spans over 150 countries, and its products serve a wide range of markets:

1. Residential – Home standby generators, portable generators, battery storage units (e.g., Power Cell)
2. Commercial & Industrial – Backup systems for data centers, healthcare, telecom, and municipalities
3. Clean Energy & Monitoring – Solar-battery systems, transfer switches, energy apps (e.g., Mobile Link)

Unlike many of its competitors, Generac designs and builds both the engines and enclosures for many of its models, which gives the company tighter control over quality, performance, and production timelines.

How to Tell Where Your Generac Generator Was Made

You can tell where your Generac generator was made by checking the serial plate, model tag, or country of origin label—usually located on the engine block, enclosure, or control panel.

Moreover, knowing the manufacturing origin is useful for buyers concerned about domestic sourcing, rebates, or compliance standards.

Labeling Tips: Model and Serial Number Tags

Generac includes a model and serial number plate on every unit. This metal or sticker tag typically contains:

• Product model
• Serial number
• Assembly location
• Production batch or factory ID

On portable models, it’s commonly placed near the recoil starter or on the lower frame bar. Moreover, on home standby generators, the tag is often mounted on the inner panel of the enclosure or near the control interface.

Look for a silver or white rectangular plate, roughly 2–3 inches wide.

Country of Origin Labels

Generac complies with U.S. import/export laws that require clear country-of-origin labeling. You might see one of the following:

• “Made in USA” – Built and assembled with mostly U.S.-made parts
• “Assembled in USA with domestic and foreign components” – A blend of sourcing
• “Engine Made in China” – Applies to some portable and budget-tier models

Note: Labeling may differ slightly based on production batch, regional regulations, or special-edition model specs.

For example, on the popular Generac GP6500, the label is located near the fuel tank support rail.

This labeling can also help you determine if your model qualifies for local energy rebates, permitting documentation, or insurance claims requiring American-manufactured systems.

What to Do If You’re Not Sure

If the label isn’t clearly visible or you’re unsure what it means:

• Check the owner’s manual – Manufacturing origin is often listed in the product specifications
• Contact your retailer – Authorized Generac dealers can confirm sourcing details by serial number
• Call Generac support – The brand’s U.S.-based service team can verify origin based on your model ID

This step is especially helpful when comparing imported vs. domestically assembled models or when purchasing for contractor compliance or institutional use.

What Makes Generac a Trusted U.S. Generator Brand?

Generac is a trusted U.S. generator brand because it combines in-house technology innovation with American-based manufacturing, support, and an extensive service network.

For homeowners, contractors, and businesses, Generac is often a first choice thanks to its balance of reliability, performance, and long-term serviceability.

Technology and Patents

Generac invests heavily in research and development, creating proprietary technologies designed to enhance reliability, efficiency, and user control. Moreover, a few standout innovations include:

• MobileLink™ – A remote monitoring app that allows users to check generator status, receive alerts, and schedule maintenance from anywhere via smartphone
• Quiet-Test™ – An automatic self-diagnostic feature that runs at a lower RPM to reduce noise while ensuring operational readiness
• Energy monitoring systems – Integrated tech that allows homeowners to track real-time power usage and optimize fuel efficiency

Generac holds numerous patents across control logic, engine integration, and automation systems, giving it a competitive edge in the standby and portable generator market.

This level of product-specific engineering is uncommon in the generator space, where many competitors rely on third-party control systems.

Support and Warranty Services

Another reason Generac remains a preferred brand in the U.S. is its strong domestic support infrastructure.

Key advantages include:

• U.S.-based customer support – Trained teams offering real-time assistance from within the country
• National dealer and installer network – More than 6,000 certified service providers
• Field technician access – Fast response for diagnostics, servicing, and warranty claims
• Warranty coverage – Standby systems often include a five-year limited warranty, with extended options available

Note: Warranty terms may vary based on model type, intended usage, and registration.

This level of post-sale support adds another layer of trust—especially important when choosing quiet portable generators for emergency or residential backup use.

Other Generator Brands Made in the USA

Several other generator brands also manufacture products in the United States, including Kohler, Cummins, and Briggs & Stratton.
Each company follows slightly different manufacturing models, which becomes more relevant when evaluating 10000 watt generators and how they’re built across brands.

Quick Comparison: U.S.-Based Generator Brands

Brand	Headquarters	U.S. Manufacturing Footprint	Core Focus Areas
Generac	Waukesha, WI	5+ plants across Wisconsin	Residential, commercial, solar
Kohler	Kohler, WI	Engines and generators built in Wisconsin	Residential, industrial, marine
Cummins	Columbus, IN	Assembles generators and engines in Indiana	Commercial, RV, standby
Briggs & Stratton	Milwaukee, WI	Manufactures portable engines in the U.S.	Portable, residential

Key Differences in Manufacturing Approaches

• Generac builds and integrates many of its own engines and controls
• Kohler manufactures its engines but may outsource controller systems
• Cummins focuses more heavily on industrial diesel systems
• Briggs & Stratton is centered around portable gasoline-powered engines

Note: Manufacturing claims and origin labels may vary by product series, year of release, and available suppliers.

If you’re shopping for a U.S.-assembled generator, always check labeling details and product specifications before purchase.

Final Verdict

Generac generators are primarily manufactured in the United States, with major production and assembly taking place across multiple facilities in Wisconsin.

While some components—particularly in smaller portable units—may be sourced internationally, the core assembly, testing, and engineering of most Generac products remain rooted in U.S.-based operations.

Throughout this article, we’ve covered:

• Where Generac is headquartered and where its plants are located
• Which models are made in the U.S. and which may include imported components
• What “Made in USA” labeling legally means under FTC guidelines
• How to identify your generator’s country of origin
• Why Generac is trusted for its innovation, service network, and long-term reliability
• How it compares to other U.S.-based generator brands like Kohler, Cummins, and Briggs & Stratton

Sourcing select parts from outside the U.S. does not reduce product quality. Furthermore, Generac maintains strict quality control protocols, regardless of where components come from. Final assembly, software integration, and testing are handled domestically to meet U.S. standards—something that’s also reflected in solar generator systems designed for home integration.

If you’re considering a Generac generator—whether it’s a home standby system or a portable backup unit—understanding generator placement and transfer switch installation is just as important as checking the product label for origin. It’s a small step that offers peace of mind when reliability matters most.

Related FAQs

Are all Generac generators made in the USA?

No, not all Generac generators are fully made in the USA. While most residential standby units are manufactured and assembled in Wisconsin, some smaller portable models may include imported engines or components. Final testing and quality control often still occur in the U.S.

How can I tell if my Generac generator is U.S.-made?

Check the metal data plate or serial tag on your unit. It usually lists the country of origin or assembly location. You can also refer to the owner’s manual or contact Generac support with your serial number to confirm manufacturing details.

Are Generac engines made in China?

Some portable Generac models use engines made in China, especially those under 3,500 watts. These are typically budget-friendly units. Higher-end standby generators usually feature engines built and tested in the United States.

What does ‘Assembled in USA with foreign parts’ mean?

It means the final generator is put together in the United States, but some parts—like the engine or electronics—are imported. This is common in the power equipment industry and still meets many domestic quality standards.

Does component sourcing affect Generac generator quality?

No, Generac maintains strict quality standards regardless of part origin. Imported components go through U.S.-based testing and assembly. The brand’s focus on performance and safety remains consistent across its product lines.

Which Generac series are fully assembled in the U.S.?

The Guardian and Protector Series are assembled and tested in Wisconsin and are designed for home standby use. These models typically meet “Made in USA” labeling standards and are popular among residential and small business users.

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