More By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. No slowdown for 'new' Briggs & Stratton Statesboro plant is hiring; new owners look forward A worker at Briggs & Stratton retrieves a part for an engine being put together at the Statesboro plant in Gateway Industrial Park. - photo by By SCOTT BRYANT/staff An expected slowdown in lawn and garden equipment sales last year never fully materialized. In fact, demand resurged during the summer, engines manufacturer Briggs & Stratton emerged from Chapter 11 restructuring under a new owner in September, and its Statesboro factory is now hiring.