Ariens Company was started in 1933, when Henry Ariens and his three sons – Steve, Leon, and Francis – developed the first American-made rotary tiller at a time when other manufacturers were experimenting with imported tillers. Since that time, Ariens has grown into a lawn and garden equipment and snowblower manufacture with a global footprint.
In recent years, Ariens has acquired several smaller companies within the industry to extend their reach into further stretches of the market. Among Ariens’ brands are Ariens snow products and lawn and garden equipment, Gravely commercial outdoor power equipment, Sno-Tek snowthrowers, Parker grounds maintenance and debris handling equipment, and Countax and Westwood garden tractors.
This event at Ariens in Brillion will feature a tour of the manufacturing plant and a technical presentation given by Jim Masters (pictured), Vice President of Manufacturing and Engineering.
Jim’s background includes his time at Ariens, roles as President for Lear Worldwide Engineering and Lear Electronic and Electrical Division, and Senior Vice President at Exemplis. Jim has worked to implement several initiatives to improve product quality and throughput in his career and is directly responsible for Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Tooling, and Operations at two Ariens facilities.