Proudly serving the industry for which it was named for more than 50 years, Outdoor Power Equipment provides dealers who sell and service outdoor power equipment with valuable information to succeed in a competitive market.
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INDUSTRY NEWS Polaris announces strategic partnership with Ariens Company On Dec. 18, Polaris Industries Inc. announced a strategic partnership with Ariens Company, a Brillion, Wis.-based manufacturer of outdoor power equipment.Ariens is a familyowned manufacturer of snow blowers, lawn mowers and other outdoor power equipment. In the 80 years since its founding, Ariens has driven exceptional growth across its product lines, sold under Ariens, Gravely and other brands. Both companies will benefit from this arrangement, growing through exposure to adjacent markets while fostering innovation through shared technology and R&D investments. "By partnering with Ariens, we bring together two leading and highly respected companies that are well positioned for growth," said Scott Wine, chairman and CEO, Polaris. "This partnership will enable Polaris to grow beyond our core powersports market, as we will reach new customers with innovative, relevant new products. We are looking forward to working with Ariens for many years to come." The partnership includes supplying Ariens with a highly differentiated work vehicle. Branded Gravely, the vehicle will have different performance and styling characteristics to meet the requirements of Gravely's work-focused end users. And with both Polaris and Ariens investing in research and development of new technology, this partnership enables the companies to leverage information, technology and R&D investments, making innovation more efficient. Additionally, it provides both companies access to expanded dealer channel opportunities. Both companies service complementary customer bases through well-developed dealer networks, and this partnership will create new sales opportunities for select dealerships in both networks. "This partnership will create an even stronger dealer network by bringing together the related categories of outdoor power sports and outdoor power equipment," said Dan Ariens, president and CEO, Ariens Company. "Dealers for the two companies share a lot of commonality, including the understanding of how to serve and service the customers in this outdoor space. With Polaris' position as the global powersports leader, we are looking forward to collaborating on projects that drive results for both companies." Beyond market leadership, Polaris and Ariens also share similarities in their business cultures. Both have long histories rooted in the Midwest and have grown significantly with a disciplined focus on lean manufacturing processes, innovative products and passionate employees. Polaris has successfully executed similar partnerships in the past, notably its ongoing partnership with Bobcat Company and Eicher Motors in India. MacKissic acquires Yard Marvel MacKissic, Inc., Parker Ford, Pa., which has been producing specialty lawn and garden products since 1947, recently acquired the assets of Yard Marvel Manufacturing in Spokane, Wash.Yard Marvel, which has been manufacturing since 1955, produced roto tillers, dethatchers and aerators primarily for the rental industry. "This is a wonderful union of two longtime-established U.S. manufacturers of high-quality lawn and garden products," said Rick Dhein, president of MacKissic, Inc. "The addition of Yard Marvel products to our other brands — Mighty Mac, Merry Tiller, and Easy Auger — is a natural fit." The Spokane, Wash., location has been closed, and everything has been moved to Pennsylvania. For additional information on Yard Marvel products, contact MacKissic, Inc. OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT JANUARY 2014 9