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.
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/65550
COVER STORY By C.M. Long OPEI CELEBRATES 60TH with pedal to the metal ANNIVERSARY S mall off-road engines, or SORE for short. That simple term belies the sheer enormity of the equipment that the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) represents. As a matter of fact, at its 60-year anniversary mark, OPEI has become the international voice for a multibillion-dollar engine (SORE), utility vehicle and outdoor power equipment manufacturing industry and its suppliers. Today, OPEI's membership is diverse to say the least. Although largely associated with lawn and landscape, the OPEI membership makes equipment that takes care of lawns, forests, public spaces and medians; is critical to fire and rescue operations; provides a portable power source behind construction, building, farming, ranching, to name a few; and is vital during and after severe weather and other emergencies. In fact, OPEI's new president and CEO, Kris Kiser, does not shy away from emphasizing the importance of the SORE industry. "Oftentimes, people just don't realize how pervasive and critical our machines are in the economy and everyday life," Kiser said. "Utility vehicles and outdoor power equipment with small, but powerful engines empower everyone from the landscaper, forester and construction crew to fire and rescue and farmers, allowing them to perform the kind of jobs that protect us, serve our communities, and make our economy grow." All this from an organization founded by 11 mower manufacturers in 1952. Standards spark formation The impetus for founding the future Institute was the need for equipment safety standards. In 1952, 11 mower manufacturers chartered the Lawn Mower Institute, a non- profit trade association, which within four years began to accept engine manufacturers as members. Developing safety specifications for equipment was critical to ensure global competitiveness and help ensure consumer safety. By 1962, the re-named Outdoor Power Equipment Institute became an Associate Member of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Over the years, OPEI has grown to be an The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) rides into its 60th year under the direction of OPEI Chairperson Jean Hlay, president and COO of MTD Products, sitting at the wheel of one of her company's Cub Cadet utility vehicles, as well as standing left to right, OPEI Vice Chairperson Dick Fotsch, president of the Global Power Group, Kohler Company; OPEI President and CEO Kris Kiser; and OPEI Board Member Fred Whyte, president of Stihl Inc. 14 accredited Standards Developing Organization (SDO) responsible for ANSI standards for a range of outdoor power equipment and the administrator for two technical advisory groups to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), representing U.S. manufacturers in the development of international standards for handheld and OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT www.outdoorpowerequipment.com