Yanmar and AriensCo have announced a strategic partnership that unites the two family-owned businesses.
Through the combination, Yanmar becomes the majority partner in AriensCo. The Ariens family will retain a significant stake in the business and lead operations and strategy for the company from its existing headquarters in Brillion, Wisconsin.
Founded in 1933, AriensCo is a privately owned manufacturer of outdoor power equipment. The company traces its roots to Henry Ariens and his three sons, who developed the first American-made rotary tiller. Today. AriensCo manufactures Ariens, Gravely and AS-Motor brands.
The company, which employs about 1,700 people, is known for snow-removal equipment and zero-turn mowers, while Gravely focuses heavily on professional grounds-care equipment and AS-Motor specializes in equipment for mowing applications.
Both companies will continue operating as usual under their respective brands, from their current headquarters, with the same teams, and with their manufacturing and distribution networks intact. Ariens, Gravely, AS-Motor and all associated brands will uphold their commitments to dealers, customers and employees.
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“Strong relationships have always been at the core of AriensCo’s strategy, and we are confident this new partnership with Yanmar is the right next step to position our company as an R&D leader while maintaining the same commitments to quality and longevity that have always distinguished our brands,” said Dan Ariens, Chairman & CEO, AriensCo.
“As a family business with a history spanning more than 100 years, Yanmar shares our belief that family ownership is a competitive advantage. This partnership provides continuity by keeping family ownership at the heart of AriensCo. It allows both companies to look beyond short-term business performance to deliver long-term value to our dealers, customers, partners and communities around the world. We are stronger together.”
The partnership will allow Yanmar and AriensCo to develop new industrial power equipment, including advancements in automation, artificial intelligence, electrification and global supply chains.
Yanmar’s engineering, production and diagnostic capabilities, alongside AriensCo’s established North American and European manufacturing and distribution networks, enable the partners to compete at scale.
The partnership is also expected to create new opportunities for AriensCo’s nationwide dealer network. Over time, dealers may benefit from broader product and technology capabilities, enhanced service and diagnostic resources, and access to Yanmar’s global business network.
“AriensCo has built trusted brands and strong customer and dealer relationships over generations,” said Takehito Yamaoka, President and Representative Director of Yanmar Holdings.
“Together, we aim to create greater value for customers, dealers and the communities we serve. This partnership will also provide a strong foundation for the long-term growth of both companies. We look forward to building a lasting partnership founded on our shared values.”
