The Grasshopper Company, a Kansas-based manufacturer of zero-turn mowers and grounds maintenance equipment, was recently recognized for achievements in export growth and overall excellence from the Wichita Business Journal (WBJ). The awards were presented at a “Manufacturing, Wholesale and Distribution Awards” luncheon hosted by the WBJ to honor manufacturers and distributors for their contributions to the local, regional and global economies.
Factors contributing to the awards were that nearly one in every 10 Grasshopper mowers is bound for an international market, in addition to the company’s dedication to lean manufacturing and strong dealer/customer support, as demonstrated by its second consecutive Dealer’s Choice Award in 2016 from the Equipment Dealers Association (EDA). Grasshopper won the top EDA award in 2015, as well.
"It’s an honor to be recognized and to accept these awards," said Trent Guyer, marketing coordinator at Grasshopper, who described the efforts behind them during a short question-and-answer session with WBJ editor Bill Roy. "Surprisingly, the lever-steer zero-turn mower is relatively unknown in many parts of the world, so we really see it as an emerging market," he said. “And, we continue to reinvest in our infrastructure to stay ahead of the curve.”
In the past several years, Grasshopper has been recognized by numerous manufacturing, engineering and outdoor power equipment industry groups for the combination of technology, robotics and proprietary systems that reduce consumption of raw materials, eliminate waste and streamline every step of the design, fabrication and assembly of Grasshopper mowers at its worldwide headquarters in Moundridge, KS, including the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, EDA, the Wichita chapter of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers and the Parker Hannifin Corporation.
