Ariens celebrates 4 millionth Sno-Thro

October 4, 2018

By David Nordby The Brillion News

BRILLION – Ariens Company celebrated the production of its 4 millionth Sno-Thro machine in grand style on Monday afternoon. It also happened to be the start of Manufacturing Month.

The Sno-Thro snow blower, the company’s most successful product, has become an international success. Ariens says that much of the design has been the same since its inception in 1960.

The 4 millionth machine was a distinctive unit though – a matte black design with a map of Brillion.

“The community does a lot for this family,” Ariens said. “It’s been with us through the ups and downs.”

Governor Scott Walker commemorated the day with a proclamation for Ariens.

“Companies like Ariens are exactly why manufacturing is so strong here in the state of Wisconsin,” Walker said. “They’re companies that pay good wages, take care of their employees. That’s the kind of growth we see all over the state – more jobs, higher wages; something I’m particularly proud of.”

The growth of the product has been drastic in recent years. The company went from 3 million machines to 4 million in just six years; it took 27 years to reach 1 million. The company says they hope to hit 5 million in six more years.

At the celebration, Walker put his hands to work and went to the production line to help produce the first snow blower on the way to 5 million.

Please see the complete version of this story in the October 4, 2018 print edition of The Brillion News.