PERFORMANCE BY DESIGN
The Czech company Wisconsin Engineering CZ, s.r.o., is an independent, family owned manufacturer of premium quality, high performance tractors, mowers and outdoor power equipment. Delivering superior value through advanced design and technology is a key factor of its success in today’s highly competitive global market. Romana Moares reports.
T
he core business of Wisconsin Engineering is the production of lawn tractors, utility tractors, snow blowers and, last but not least, a wide range of accessories. Warranty and after-warranty maintenance as well as the delivery of spare parts are an integral part of the company’s services. Wisconsin Engineering did not follow the path of purchasing and importing products from foreign manufacturers. The decision to develop a top quality, fully competitive Czech product contributed (amongst other things) to supporting employment in the region and utilising the skills and experience of local engineering staff and experts. One of the reasons behind the company’s dynamic growth has been its product development capability. Its R&D team has worked intensively throughout the years to continuously introduce new garden and utility machines, thus keeping abreast of large local and international competitors. “The company’s portfolio can be roughly divided into two groups: utility machines which include universal allyear garden and ground maintenance machinery, in line with current trends; and agricultural products, i.e. specialised machines for agricultural gardening, orchard management, vineyards and forestry,” explains managing director Jaroslav Olmr.
204 Industry Europe
English name, Czech tradition Do not be fooled by the American-sounding company name: Today’s company follows the tradition of agricultural machine production in Prostejov started in 1878 as a purely Czech business. Members of the older generation remember well the symbol of man standing astride holding a hammer and the Wikov brand; younger people are familiar with its successor, Agrostroj. In the 1990s, the current owner decided to combine this more than 100-year tradition with American technology and know-how. The current company name is the result of a partnership with the US-based Wisconsin Engineering which began in 1998. “In 2000 the Americans finished their involvement in Prostejov; however, we kept the business running and continued to produce some of their machines,” explains Mr Olmr. The double ‘W’ included in the names of various products thus symbolises the century-long engineering tradition in the United States. Just like any other engineering business, Wisconsin was hit by the recession in the latter half of the last decade. “We had to reduce staff numbers but the recession made us analyse market needs in detail and identify new opportunities,” says Mr Olmr.
