The Fisher Barton Group Celebrates 40 Years of Innovation
Fisher Barton Blades (Waukesha, WI) recently celebrated 40 years since their first shipment of lawnmower blades. This milestone is a testament to the company’s ongoing dedication to technological innovation and growth.
From its humble beginnings as a small lawnmower blade manufacturer, the company has expanded into a family of eight world-class manufacturing companies, specializing in a broad range of industrial components, product and process improvements, and coating technologies.
Founded by metallurgist Richard L. Wilkey in 1973, the company originally employed three people in a 2,400 sq ft facility in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Within a year, Fisher Barton Blades outgrew its manufacturing plant and relocated to Watertown, Wisconsin, where it recently moved into an even larger facility.
Jeff Russell, vice president of business development, said, “Over the past four decades, Fisher Barton has expanded substantially by means of both organic growth and acquisitions. Through a constant pursuit of excellence, we have developed 18 patents and we are committed to remaining on the leading edge of innovation for our global customer base.”
Fisher Barton continues to leverage its materials expertise through the capabilities of its in-house Materials Lab. This state-of-the-art facility allows Fisher Barton’s highly skilled materials engineers to characterize, research, develop and test product and process solutions based upon unique customer needs.
“We are constantly innovating to help our customers,” says Russell. “Whether that means identifying ways to make a surgical instrument last longer or increasing performance value of an agricultural equipment component; it’s the innovations that we bring to the marketplace that really excite our customers.”
To support its constant pursuit of innovation, Fisher Barton is dedicated to the personal and professional development of staff across its eight divisions. Employees are encouraged to grow and advance within the organization, reinforcing its reputation as a great place to work. The Fisher Barton Group currently provides more than 900 family-sustaining jobs across the United States, Ireland and Vietnam.
