Sno-Thro machine. In 2012 Ariens produced its three millionth Sno-Thro and in 2018 Ariens produced its four millionth Sno-Thro and held a public celebration. Ariens products are available at independent power equipment dealers in North America and Europe. Lawn mowers Ariens entered the lawn and garden market in 1958 with its first riding lawn mower. In 1963 Ariens built and opened a 23,000 square foot manufacturing plant in Brillion, Wisconsin, to ramp up production. In 1977 Ariens built a new metal fabrication plant in Brillion, Wisconsin. Until 1982 Ariens had focused mainly on the residential mower market, but expanded into the commercial mower market through the acquisition of Gravely Company. Ariens lawn tractors are generally characterized by independent left and right wheel drives. Ariens released an electric lawn mower in April 2009 through its dealer network and at Home Depot. The mower runs for 75 minutes on a single charge. Direct marketing In 2014, Ariens purchased three direct marketing brands, Gempler's, AW Direct and Ben Meadows, to serve customers in niche professional markets. The brands operated as a single entity under Ariens Specialty Brands until 2018 when the company divested from them and eliminated the Ariens Specialty Brands division located in Janesville, Wisconsin. Brands AriensCo owns multiple brands but no longer operates all of their brands. AriensCo continues to operate: Gravely Ariens Countax Westwood AS-Motor AriensCo’s retired brands: Sno Tek Great Dane EverRide National Mower Locke Parker Concept store The Ariens concept store, known as Brillion Power Equipment, opened on May 6, 2017. The store is located across the street from Ariens corporate headquarters and sells Ariens, Gravely and Stihl brands. Ariens Company Museum The Ariens Company Museum is located at its original manufacturing plant in Brillion, Wisconsin. Opened in 2003, the museum displays highlights from the company's history and the evolution of the company's products, including tillers, tractors, riding mowers and snow throwers. The museum offers free tours to students and works with schools in the area to help gain an interest in STEM studies. The museum has been open to the public since its inception in 2003. References External links Ariens Corporate website Ariens Products website Manufacturing companies based in Wisconsin Lawn and garden tractors Calumet County, Wisconsin Manufacturing companies established in 1933 Agricultural machinery manufacturers of the United States 1933 establishments in Wisconsin Snow removal