Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) announced a strategic partnership with Ariens Company, a Brillion, Wis.-based manufacturer of outdoor power equipment.
Ariens is a family-owned manufacturer of snow blowers, lawnmowers and other outdoor power equipment. In the 80 years since its founding, Ariens has driven exceptional growth across its product lines, sold under Ariens, Gravely, and other brands. Both companies will benefit from this arrangement, growing through exposure to adjacent markets while fostering innovation through shared technology and R&D investments.
“By partnering with Ariens, we bring together two leading and highly-respected companies that are well-positioned for growth,” said Scott Wine, Polaris Chairman and CEO. “This partnership will enable Polaris to grow beyond our core powersports market, as we will reach new customers with innovative, relevant new products. We are looking forward to working with Ariens for many years to come.”
The partnership includes supplying Ariens with a highly differentiated work vehicle. Branded Gravely, the vehicle will have different performance and styling characteristics to meet the requirements of Gravely’s work-focused end users. And with both Polaris and Ariens investing in research and development of new technology, this partnership enables the companies to leverage information, technology and R&D investments, making innovation more efficient.
Additionally, it provides both companies access to expanded dealer channel opportunities. The two company’s service complementary customer bases through well-developed dealer networks, and this partnership will create new sales opportunities for select dealerships in both networks.
“This partnership will create an even stronger dealer network by bringing together the related categories of outdoor powersports and outdoor power equipment. Dealers for the two companies share a lot of commonality including the understanding of how to serve and service the customers in this outdoor space,” said Dan Ariens, Ariens Company President and CEO. “With Polaris’ position as the global power sports leader, we are looking forward to collaborating on projects that drive results for both companies.”
Beyond market leadership, Polaris and Ariens also share similarities in their business cultures.
Both have long histories rooted in the Midwest and have grown significantly with a disciplined focus on lean manufacturing processes, innovative products and passionate employees.
Polaris has successfully executed similar partnerships in the past, notably its ongoing partnership with Bobcat Company and Eicher Motors in India.
