I85 YEARS OF IPSWICH MOWER MANUFACTURING
1st March 2017
This issue of WHITE’S WORLD celebrates a number of notable anniversaries, one of which is a major milestone in the grounds care industry. 2017 sees Ransomes Jacobsen celebrating the 185th anniversary of mower production at Ipswich.
Edwin Budding’s historic lawnmower design was patented in 1830, and JR & A Ransome was the first company to obtain a licence to manufacture this remarkable invention. The first Ransomes-manufactured machine for domestic use was produced in 1832 – the same year that T H WHITE started trading – and by the late 1980s T H WHITE’s level of business in mowing and grounds care equipment was such that it justified setting up the Groundcare Division.
Although Ransomes Jacobsen no longer produces domestic lawnmowers, it is today one of the leading commercial mower manufacturers supplying equipment to golf courses, local authorities, landscape contractors, sports clubs and major sports stadia worldwide.
Alan Prickett, Managing Director of Ransomes Jacobsen commented, “This is a hugely significant milestone in the history of our company; fromthis small beginning, we are now one of the leading grounds care machinery manufacturers in the world. Ransomes mowers have been supplied to monarchies and nobilities across Europe and Asia, and the Ransomes name has become a by-word for quality British engineering. Through the years, the company has had its ups and downs, but today it is a vibrant company with a modern manufacturing plant providing employment and career opportunities to the people of Ipswich.
“If you look at the groundcare manufacturing industry today, you’ll find a huge number of people who either began their careers in Ipswich or have worked for the company, and this has been the case for decades. On a personal basis, I am delighted to be heading a dynamic management team at this significant moment in the company’s history and thank everyone, past and present, for their contribution.”
T H WHITE is equally proud of its long-term relationship with Ransomes Jacobsen, for whom it is one of the UK’s key dealers. Details of the latest Ransomes Jacobsen machines, as well as T H WHITE’s legendary after sales, parts and service, can be found at www.thwhitegroundcare.co.uk
