Generac celebrates 60 years

In 1959, with just five employees in a barn in Wales, Wis., Robert D. Kern began manufacturing generators based upon his own unique designs. Sixty years later, the company he founded — Generac Power Systems — is a leading, diversified global supplier of backup and prime power products. On January 16, Generac officially kicked off a year of diamond anniversary celebrations.

“Bob Kern has been, and continues to be, an inspiration to us at Generac,” said Aaron Jagdfeld, president and CEO, Generac. “He has often remarked to me how the company has grown to exceed his wildest dreams. This year, we are proud to celebrate the foundation he built here in Waukesha, which has led to the bright future we see as innovators and market leaders in power generation and outdoor power equipment around the world.”

Those first generators enjoyed wide success via a partnership with a variety of retailers — a relationship that lasted several decades. Generac continued to innovate its portable generators, and in 1989, launched the first-ever automatic home standby generator. It was a move that created a market segment.

“Generac created the market for home standby generators,” said Jagdfeld. “And today, seven out of every 10 home standby generators sold is a Generac. It’s an incredible legacy, and one we celebrate every day — not just during anniversary years. In fact, a few years ago, our one millionth home standby unit rolled off the assembly line. We’re proud to bring peace of mind to customers across the country — and around the world — from our home in Wisconsin.”

Generac’s product offerings have expanded over the years in response to customers’ growing expectations and evolving industry opportunities. Today, customers can look to Generac for commercial and industrial generators up to 2 MW; light towers and mobile generators serving rental, as well as oil and gas markets; and chore products, such as trimmers, mowers and log splitters.

Generac will celebrate its 60th anniversary with yearlong commemorative events.

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