For the past 30 years, Echo, Inc. has been a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of professional-grade hand-held outdoor power equipment. Producing hand-held landscaping equipment for both the commercial and residential homeowner markets, Echo prides itself on setting the industry standard with its dedication to new technology, quality products and its strong distribution infrastructure. From establishing technological advancements in premium tools for landscaping and arborist professionals, to expanding its capabilities to meet industrial and consumer demand, Echo has had a heritage rich with accomplishment. Echo, having enjoyed major success over the past three decades, looks forward to continued achievement for many years to come.

THE EARLY YEARS
Echo, Inc. was founded in Northbrook, Ill., in 1972 as Kioritz Corporation of America, and was officially established under its present name in 1978. Echo was originally an importer of high-performance 2-cycle engines and 2-stroke, engine-powered hand-held products for Kioritz Corporation of Japan, but its foray into the engineering and manufacturing of products would be an important first step for the company. In 1979, Echo began initial production and assembly operations in a Wheeling, Ill., facility, and produced its first lawn care product in the USA, the GT-200 Grass Trimmer. Soon after, Echo broadened its product offerings to include chain saws, straight shaft trimmers and brushcutters, backpack and hand-held blowers, grass trimmers and hedge clippers. In 1984, Echo Power Equipment Canada was created as a branch of Echo, Inc., and in 1985, Echo established its present-day U.S. http://www.thefocusongroup.com/corporate headquarters in Lake Zurich, Ill. In addition to its headquarters, Echo’s Lake Zurich location also houses a manufacturing facility, which was expanded by 60,000 square feet in 1988 to meet increasing consumer demand.

CONTINUED GROWTH
In 1994, Echo began its relationship with Home Depot as a provider of professional-quality hand-held outdoor power equipment for the residential homeowner market. Although it had sold premium equipment to the consumer market for years through its extensive dealer network, this value-added partnership helped to broaden Echo’s market presence. Echo’s second production expansion was completed in 1995, when the corporation purchased ten more acres adjacent to its existing facilities and created a 90,000 square foot addition. Not only did this expansion increase production capabilities, but it enabled Echo to build a state-of-the-art emissions facility in which to conduct critical emissions testing. In 1997, Echo saw even more growth as it acquired Technic Tool Corporation and transferred production of the TT Power Pruner product line to Illinois. In 2000, Echo’s third and most recent expansion was completed, establishing Echo’s 155,000 square foot Distribution Center. Echo, Inc. is a subsidiary of Kioritz Corporation of Japan, and has thirteen distributors serving the U.S. and Canada, as well as eight additional distributors worldwide.

LEADERSHIP
Throughout its 30 year tenure in the landscaping, arborist and industrial markets, Echo has worked hard to maintain a strong foothold in the industry, both with technological advancement and solid business operations. No stranger to product innovation, Echo/Kioritz engineered the world’s first hand-held power blower, the PB-200, as a result of aggressive market research, engineering proficiency and recognition of customer needs. Since then, Echo has developed groundbreaking new products and 2-stroke technology to meet the growing challenges of the commercial market, and pioneered new efforts to meet both EPA regulations and CARB standards. Echo features a full line of trimmers and brushcutters, power edgers, power blowers, chain saws, hedge clippers, power pruners and sprayers. In addition, Echo offers pro attachments, product-specific accessories, engine drills, pumps, oil and safety accessories. Developed to meet the reliability, durability and efficiency requirements of demanding commercial customers, Echo products lead the industry with a proven standard of performance. The most recent illustration of Echo’s industry leadership is its patented Tornado technology. The company’s newly-developed Echo Power Boost Tornado engine increases the efficiency of fuel usage as compared to traditional 2-stroke engine designs. By improving the engine air/fuel mixture, Echo engineers have developed a method of maintaining the high power-to-weight ratio inherent to the 2-stroke engine, while significantly decreasing the amount of partially-burned fuel and raw fuel emissions. As a result, Echo’s Power Boost Tornado engines are more powerful, fuel-efficient engines that comply with all current Class IV emissions regulations and will meet all future requirements. Available on numerous Echo models, this technology represents the very best in industry leadership – combining high-quality performance and environmental protection in a multi-purpose engine.

THE FUTURE
Echo has enjoyed 30 years of accomplishment and leadership, and continues to progress as the industry cornerstone. As the company enters into a new era, it looks forward to continued innovation and product distinction. Through its strong network of dealers and distributors, Echo will forge ahead with new products and increased marketing support, as well as the introduction of cutting-edge 2-stroke engine advancements. Committed to supplying its customers with the best, most efficient tools for their landscaping and arborist needs, Echo is proud of the legacy it has created, and will continue its tradition of effort and excellence.