The Grasshopper Company was chosen as “2014 Company of the Year” by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), Chapter 52 and received recognition from the organization at a Dec. 9 ceremony in Wichita. Grasshopper Company President Stan Guyer accepted the award at The Petroleum Club in Wichita, Kansas during the Society’s annual installation of officers. Grasshopper was recognized due, in part, tor manufacturing processes observed during a tour of the company’s headquarters and factory located in Moundridge, Kan., in May, 2014, in comparison to other manufacturing facilities toured during the year. The company’s products, consisting of commercial-grade zero-turn mowers and grounds maintenance systems, were also factored into the award. Recent facilities and process upgrades include additions to laser, welding and assembly robotics and an expanded powder coat paint system.
SME was founded in 1932 to advance the mechanical engineering profession, which today covers technologies such as lean, automation and robotics, test and measurement, and machining and material removal. Chapter 52 serves its members and the greater south-central Kansas manufacturing community through the advancement of professionalism, knowledge and the promotion of manufacturing education.
Pictured receiving the award at the Dec. 9 SME 52 ceremony are Ryan Wiebe, Safety and Environmental Coordinator and Stan Guyer, President of The Grasshopper Company.