In the 96˚F (35.5 ˚C) heat of Colorado, Walker Mowers welcomed over 2,500 guests from across nine countries and the U.S, to a reunion at their 60 acre site, to celebrate 40 years of the creation of the Walker Mower and the production of their 150,000th commercial lawnmower.
During the three days visitors were able to take a factory tour, witness a parade of vintage Walker vehicles, drive machines around a permanent purpose built test ground that shows the Walker Advantage and participate in the Walker World Championship - an obstacle course designed to test the skills and ability of operators. In addition to this there were helicopter rides and hot air balloons for the guests to enjoy. As well as all this there was time to relax, discuss sales and conditions in various markets from around the world and enjoy good food and entertainment from local and international country music bands. It all made for a successful event.
Bob Walker, company president, thanked visitors for their dedication and support that helped the company reach this milestone in their manufacturing history. He shared with visitors where the company had come from, where they were today and where, with the third generation of this family business, they want to be in the future.
The special livery 150,000th mower has a limited production and is produced in special two tone grey livery. The limited production run is being sold on a first come first served basis.
A spokesman for the UK distributor of Walker Mowers, told Service Dealer, "In a difficult year for grass conditions, with snow in April and the hottest June on record for Northern Ireland and Wales and the 4th hottest for both England and Scotland, we are pleased to report that sales have increased in the first six months over the previous 12 months. Active demonstrations with dealers have identified new customer types, both commercial and private users and it is with this sales increase in mind that we have enlarged the stand at this year's SALTEX exhibition (Birminham NEC Oct31 / Nov1) and confirmed the attendance at the Holiday Park and Resort Exhibition (Birmingham NEC Nov 7/8).
