Effective from the 1st July 2015, Countax Limited, located in Great Haseley, Oxfordshire, UK, has changed its name to Ariens Company Limited, to become the UK arm of the Wisconsin, USA-based Ariens Company.



The company acquired Countax in 2010 and Ariens Company Limited will continue to manufacture under the Countax and Westwood brands of garden tractors and accessories for the UK market.

Together with Ariens Scandinavia the company will make up Ariens EU for the manufacturing and distribution of products throughout Europe, where Countax tractors will be branded Ariens. Ariens Company Limited will also continue to act as the UK distributor for ECHO power tools, ECHO Bear Cat forestry machinery and Shindaiwa handheld power tools.

The family-owned Ariens Company began manufacturing tillers in 1933 and entered the lawn and garden market in 1950, quickly establishing a reputation for tough, durable and dependable machinery. Dan Ariens, great-grandson of company founder Henry Ariens, joined the business in 1983 and is the current Chairman and CEO.

"The name change signifies our commitment to the UK," says Dan, "while continuing to build on the strength and quality of the Countax and Westwood brands. We have a long-term vision for Ariens Company Limited, with our traditional values employed in continuous improvement to provide customers and our business partners with exceptional products."

Manufacturing of the Countax, Westwood and Ariens products continues at the Great Haseley, Oxfordshire factory, which is currently undergoing improvement and receiving the new livery and signage.