TUCSON, AZ – Walbro Engine Management, a global leader in engine management technology solutions for non-automotive applications, is celebrating its 60th anniversary of service to the small engine industry.
“Walbro Corporation was established by Walter E. Walpole in 1950 as a designer and manufacturer of carburetors designed specifically to meet the needs of the small engine industry,” said Tony Martin, President & Chief Executive Officer, Walbro Engine Management. “Now, 60 years later, our size, product lineup and geographic scope are far beyond the Walbro of the 1950s. But Walbro Engine Management has remained true to its original objective – serving the small engine industry.”
In its 60-year history, Walbro has taken a few twists and turns, leading it around the world and into new product lines.
An early adopter to the global marketplace, Walbro’s first overseas operation was established in Japan in 1972. Today, Walbro Engine Management has manufacturing and engineering facilities in China, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Thailand and the United States, with headquarters in Tucson, Arizona.
In the early 1980s, Walbro entered the automotive original equipment market, building on its fuel delivery expertise. After years of significant growth, the company’s automotive and small engine operations were separated in 2007 with the purchase of Walbro Engine Management by Sun Capital Partners Inc. By that time WEM’s small engine product portfolio had expanded to include ignition systems, fuel injection systems, air/fuel management systems and fuel storage and distribution systems.
“Walbro Engine Management’s automotive experience serves us well today,” notes Martin. “Much of the technology originally developed for automotive applications has helped us meet challenges in the lawn and garden and powersports markets. Low-evaporative multi-layer fuel tanks that meet current and future evaporative emissions standards are an important example,” Martin says.
So, while Walbro has grown dramatically over the past 60 years, its focus is unchanged.
“Our technology has advanced dramatically and our operations are now global, but we remain dedicated to serving our customers in the small engine markets with products and technology designed to satisfy their unique needs,” Martin says.
Walbro Engine Management is a global market leader of engine management systems for the lawn and garden, recreational and marine, outdoor power equipment, and two-wheel small engine markets. Walbro Engine Management manufactures ignition systems, fuel injection, air/fuel management systems and fuel storage and distribution systems. Walbro Engine Management is a global organization with manufacturing and engineering facilities in China, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Thailand and the United States, with headquarters in Tucson, Arizona. Additional information regarding Walbro Engine Management is available at www.walbro.com/.
For more information, please contact:
Ann M. Guernsey
Walbro Engine Management
(520) 877-3000
