ECHO INCORPORATED CELEBRATES ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY

Revolutionized lawn and garden care with the invention of the world’s first backpack blower (1975) and handheld blower (1978)

ECHO Incorporated, a leading manufacturer of high-performance outdoor power equipment for commercial and homeowner use, celebrates its 50th anniversary in November 2022. Known for its innovation in outdoor power equipment for landscapers, ECHO is also the largest employer in Lake Zurich and a leader in sustainable manufacturing. “We are proud of our long history of innovation in outdoor power equipment for landscape professionals and homeowners,” said Wayne Thomsen, Vice President of Marketing and Product Management, ECHO Incorporated. “ECHO revolutionized the landscape industry when it invented the first backpack blower and the first handheld blower nearly 50 years ago and has continued to bring innovative new products to the market for 50 years. In fact, in the past five years alone, ECHO has launched more than 100 new gas and battery-operated products for both landscapers and homeowners, to help create beautiful outdoor living space.” 

In addition to a long history of innovative products, ECHO also has a longtime commitment to the environment. Earlier this year, ECHO completed the largest allowable solar energy panel installation in Illinois that will help power the company’s Lake Zurich plant. It’s the latest of numerous green initiatives at the facility. “At ECHO, we are proud of our commitment to environmental responsibility,” said Ryan Ladley, Vice President, Operations, ECHO Incorporated. “Among our other green initiatives, ECHO recycles 100% of the company’s plastic resin scrap and the dust created from the regrind process. That’s 400,000 pounds of plastic annually that is reintroduced into its molded parts – eliminating the need to send it to landfills. We’ve taken numerous other steps to make our plant innovative, efficient and environmentally friendly while growing to meet the needs of consumers and landscape professionals.” 

Continuing its focus on innovation, in 2022 ECHO launched the eForce™ 56 Volt Battery System–a new line of battery-powered outdoor equipment for homeowners and landscapers that provides long usage times, quiet operation and easy starts. The new, easy-to-use line eliminates the need for electrical cords or gasoline. It offers powerful and durable outdoor equipment that is simple to use and store. 

Originating in Northbrook, Ill., on Nov. 16, 1972, ECHO began servicing the outdoor power equipment industry with high-performance 2-cycle engines and handheld products. In 1985 ECHO established its present-day Americas corporate headquarters in Lake Zurich, Ill., with its first 100,000-square-foot manufacturing facility. Since then, the company has steadily expanded in size, adding buildings and employees. The ECHO campus now includes more than 690,000 square feet, and with more than 1,000, ECHO is the largest employer in Lake Zurich. 

“We are proud of our 50-year history of innovation and sustainability and plan to continue leading the outdoor power equipment industry through our dedication to our people, customers, products and the environment,” says Thomsen.