Fisher Barton Blades expands into new Watertown facility

Fisher Barton Blades Inc. (FBBI), an operating division of the Fisher Barton Group, announced on June 28 the relocation of its Watertown, Wis.-based mower blade operation into a larger, modern manufacturing facility. The new facility, located adjacent to the Watertown airport, has double the manufacturing floor space as the former plant. The additional space will be utilized for product packaging and direct order fulfillment for Fisher Barton’s OEM customers.

“The former Blades manufacturing plant had areas that were more than 90 years old,” said Shane Bonner, president, Fisher Barton Blades. “The plant grew with the company over the years, requiring multiple additions that resulted in a disjointed floor plan and uneven floors. The facility just did not lend itself to modern manufacturing methodologies such as cellular manufacturing and in-line flow. These challenges, coupled with our OEM customers’ requests to assist with order fulfillment and distribution, motivated us to consider other locations. We were very pleased to find an existing building located in Watertown, just two miles from the former facility.”

The decision to remain in Watertown reaffirms Fisher Barton’s four-decade commitment to the community and retains 65 family-sustaining jobs.