The economy is challenging for all businesses, but especially for a seasonal one.
"Our business, being seasonal, was already in its slow season when the economy took its most strong downward turn," said Bill Wright, president and CEO of Wright Manufacturing in Frederick, Md.
The company uses what it calls "lean enterprise," building lawn care equipment only when it is ordered. The manufacturing plant is designed to slow production without having to lay off large numbers of people, Wright said.
Wright's business achievements, as well as his focus on hiring and training local employees, earned the company the Manufacturer of the Year Award from the Frederick County Office of Economic Development's Advisory Board.
The success of the company, which sells equipment in most of the U.S. and in 10 other countries, drew a visit last year from President George W. Bush. The president announced his economic stimulus package there.
"We were very honored to share with President Bush the success our team has achieved and show him the pride American workers have in designing and making products here in the U.S.," Wright said.
The business began in 1981 when Wright launched a lawn maintenance business called Lawn-Wright. He found that grass catchers on lawn equipment kept falling apart so he designed and built an all-steel grass catcher that became his first product.
He later developed a computerized system to help track maintenance schedules, called the Computerized Lawn Industry Program. In 1988, the company created the first walk-behind mower designed so the user could ride it.
Wright later sold the software and maintenance sectors of his firm to concentrate on manufacturing.
Along with Jim Velke, who had designed the innovative walk-behind/ride mower, Wright created a mower for a standing operator in 1997 and, in 2000, one that allowed the user to stand or sit.
"Our team is currently very focused on process improvements to prepare us for the eventual upswing in the economy and our industry," Wright said.
"We know when spring hits, grass will grow, and someone will have to cut it," he said. "So we are a bit bullish on how we will fare in the current economic environment. I am convinced that Wright Manufacturing can handle an economic slowdown or even a recession."