The story of Fisher Barton is a narrative of
"Metallurgy Mastered," a journey that began in 1973 with a single
vision: to bring aerospace-level technology to the rugged world of industrial
manufacturing. Founded by Dick Wilkey in a modest 2,400-square-foot rented
building in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, the company started with a focus on one
specific, high-wear item—lawn mower blades. But Wilkey didn't just want to
make blades; he wanted to understand the science of why they dulled and how
to make them last longer. At the very heart of their identity is the Fisher
Barton Technology Center. Unlike many manufacturers who simply follow prints,
Fisher Barton serves as an innovation partner. Their narrative is defined by
a deep obsession with materials science. They study friction, wear, and
impact at a microscopic level, developing proprietary heat-treating processes
like MARBAIN®, which revolutionized the industry by making blades lighter,
harder, and safer than standard steel. This commitment to research
transformed them from a local shop into the world’s largest OEM supplier of
lawn mower blades. This is a story of diversification and endurance.
Over the last five decades, Fisher Barton has expanded its expertise far
beyond the turf. Through strategic growth and the acquisition of brands like
Zenith Cutter, they became leaders in industrial knives, bronze gear
components, and thermal spray coatings. Whether it is a blade cutting
recycled cardboard, a gear in a heavy-duty hoist, or a coating protecting a
critical medical device, Fisher Barton’s "high-wear" components are
the silent workhorses that keep the global supply chain moving. This is a story of American roots and global reach.
Today, the company has grown from that small Wisconsin rental into a global
group with locations across the United States, Vietnam, and Ireland. They
have shipped hundreds of millions of blades and cemented their status as a
tier-one supplier to the biggest names in agriculture and power equipment.
Yet, despite their size, they remain an independent company that prides
itself on a culture of fairness and community involvement. Today, the story of Fisher Barton is one of
scientific craftsmanship. It is a promise that every component they
manufacture—from a simple blade to a complex aerospace coating—is built on a
foundation of 50 years of metallurgical expertise, designed to perform better
and last longer than anything else on the market. |
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Year Founded: 1973 |
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Main Products: Turf Care, Wear Parts, Industrial Knives, Engineered
Coating Solutions, Bronze Gear Components |
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Brand: Fisher Barton |
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Country of Origin: USA |
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Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/fisherbartonsolutions |
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Website: https://fisherbarton.com/ |
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Address: 700 S Water St, Watertown, WI 53094, United States |
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Contact No.: +19203904760 |

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