subject: Andis Master Clippers - A Usa Success Story [print this page] Andis manufacture hair clippers and trimmers that are used throughout the hair grooming industry as well as producing models for large and small animals.
Matthew Andis started the company at home and the whole family was involved in assembling the clippers while Matthew sold them door to door in and around Racine Wisconsin.
It didn't take too long before the new clippers proved popular with barbers across the USA. Rapid expansion meant that the family home could no longer cope and the whole operation moved to a 16,000 square foot factory, in Racine.
Mathew, on his doctors advice, moved to Florida and handed the reigns of the company to Mathew G. Andis jr. in 1938. I'm pleased to report that the founder lived to the ripe old age of 92.
Mathew G. Andis jr.
The new CEO ran the company rom 1938 to 1971 and was responsible for the design of the very successful T-Outline trimmer. It was during the 1930's that the company began exporting.
Everything went well until along came the 60's and the worldwide influence of the fab four from Liverpool, England. Out went traditional hair grooming, especially for the young, and in came long, unkempt hair for guys.
Mathew L. Andis
The latest member of the family to take charge not only grasped the reigns of the company but countered the change in men's hair fashion by introducing hair dryers, curling irons and the first wall mounted dryer to the range. Aware of the low wage manufacturing possibilities in the far east Andis began production in China as early as 1978. Now they have a workforce of around 900 in China. Despite this the majority of their products are still made in the United States, still in Wisconsin.
Mathew K. Andis
The current c.e.o. took charge in 2010 and along with his sisters run a business which now has a presence in 90 countries and operates from a 160,000 square factory.
Andis is still innovating, still responding to trends, still manufacturing in the USA and planning to pass on responsibility to the 5th generation of Andis's.
