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Edson Celebrates 150Year Anniversary - Kickoff at Newport Boatshow Exhibitors Party
Founded in 1859 in Boston, Massachusetts by inventor Jacob Edson, the company originally began manufacturing diaphragm pumps and specialty hardware for the commercial marine trade. The company’s diaphragm pumps were first used in sewage pumping applications, resulting in the original horse-drawn “honey wagon”. Early innovations in the marine field included a “boom buffer” to reduce the shock of a gybing sailboat as well as hardware and steering systems for the greater Boston area fishing fleets, coastal schooners and cargo vessels. By the 1900’s, Edson was manufacturing steering systems for sailing vessels, resulting in early relationships with the America’s Cup race boats. World Wars I and II saw Edson steering gear and bilge pumps used on freighters, liberty ships and PT boats.
In the early 1980’s Edson went back to their roots to discover an entirely new application for existing pump products. Utilizing their time-tested diaphragm pump designs, Edson engineered holding tank pump out systems for marinas, yacht clubs and municipalities and by doing so became a leader in helping to clean up and maintain the environment. They further extended the use of their pump technology by providing governments with sewage pump out systems and other environmental applications. Little did Jacob Edson realize 150 years ago that the company he founded would become a world leader in the handling of sewage and waste water today.
The 1990’s vaulted Edson into a position of prominence stemming from its selection as official steering and pump supplier to many high profile yachts competing in the BOC, BT Global Challenge, Millennium and Round The World races. The 21st Century has been one of tremendous innovation and product line growth for the company. Edson is the worldwide leader in providing the custom mega-yacht segment of the sailboat industry with extremely sophisticated steering gear for sailboats as large as 200 feet. Today, Edson is jointly owned by Hank and William Keene, functioning respectively as General Manager and President. They both are highly involved with day-to-day operations of the company and continue to hold to the values that has sustained Edson for a century and a half. States William Keene, “When Jacob Edson founded Edson 150 years ago his first product was the diaphragm pump, which he invented. By the time he retired, he had over 60 patents in his name - each one a new and fresh idea that solved a problem and made marine equipment better, safer, faster or more enjoyable for the whole family. One Hundred and Fifty years later, Edson products have endured. You often find them on older wooden boats, in antique shops or second-hand shops ready for the next owner. Jacob made products that withstood the test of time. Edson is still doing the same today, building products that simply don’t wear out.” “How have we achieved this level of success in a 150 year old company? The answer is in Edson’s customers and employees” says Edson President Will Keene. “ We listen to both, and they are as important to us as our “honesty and integrity”. We use what we call the “CEO” Management Philosophy. “Customers first”, “Employees second”, and “Owners third”. We’ve always felt that if our customers and our employees are happy, Edson will prosper — which is our ultimate goal.”
# # # # # # # # North and South American Marine inquiries: Edson International, 146 Duchaine Blvd., New Bedford, MA 02745-1292, USA; Phone: (508) 995-9711; Facsimile: (508)995-5021; E-Mail: info@edsonintl.com Worldwide Pump & Pump-Out inquiries: Peter Burlinson, Edson International, 146 Duchaine Blvd., New Bedford, MA 02745-1292, USA; Phone: (508) 995-9711; Facsimile: (508)995-5021; E-Mail: pumps@edsonintl.com Media Contact: Todd Little tlittle@edsonintl.com HI-RES PHOTO AVAILABLE: Click Here
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New Bedford, MA, USA – Hailed as one of the oldest, continuously operating companies in Massachusetts and the entire United States, Edson International is celebrating its 150th year anniversary in 2009.
In 1956, Edson was purchased by the Keene family, who continue to own the firm today. By the late 1960’s, Edson, still the undisputed leader in sailboat steering, began to pioneer new cockpit designs in sailboats by introducing accessories for steering pedestals - ushering in the era of “cockpit living" with dining tables, drink holders and other boating lifestyle products. 
The company continues to see exponential growth in its marina pump out systems as well as its industrial pumping solutions. And with the introduction of their ProSeries PowerWheels and PowerKnobs®, both being regarded in the industry as “must have” accessories for high-end fishing and cruising boats, Edson has become a major supplier to the powerboat market.
Edson manufactures an extensive line of marine steering systems and accessories, boat davits, radar towers and marine pumps for sail and powerboats and is based in New Bedford, Massachusetts.