NORTH SALT LAKE -- Orbit Irrigation Systems is all about keeping lawns green, bushes healthy and flowers blooming. But they also do their part in the continuing effort of water conservation. "What we provide are sprinkler products that make things easier for the consumer," said Orbit Marketing Director Mitch Lord. "We also provide outdoor misting products and drip irrigation systems as well." The company was founded roughly 40 years ago as a small, urban company stationed in Bountiful. Since then, they have grown into one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of irrigation and watering products. Currently the company distributes more than 2,000 products to landscapers, gardeners and homeowners in 40 countries across five continents including Asia, Europe and South America. They're also a large supplier to both small and large companies such as Ace Hardware, local outdoor stores, Lowe's and Home Depot."Lowe's has become a larger development for us because of their growth as a company," said Lord. "But our goal is to be able to serve both the big box companies as well as smaller, more specific stores."

Used primarily as a corporate headquarters, their North Salt Lake building also houses several other sections, including a research and development area, production department and a team of quality assurance personnel that do extensive testing in the facility.

"Not including outside or part-time employees, we have over 300 people that do constant work on all our products," said Lord. "We have more employees that serve part-time, but each is a vital part of what we do here. Our products are important in that a lot of time and effort are spent in making our sprinkling systems the best."

Innovation is also a large part of who they serve as a company. With all the problems of the recent drought throughout the state, they have been working diligently to come up with products that will also save the amount of water being used.

"We want the people to know that we are constantly looking at water usage throughout the state," said Lord. "We want to be as environmentally friendly as possible with our products."

Part of their production line includes timers, sprinklers (both underground as well as other usage types for flower beds, shrubs, etc.), valves, an assortment of tools, and other accessories that help make the consumer's job easier.

"We also have a sister company named ProMold that helps us create plastic products that consumers are able to use," said Lord. "Many of the items we distribute are made by the group. They make a tremendous contribution to our production."

The motto on their Web site says: "Everything we do, we do with (the consumer) in mind. Our goal is always to meet or exceed (the consumer's) needs and expectations.

"This commitment is true of our products, and it's true of our customer support as well."



sgillet@davisclipper.com