Toro Marks 50 Years in Underground Irrigation Business

After its purchase of Moist O’Matic in 1962, the company introduced plastics and new designs to make water-efficient sprinklers, valves and control systems that would replace traditional brass and iron systems.

The Toro Company is celebrating its 50th year in underground irrigation, dating back to when the company purchased Moist O’Matic in Riverside, Calif., to mark its start in the underground irrigation business.

In 1962, Moist O’Matic made revolutionary advancements in the use of plastics and new designs to make water-efficient sprinklers, valves and control systems. David Lilly, Toro’s fourth president, initiated the purchase of Moist O’Matic and hired irrigation contractor John Singleton to pioneer the company’s new direction.

In 1969, Toro made breakthroughs with golf superintendents by convincing them that plastic sprinkler systems were superior to traditional brass and iron systems. Three years later, Lilly stated in the annual report that Toro was producing “the most widely used automatic equipment in golf course irrigation.”

Acquisitions of Hardie® Irrigation in 1996, EICON Industrial Controls in 2001, R&D Engineering in 2003, Rain Master® in 2007 and Turf Guard® in 2008 have allowed Toro to enter new markets and product categories. Now, Toro owns over 225 irrigation patents and manufactures a complete line of irrigation solutions.

“Our 50 years in irrigation is something to be very proud of,” said Phil Burkhart, Vice President and General Manager of Toro’s Irrigation Business. “We are withstanding the test of time as well as pushing ourselves daily to be solution providers through innovation and constantly challenging ourselves to eliminate waste and focus on quality, while growing and enhancing our customer relationships.”

Tags: david lilly eicon industrial controls hardie irrigation John Singleton moist o’matic phil burkhart r&d engineering rain master The Toro Company turf guard underground irrigation