Hunter produces pop-up gear-driven rotors, spray sprinklers, valves, controllers, central controllers and weather sensors. The company reports that it holds more than 250 product patents and 40 trademarks, and conducts business in 125 countries. The company was founded in 1981 by Edwin J. Hunter and Paul M. Hunter, to produce a compact landscape sprinkler called the "PGP", the first sprinkler to utilize "matched-precipitation" regardless of the radii or arc. The former president and CEO was Richard E. Hunter, Edwin's son. Richard's son, Greg Hunter, is the current president. Hunter Industries products are used in a wide array of locations including sports stadiums, national landmarks, hotels, and city parks. They also offer products in several other industries, such as customer manufacturing, landscape lighting, and the medical industry. They operate manufacturing facilities in both San Marcos, California, and Tijuana, Mexico as well as having overseas offices located in China. They previously operated a manufacturing plant in Cary, NC, from 1992 to 2009, the plant closed due to poor market conditions at the time. In 2016, the Center for Executive Excellence recognized Hunter Industries as one of twelve companies that excelled in promoting a successful business culture.
Acquisitions
On August 13, 2019 Hunter Industries acquired Lumascape, an Australian company that specializes in architectural lighting, facade lighting, and high-output applications. On June 16, 2017 Hunter Industries acquired Dispensing Dynamics International from Kinderhook Industries. This acquisition marks Hunter Industries' first major foray into a market unrelated to irrigation or landscape products. In May 2016, the firm acquired Hydrawise, a manufacturer of Wi-Fi-based irrigation controllers and web-based software. On January 4, 2016 Hunter Industries acquired Florida-based Senninger Irrigation. The two companies have been strategic partners since 2004. On June 24, 2015 the firm acquired all landscape irrigation products, patents, and trademarks from Alex-Tronix Controls. In 2009 it acquired landscape lighting company FX Luminaire, and in 2008 it acquired custom molding company Grizzle & Hunter Plastics LLC., now re-branded as Hunter Custom Manufacturing. In 2007 Hunter acquired the MP Rotator product line from Walla Walla Sprinkler company through an agreement with Nelson Irrigation Corporation. In 1999 it acquired the Legacy Golf irrigation product line from Buckner Incorporated.
Brands
Hunter industries has several corporate brands offering products for specific needs: Hunter Brand - Residential, commercial and golf irrigation Senninger - Agricultural and mining irrigation FX Luminaire - Landscape and architectural lighting products for consumers, with a focus on LED lighting Holm - Landscape and architectural lighting products for commercial and industrial use Lumascape - Custom exterior architectural, landscape and underwater lighting Dispensing Dynamics - Dispensing solutions for towel, tissue, wiper, napkin, soap and air care products Hunter Custom Manufacturing - End-to-End molding and manufacturing services and solutions for customers
Conservation
As part of the increased focus on environmental sustainability in the irrigation industry, Hunter Industries has rolled out new and more eco-friendly sprinklers, including the MP800SR Rotator and new dripline and subsurface irrigation offerings such as the eco-mat.
Arson
On October 26, 2003 a fire was started at the main location of Hunter Industries likely by a disgruntled employee or ex-employee, though no one was ever prosecuted for the crime. The fire caused damage to inventory and production areas of the plant, and caused the company to undergo major rebuilding. Fires had been started in 8 locations of the building using accelerants. Total losses reported due to the fire was US$17 million.
