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Masport Limited is a New Zealand-based manufacturer specializing in outdoor power equipment and lifestyle products founded in 1910. [1]
In December 1910, Reuben Porter, Harold Mason, and Edwin Jones founded City Engineering Ltd in Auckland, New Zealand. [1] [2] The company initially produced vacuum pumps and stationary engines for agricultural equipment. in 1915 it was renamed to Mason and Porter Ltd. In 1930, Masport introduced its first hand-operated lawnmower, and in 1938, it developed New Zealand's first petrol-powered lawnmower. [1] [3]
During World War II, Masport contributed to the war effort by manufacturing munitions for the army. [1] [4] After the war, the company expanded its product line to include farm machinery such as ride-on tractors. [1]
Since 1980s Masport was under the control of Brierley Investments and later was sold to a Goldman Sachs JBWere equity fund. Since July 2007, it was owned by Tom Sturgess. [2] In January 2009 Sturgess bought from the JBWere-run Hauraki Private Equity No1 Fund several New Zealand brands, including Masport Foundries, and Masport Consumer. [5] Massport Ltd. issued a press release stating that Masport Foundries is a completely unrelated business, although they have a common shareholder. [6]
In 2017, Masport was acquired by AL-KO Gardentech, a subsidiary of the German AL-KO Group . [7]
Today, Masport's product range includes lawnmowers, shredders, cultivators, barbecues, and patio heaters. [1] [8]
In 2023, Masport's petrol lawnmowers received the "People's Choice Award" from Consumer NZ, based on customer satisfaction and performance criteria, as well as several other customers' awards in various years. [9] [ better source needed ]