For Immediate Release

Munnsville, N.Y. (April 11, 2007)—The Yard Power Products Group Munnsville Operations is teaming up with the Briggs Commercial Power division to build brand awareness for a new line of Vanguard™ BIG BLOCK™-powered Ferris mowers.  An extensive marketing program to accomplish this task was launched on April 16, 2007, and is now in full swing.

            “This collaboration and integrated product offering is a result of our two groups listening to the voice of customer and delivering a unique integrated package,” says Doug Page, director of commercial marketing, Commercial Power.  “By combining the patented Ferris suspension system with the proven power and efficiency of Briggs Vanguard BIG BLOCK engines, we've given the customer a superior product.”  

            The Vanguard BIG BLOCK delivers the power and torque to propel the mower faster and allow commercial cutters to mow thick wet grass.  At the same time, the Ferris IS^® Independent Suspension system allows cutters to be more productive and profitable by reducing operator fatigue and maintaining a consistent quality of cut.  The result: Operators cover more ground, earn more money, and build their customer satisfaction. 

            The new marketing campaign is targeting two separate, yet equally important audiences. The first is the independent servicing dealer, our link to the buyer.  This campaign will engage the dealer and build awareness, understanding and confidence in Vanguard BIG BLOCK Powered Ferris Zero-Turns.  The dealer, in turn, will sell these units to their customers and our second target audience, the commercial cutter.   

Through marketing and advertising, the dealer will help us deliver a differentiated and compelling story about the increased productivity delivered by the BIG BLOCK-powered Ferris mowers.   The campaign will include national advertising and extensive point-of-sale materials for our dealers.

            The integration team has developed a positioning statement:  Why Big Block powered Ferris mowers are best for productivity and profitability.  Our supporting messages are in place, including the benefits of low speed engines, a great dealer network and patented suspension systems.  Our target audiences have been chosen and the communication to them has begun. 

            “We are confident that this strategy will increase the dealer penetration for BIG BLOCK-powered Ferris mowers, through satisfied dealers and satisfied commercial cutters,” says Bill Shea, vice president, sales & marketing, for the Ferris brand.  “We’re offering them a great team.”

            The Ferris brand of commercial mowers is a leader in the commercial mowing industry.  Offered by Simplicity Manufacturing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Briggs & Stratton, Ferris was the first brand to offer suspension in a riding mower when it introduced IS^® Independent Suspension.  Ferris products are available nationwide through independent authorized dealers and distributors.

            Briggs & Stratton Commercial Power is a leading provider of commercial power solutions. The Vanguard engine family is the company's premier line of

air- and liquid-cooled gasoline and diesel engines from single to three cylinder. All Briggs & Stratton Commercial Power engines are backed by a network of thousands of Authorized Commercial Service Centers worldwide.

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