Company Overview
The Toro Company, with roots dating back to 1914, has established itself as the worldwide leader in innovative solutions for the outdoor environment – an industry leader in golf maintenance equipment and irrigation solutions. The company’s entry into the golf industry began in 1919 when it mounted five reel cutting units onto a Toro tractor to maintain the fairways at The Minikahda Club in Minneapolis. Today, Toro serves customers in over 125 countries through a strong network of distributors, dealers, retailers, and rental stores.
“For more than a century, Toro has been committed to listening to our customers and innovating to solve their most important challenges,” said Richard Olson, Chairman and CEO. “As we look to the future, our focus remains on developing sustainable solutions that combine advanced technology with the reliability our customers have come to expect from Toro.”
Business Innovation
Toro’s commitment to innovation is particularly evident in its development of autonomous and electric solutions. The company’s GeoLink® Solutions Autonomous Fairway Mower, which began field testing in 2022, has shown remarkable results. According to field tests, users can achieve up to a 75% reduction in human hours needed for fairway mowing by utilizing this autonomous technology.
“The Toro Company is committed to further exploring autonomous technologies across its brands and product categories to help improve our customers’ productivity and meet their evolving needs,” said John Hurst, Senior Director for Toro’s Center for Technology, Research and Innovation.
The company has pioneered several groundbreaking products, including the first lithium-ion powered greens mower, the Greensmaster® eFlex. This innovation is part of Toro’s strategic plan under Olson to expand their portfolio of autonomous, electric, and hybrid vehicles. The company has set an ambitious goal of reaching 20% of motorized product sales from electric and hybrid vehicles, demonstrating their commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Toro’s comprehensive product line makes it the only company offering both turf equipment and irrigation solutions for golf, serving prestigious venues such as St Andrews Links in Scotland, Pebble Beach Golf Links in California, and PGA Frisco in Texas. This unique position has helped establish Toro as the industry leader in every golf equipment category in which it competes.
Industry Engagement & Sustainability
Toro maintains strong partnerships within the golf industry, demonstrated by its renewed three-year agreement with the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) in 2024. As the first turf maintenance and irrigation solution company to partner with CMAA in 2008, Toro continues to support the organization’s Business Management Institute General Manager/Chief Operating Officer program.
The company’s commitment to industry advancement is further evidenced by its support of the GCSAA Foundation, having donated more than $2.6 million since 1987 to support scientific research, education, and scholarships for future turfgrass professionals. In 2024, The Toro Company Foundation provided a $50,000 grant to support the Rounds 4 Research program, bringing their total contribution to $600,000 over twelve years.
Growth & Future Focus
Looking ahead, Toro is focused on advancing its autonomous and electric vehicle initiatives while maintaining its leadership position in traditional turf and irrigation solutions. The company’s sustainability goals are integrated into both product development and business operations, with a particular emphasis on technologies that can help address labor challenges while improving efficiency and environmental impact.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Toro has maintained its position as the golf industry’s leading supplier of maintenance equipment and irrigation solutions through continuous innovation and strong customer relationships. The company’s strategic focus on autonomous and electric solutions, combined with its comprehensive product portfolio and commitment to sustainability, positions it well for continued leadership in the golf industry. With more than a century of experience in golf, Toro continues to shape the future of turf maintenance through technological advancement and customer-focused innovation.
