THE EARLY YEARS… Senninger Irrigation was established in 1963. Joe Senninger, a retired engineer moved to Florida to grow citrus. During the first season, his sprinklers became clogged with mud dauber (a type of wasp) nests, built in the nozzles when the irrigation system was not in operation. Utilizing his engineering background, he developed the “dauber stopper” – a water pressure activated plunger used to seal the nozzle orifice when the sprinkler is not in use. Nearby growers convinced him to market his idea. Two of the largest sprinkler manufacturers of the day were not interested in his patented “insect-proof” invention . so Joe decided he would manufacture the device himself. He recruited his nephews, Andy and Mark Healy, who brought the added dimension of their marketing and engineering backgrounds. They soon designed and manufactured other irrigation products.

In Senninger’s early days, most impact sprinklers were made of brass. Senninger pioneered the use of engineering-grade thermoplastics in the manufacture of sprinkler components to help improve key performance criteria. They soon began injection molding in-house to closely monitor each molded part.

As the business grew, concerns about meeting the needs of so many customers in different areas also grew. Senninger set up a specialized dealer network, each familiar with the specific needs of their area communicating directly with growers. This channel of communication has also proved beneficial by giving growers a voice in new product development

CONFIDENCE … Developing and maintaining a good reputation takes years to achieve. Senninger’s commitment to stand behind their products with an unprecedented two year warranty on materials, workmanship and performance demonstrates confidence in a tangible way to customers. This confidence is secured through rigorous in-house product testing as well as actual field testing in various environmental conditions worldwide.

CUSTOMER COMMITMENT … Any company that’s been around any length of time will occasionally experience problems with products. The best way to see the true picture of a company’s reputation and customer confidence would be to talk with those that have experienced a problem. Find out if their problems were addressed to their satisfaction.

In 1974, Senninger test-piloted plastic impact sprinklers with two center pivot irrigation system manufacturers. Because these original sprinklers were designed for about 200 hours a year in a citrus grove, they could not withstand the typical 2,500 annual hours center pivots systems operate. They began to fail by the end of the first year. Senninger convinced the pivot manufacturers that they could and would fix the problem. The sprinkler was analyzed and completely redesigned. Beginning on Super Bowl Sunday 1975 and working nonstop throughout the winter and spring, Senninger crews, including Mark and Andy Healy and Fred Elliott, changed out every single sprinkler on more than 300 center pivots from southern Texas to Canada. This commitment forged relationships with growers and dealers that still exist today.

Meeting and exceeding customer expectations maintains a level of satisfaction that creates a relationship of trust. Without that trust, customers might otherwise be willing to try someone else.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT
To meet or exceed our customer’s expectations by providing the highest quality products at competitive prices in a friendly, courteous and expeditious manner. To design and manufacture these products in a manner which promotes safety and respect among all employees.

DID YOU KNOW?
Since the development of their first product, the Insect-Proof ^TM sprinkler, Senninger has developed many irrigation products that have provided solutions to other industry needs as well.