2005 will have been a very special year for FELCO, world leader in pruning shears and industry flagship in Neuchâtel, Switzerland: the firm celebrated its 60th anniversary, won French-speaking Switzerland’s Enterprise of the Year award, invested CHF 7.5 million in a 2,500 m2 factory extension, and among other developments, launched two ground-breaking models of professional shears.

A new range of professional tools

The new two-hand secateurs series FELCO 200 and FELCO 210 are the latest fruits of sixty years at the forefront of pruning technology. They combine unique know-how with an unparalleled mastery of cutting edge-technology.

The fact that they are completely interchangeable makes these top-class tools unique: the tubes come in three lengths and a choice of two materials (i.e. ultra-light carbon fibre or more economical aluminium). There is also a choice of two cutting heads (straight or curved). Note: the aluminium version will only be available for the 2006-2007 season.

Easier to use and more ergonomic than ever with their soft, non-slip handle grips, the 200 and 210 models are above all feather light. "Reducing the weight of our products has always been one of our primary ambitions," says Stéphane Poggi, FELCO's Sales and Marketing Director. "But to get there, we had to achieve the impossible: a carbon-aluminium link that is both effective and durable – something nobody had managed before."

For some months now, the engineers from Neuchâtel have succeeded in meeting that challenge. FELCO's management is particularly proud of the breakthrough - an incredibly robust carbon-aluminium link. The patented invention reduces the weight of two-handed, 60-cm pruning shears by a massive 39%. "Professionals will appreciate this significant improvement to user comfort," adds Stéphane Poggi.

When asked about the advantages of this modular product, one fruit grower enthused: "Being able to replace the straight head by a curved one spares me a great deal of effort. And the fact that it is possible to change the length of the tube in just a few seconds means I can have the right tool for every job. With the carbon fibre, you hardly feel the weight of the tool in your hands – it's incredibly light!"

Users looking for the lightest equipment will opt for the Expert range with carbon fibre tubes or with aluminium tubes. Those who simply require a tried and tested tool whose functions are identical but that is more economical to buy will be offered the tools from the traditional FELCO range.

An Expanding and Dynamic Family Business

Last year, FELCO decided to enhance both the flexibility and capacity of its manufacturing operations. The family business invested CHF 7.5 million of shareholders’ funds in factory extensions to implement its growth strategy.