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:: SMI® A history of Innovation

Snow Machines, Incorporated (SMI) was founded in 1974 in Midland, Michigan and has flourished through five decades of consistent growth in production, quality and reputation.

timeline

1960’s: New idea of snowmaking

  • Snow Machines International founded in New York
  • Snowstream (first airless fan Snowmaker) – first unit sold

 

1970’s: Snowmaking is pioneered

  • Boyne Snowmaker introduced
  • SMI moved to Midland, Michigan under new ownership of Jim Vanderkelen
  • SMI enters Swiss market through Bachmann and Company (now SMI AG)
  • Ducted Fan Snowmaking introduced in North America - Boyne Snowmaker
  • Partnership between SMI and Enneigement MP, Quebec, begins

 

1980’s: Snowmaking gains traction in the market

  • Highland Snowmaker launched
  • Silent Storm Snowmaker launched – quietest Snowmaker in the world
  • SMI enters New Zealand and Australia with partners Ski Industries and Sno-Quip, respectively

 

1990’s: Snowmaking a must for profits

  • SMI 3000 launched – first hydraulic powered Snowmaker
  • PoleCat Snowmaker – “user friendly” version of Boyne/Highland
  • First SMI Automation System introduced – SmartSnow version 1.0
  • SMI enters Japanese market through Nippon Cable
  • R&R enters agreement to represent SMI snow machines to South Korean market
  • Telemet partners with SMI in South America
  • SMI and Krokonos Sports agree to market snow machines to Czech Republic
  • Wizzard Snowmaker launched – small nozzle technology
  • SMI signs agreement with MWI for coverage of Chinese market
  • Wiz Kid Snowmaker introduced – designed for smaller throws
  • Super Wizzard Snowmaker launched – larger throws and high snow production

 

2000’s: Snowmaking goes high-tech

  • Super PoleCat – large throws and high snow production
  • SMI® SmartSnow Software version 2.0
  • SMI Water Sticks launched in Europe SMI® SmartSnow version 3.0
  • Viking Snowtower – patented advanced air/water gun
  • Hydrant Actuator developed for Automation System
  • Wireless Ethernet Communications option developed
  • SMI and Skado sign agreement for marketing snow machines in Russia
  • SMI® SmartSnow version 4.0 launched

 
   
 
  
   
  Kid Wizzard
 
SMI covers the world through technology, longevity, and service!
 
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