Andis

Overview

Andis Company, founded in 1922, manufactures handheld electric tools including clippers, trimmers, shavers, and dryers for hair trimming, cutting, curling, straightening, and drying. Its products serve professional barbers, hair stylists, consumers, animal groomers, and institutional buyers such as hotels and resorts. The company operates as a family-owned business with a focus on professional and grooming tools, producing the majority of clippers made in the US.¹²⁵

History

Andis was founded in 1922 by Matthew Andis, who developed the first successful electric clipper in his Racine, Wisconsin basement. In 1926, the company built its manufacturing facility in Racine, and by 1928, its patented clippers were distributed worldwide, establishing it as the largest producer for professional barbers. The founder's son, M.G. Andis, became president in 1954, and the company has remained family-owned across four generations, now operating from a state-of-the-art facility in Sturtevant, Wisconsin.²⁵

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Andis manufactures the majority of its clippers in the United States at its facility in Sturtevant, Wisconsin. The company produces handheld tools in-house, emphasizing quality control and innovation in a state-of-the-art plant near its original Racine location.²⁵

Notable Products

• Master Clipper - Iconic adjustable blade clipper used by professional barbers since the 1920s.
• M-Force Clippers - Patented magnetic tension system for consistent blade precision and durability.
• Rechargeable Trimmers - Cordless models for edging and detailing in barbering.
• Pet Grooming Shears - Clippers designed for small and large animals including dogs, horses, and cattle.
• Outliner Trimmers - Close-cutting tools for clean necklines and designs.

Reputation

Andis is regarded by professionals as a standard in barbering and grooming for its durable, reliable clippers that maintain sharpness under heavy use. Enthusiasts and stylists value its US manufacturing and long heritage, though some note it lacks BBB accreditation. Criticisms are minimal, with strengths in professional-grade performance outweighing occasional service concerns.¹²⁴