KwikCut—Colorado born and bred

How do you cut sprinkler pipe?  BEFORE 1980, with a hack saw—back and forth, back and forth until the pipe was cut.  AFTER 1980, with a unique invention that makes one quick slice through the pipe in a second.  That industry-changing invention called the KwikCut--is a can’t-do-without mainstay in most any irrigation tech’s toolbox. With contractors embracing the KwikCut, a Colorado born and bred company becomes one of the irrigation industries most recognized brands.

As happens with many new inventions, one irrigation tech Duane Robertson knew there had to be a better/faster way to get the job done and set out to make it happen.  He developed the prototype of the KwikCut and like inventors often do, made and sold the first products right from home.  Though operations soon expanded beyond Robertson’s garage, the KwikCut has been manufactured continuously in its home state, and is currently produced at Robertson’s Dawn Industries plant in Arvada.  That’s the history.

Today, the various KwikCut models—sized for different pipe diameters--are manufactured exclusively at Dawn’s plant by 50+ employees on equipment that is designed and fabricated in-house to carefully engineered specifications and quality control measures.  Dawn’s philosophy is “quality” above all and continuously monitors every aspect of production, marketing and customer service.  We pride ourselves in offering USA manufactured products. “Our people are what makes Dawn great,” says Rodney May, General Manager. “They install creativity, caring and ingenuity into every product and machine manufactured”.

A team of engineers and tool and die experts ensure that equipment keeps running around the clock and that every product is produced within exact specifications.  Most employees even take a regular turn at quality control where they grab each and every KwikCut that comes off the line and cut a piece of PVC just to make sure each cutter works properly before it is packaged for sale.

While the KwikCut has remained essentially the same since it was first produced, it has been modified and improved under a new patent.  According to Mr. May, the modifications brought a new level of strength, a spring action and latching mechanism for safety that keeps the device closed when not in use.  May also notes, “The distinctive appearance of the 2006 version immediately tells people this is the KwikCut and not the imported knock-off.” Many people don’t realize that today Colorado has an international irrigation manufacturer with its corporate office and manufacturing facility right here in Arvada.

Dawn manufactures a complete assortment of Poly and PVC tools, fittings and accessories.   For more information about this Colorado born and bred company, go to www.dawnindustries.com. Or call for a plant tour at 1-800-321-7246.