Kirby Company

Kirby Sentria (2006–2012)

Jim Kirby (1884–1971) designed the first Kirby vacuums for George Scott and Carl Fetzer after World War I, although the Kirby name was not used on a vacuum cleaner until the 1930s.[2] James Kirby invented the "vacuette" circa 1919. The company's primary competitors included The Hoover Company and The Eureka Company, both of which began operations in 1909, as well as Bissell that started building carpet sweepers in 1876. Their primary European competitor was Electrolux, which started 1924. Dyson, Miele and Sebo followed in the 1980s,[3] and Shark began in the 1990s.

Introduced in 1916, the Edgewater, Ohio factory was opened by the Scott & Fetzer Company[4][5] at Locust Ave. (now Franklin Blvd.) and W. 114th St., and the Vacuette Electric was introduced.[6] It featured a removable floor nozzle and handle and became the forerunner of current multi-attachment Kirby vacuum models. The Vacuette was briefly offered as a manual vacuum cleaner, utilizing a spring-loaded worm gear driven by pulling the vacuum cleaner backwards; when pushing the machine forward, the worm gear would power a turbine that provided suction.[6] As long as the cleaner was consistently pulled backwards, tension in the spring would remain constant and the turbine would continue spinning. It was designed for rural areas that did not have electricity and was very similar to the carpet sweeper. In 1935, the company introduced the Kirby Model C, the first product to carry Jim Kirby's name.[7]

One of the key features is the amount of suction the motor generates. Beginning in the 1950s, owners manuals listed an innovation the company called "Triple-Cushion Vibration" rug cleaning action.[8] The current Avalir 2 has been given an airflow rating of 132 Cubic feet per minute, which allows it to lift the carpet off the floor, flexing the surface to be cleaned, whereby the brush roll that spins at 3,200 RPM agitates and lifts the dirt, while grooming the carpet fibers from the base of the carpet. The owners manual recommend that the carpet nozzle be lowered close enough to the surface so as to maintain a secure suction and minimize breaking the suction while cleaning the carpet.[9] Another feature of the Kirby system is the modular design of both vacuum and accessories, allowing machines to be configured for numerous uses, from normal floor cleaning, tile surface scrubbing, wet floor mopping, to furniture shampooing and as a compact, handheld vacuum with extension hose attachments for various cleaning chores. This versatility also provides for add-on sales or bundling of the complete system.

Starting in the late 1940s the carpet cleaning floor nozzle with the brush roller could be removed, and the 1948 owners manual for the Model 508 called it the "Triple-Cushion Vibrator",[10] which was powered by a removable rubber belt that was in contact with a metal shaft extending from the vacuum turbine blades, powered by the electric motor, and reattached to a brush used to polish floors, or an extended plastic hose that could accommodate a furniture dusting attachment. The Model 508 was also the first to offer a simple device on the front of the carpet nozzle called the "Belt Lifter" which was a metal lifter that easily removed the rubber drive belt and allowed other attachments to be installed on the drive unit. To accommodate cleaning rugs of a delicate nature, the "Belt Lifter" could disengage the rubber drive belt, allowing just suction to clean the surface which is still offered on all machines.[11]

These attachments are still offered and the floor buffer was updated in the mid-1960s with a dry foam carpet shampoo attachment Kirby called the "Rug Renovator" that was first introduced with the two speed motor on the Dual Sanitronic 50 and is also still available. The carpet shampoo cleaning solution is in a clear tank that attaches to the motor exhaust where the dirt collection bag is attached as a vacuum cleaner, and uses compressed air generated by the electric motor. A plastic tube then sends the shampoo to the carpet scrubber brush that agitates the surface to be cleaned.

Kirby has remained with its original design, materials and functionality with enhancements added to aid in its operation and durability, and uses the "dirty-air" vacuum design. The company changes the appearance of the cleaner with revised color schemes and introduces new models with a similar core design. The attachments and appearance items are interchangeable between generations and some machines consist of parts from multiple models.[12] Machines built in the 1930s, 40s, 50s and 60s are in operation worldwide and can be repaired or rebuilt with factory original parts.

All models used a cloth bag that allowed airflow to pass through and clean the air exiting the machine. Earlier versions of the cloth bag used dense duvetyne, and later corduroy cotton and wool fabric bags where fine grit, dander and other foreign contaminants collected. The cotton bag briefly had an integrated cleaning pocket within, called the "Sani-Pocket" introduced in 1964 with the Sanitronic, where embedded dirt could be dislodged from the interior surface of the bag while keeping the dirt contained inside. The owners manual for the cloth bag equipped machines recommended that the cloth bag be emptied after cleaning had been finished, to avoid dirt, fungus and bacteria from setting in the fibers of the bag, and preparing the machine for the next time.

Starting with the Tradition model, an internal, disposable paper bag was introduced in addition to the cotton cloth bag. The disposable paper bag provided a protective barrier against the interior surface of the cloth bag, and offered the convenience of storing the cleaner when finished, and not requiring that the bag be emptied every time. With the introduction of the Generation 3 model in 1990, a HEPA certified dirt containment filter bag, labeled as "Micron Magic" which minimizes dust being expelled into the air from the machine. Beginning with the Generation 3, all Kirbys are installed with a self-propelled transmission, called "TechDrive Power Assist", which is engaged with a lever at the bottom next to the foot operated power switch.

In the 1930s and the 1940s, Kirby started to offer their products in retail environments, and introduced the "R" series. They are identical to their "C" series, with differences being the power switch installed on the handle. The first model was the R, followed by the 2R, 3R and 4R. In 1970, input from Kirby distributors, dealers, management and customers guided Kirby engineers in developing the second generation models, introduced as the Kirby Classic. This gave the opportunity to expand its manufacturing facilities outside of Cleveland. This coincided with the rising popularity of wall-to-wall custom installed carpet. In 1972, after Kirby founder Jim Kirby's death the previous year (1971), Kirby West began operations in Andrews, Texas at 1345 NW 101 Street (also known as North Seminole Highway), which doubled the company's manufacturing capacity.[7] The company maintained a presence in Canada, located at 1009 Burns Street East in Whitby, which is no longer staffed, and briefly in the 1920s as Vacuettes, Ltd in the Miller Building at 48 York Street in Toronto.[6]

Since the mid to late 1980's, the Kirby Company hosted a convention every few years called "Kirby World" that is or was held in Nashville, Tennessee, over a two or three day period where the new first production model Kirby vacuum is unveiled to great fanfare and demonstrations of the new Vacuum model along with new Kirby home cleaning products and accessories are also shown to dealers, sales reps and distributors from worldwide there in attendance. Dance and music numbers done by an experienced group of dancers highlighting & pertaining to the success and worldwide meaning of the Kirby brand. Speeches and seminars were given and hosted by Kirby company executives and Direct Selling Association reps along with executives from the Scott Fetzer Company. Sales Awards and bonuses were also given out to Dealers and distributors for their best overall sales from the previous few years. Video Cassette tapes and DVDs of these "Kirby World" conventions was given out to Dealers, distributors, and sales reps to help them train new employees, recruits and to relive all the fun and excitement they had while attending. These videos are hard to find as these were never made available to the general public, however, some have surfaced up for sale on auction sites such as Ebay among other places.

Berkshire Hathaway bought Kirby parent Scott Fetzer in 1986 for $315 million.[3] Two years prior, Ivan Boesky had offered to buy Scott Fetzer for $60 a share, or $420 million.[13] Warren Buffett has singled out Scott Fetzer to Berkshire's shareholders as the "prototype" for the "kind of company — and acquisition — he was interested in."[14] According to Berkshire managers, "absolutely no changes were made to the existing Scott Fetzer business or management, and the entire business (and its jet) was preserved."[15]

Kirby G5 (1993–1997)

As of 2003, Kirby was the largest source of revenue and profit for Scott Fetzer, with approximately 500,000 sales per year, about a third of which are outside the United States.[16] In 2003, Scott Fetzer sold the vacuums to about 835 factory distributors, who in turn sell the vacuums door-to-door.[16] As an incentive to new customers, Kirby offers the Service Center Vacuum Rebuild Program for original owners who have been registered with the company. As long as the customer owns the machine as the registered owner, if the cleaner needs repair, they can send it back to the Rebuild Department and have it restored to "like-new" condition. The company will completely disassemble it, repair or replace any worn Kirby parts, and sandblast, polish and buff metal parts back to a shiny "new" appearance. Internal components are also thoroughly inspected and repaired with Kirby replacement parts so that it will perform as originally designed.[17]

In 2021, Berkshire Hathaway sold Kirby to the Chicago, Illinois based Right Lane Industries, ending its nearly century long history with Scott Fetzer.

• Kirby Ezee (1914–1919)
• The Wireless Vacuette (1919–1925)
• The Vacuette Electric (1925–1928)
• Scott Fetzer Sanitation System (1928–1934)
• Kirby Model C/R (1934–1937)
• Kirby Model 2C/2R (1937–1939)
• Kirby Model 3C/3R (1939–1940)
• Kirby Model 4C/4R (1940–1941)
• Kirby Model 505 (1945–1948)
• Kirby Model 508 (1948–1949)
• Kirby Model 509 (1949–1950)
• Kirby Model 510 (1950–1951)
• Kirby Model 511 (1951–1952)
• Kirby Model 512 (1952–1953)
• Kirby Model 513 (1953–1954)
• Kirby Model 514 (1954–1955)
• Kirby Model 515 (1955–1956)
• Kirby Model 516 (1956–1957)
• Kirby Model 517 (1957–1958)
• Kirby Model 518 (1958–1959)
• Kirby Model 519 (1959–1960)
• Kirby Model 560 (1960–1961)
• Kirby Model 561 (1961–1962)
• Kirby 562 (1962–1963)
• Kirby Sanitronic VII (1963–1965)
• Kirby Dual Sanitronic 50 (1965–1967)
• Kirby Dual Sanitronic 80 (1967–1969)
• Kirby Classic 1CR (1969–1973)
• Kirby Classic Omega 1CB (1973–1976)
• Kirby Classic III 2CB (1976–1979)
• Kirby Tradition 3CB (1979–1981)
• Kirby Heritage 1HD (1981–1984)
• Kirby Heritage II 2HD (1984–1987)
• Kirby Heritage II Legend 2HD (1987–1989)
• Kirby Legend II 2HD (1989–1991)
• Kirby Generation 3 (1990–1993)
• Kirby G4 (1993–1997)
• Kirby G4 80th anniversary edition (1994)
• Kirby G5 (1997–1999)
• Kirby Gsix (1999–2002)
• Kirby Gsix 2000 Limited Edition (2000)
• Kirby Gsix 2001 Limited Edition (2001)
• Kirby Ultimate G (2002–2003)
• Kirby Ultimate G 90th anniversary edition (2004)
• Kirby Ultimate G Diamond Edition (2003–2006)
• Kirby Sentria (2006–2012)
• Kirby Sentria II (2012–2014)
• Kirby Avalir 100th anniversary edition (2014)
• Kirby Avalir (2014–2017)
• Kirby Avalir 2 (2017–present)

A major facelift was done to the Kirby line with the Generation 3 series in 1990, with G3 and later models maintaining a traditional form, but with a modern look and tech-drive transmission. Internal improvements between models have continued (such as HEPA filtration, beginning with the Gsix in 1999), but outward changes throughout the entire Kirby production have been mostly in color scheme or minor detail.

Pricing of new, used and older Kirby vacuum models sold online or by secondhand thrift stores can vary widely based on overall condition and what number parts; attachments & accessories are included with it in the sale. A number of companies and secondhand dealers also offer refurbished Kirby vacuums. Brand new Kirby models sold online by third party are not covered by Kirby's factory warranty as they were not sold by an official Kirby company sales rep and, therefore not issued an official certified Kirby factory warranty, however, those machines may still be eligible for the Kirby Service Center Vacuum Rebuild Program for those owners who have registered those machines with the company via Kirby's website (Owner registration page.) as long as the unit was sold/purchased brand new with the original factory registration information included with it.

The practices of some of Kirby's independent distributors have been subject to criticism. The Kirby is included by Lon L. Fuller and Melvin A. Eisenberg, Professors of Contract Law at Harvard Law School and UC Berkeley School of Law/Columbia Law School, as a textbook example of unconscionability.[18] Kirby has been subject to relentless criticism by consumer protection agencies.[3] As of 1999, of the 22 state consumer protection agencies, 15 had received a total of more than 600 complaints in just a few years.[3] Between 1996 and 1999, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection received 50 complaints regarding Kirby dealers, and concluded from its investigation that Kirby, through its distributors, engaged in a "statewide pattern of trade practices" violation of state consumer-protection laws.[3]

The Wall Street Journal records examples where an elderly couple was unable to remove three Kirby salesmen from their home for over five hours; in another example, a disabled woman who had been living alone in a mobile home on $1000/month in Social Security payments and suffering from Alzheimer's disease was discovered to own two Kirby vacuum cleaners, having paid $1,700 for the second one.[3] In 2002, the Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner obtained $13,000 in refunds for 13 senior citizens.[19]

According to the Wall Street Journal, the device "costs more than four times what other top-of-the-line vacuum cleaners do."[3] Kirby compares the price difference to that between luxury and economy cars, yet "luxury-car dealers don't make house calls in trailer parks. But Kirby dealers do."[3] The Kirby vacuum cleaner is "marketed exclusively door-to-door — often to people who cannot afford a $1,500 gadget, but succumb to the sales pitch nonetheless."[3]

In 2001, the West Virginia Attorney General obtained more than $26,000 in refunds and credits for dissatisfied Kirby buyers.[19] In 2002, ABC's Primetime conducted a hidden-camera investigation in response to more than a thousand complaints regarding Kirby's salespeople.[19] In June 2004, the Arizona Attorney General filed suit against Kirby distributors for violations of the Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act, seeking an injunction against any other home sales.[19] Public authorities flooded with complaints about Kirby vacuum cleaners is not a recent phenomenon; even in the 1960s and 1970s, Kirby had been "cited by various agencies a number of times" and the Detroit Better Business Bureau had received so many complaints that it decided to turn the matter over to the Wayne County prosecutor.[20]

Kirby asserts it is not liable for the actions of its sales force, whom it describes as independent contractors.[3] Its "Distributor Code of Ethics" enumerates 12 principles, including "observe the highest standards of character, honesty and integrity in dealings with my customers, fellow Distributors and other members of the Kirby profession."[3] Kirby also asserts that it teaches its distributors direct-sales laws, and that it requires them to resolve complaints within 24 hours under threat of termination.[3]

Between 1998 and 2001, in Alabama alone, more than 100 lawsuits were filed against Kirby and its affiliates and subsidiaries, resulting in nearly $2 million in judgements and settlements.[21]

Twelve distributors of Kirby vacuums in Massachusetts were cited for violations of the Commonwealth's wage and hour laws by the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office in July 2010. The 12 distributors were cited for a variety of different wage and hour violations including nonpayment of wage, nonpayment of minimum wage, misclassification, child labor, retaliation and record-keeping violations. The distributors were fined a total of $199,300 for the violations and also ordered to pay restitution.[22]

• Miles, Robert P. 2003. The Warren Buffett CEO: Secrets from the Berkshire Hathaway Managers.

• Media related to Kirby Company at Wikimedia Commons