baroness CORPORATE HISTORY
In 1910 Mr. Soukichi Hayashi started Kyoeisha, a company focused on production of two angle-type straw folders for silk growers in the Toyokawa area. In 1918 he reorganized his company into Kyoeisha Co., Ltd, and became the first President. Mr. Soukichi developed a man-powered thresher in 1922 that was exported to Korea, China, Taiwan and Southeast Asia in addition to the domestic market. In 1930 he developed a rope manufacturing machine. Mr. Soukichi passed away in 1945 at the age of 77.
Mr. Kaichi Hayashi inherited Kyoeisha Co., Ltd in 1945 and became the second-generation President. A keen inventor and designer, Kaichi started to produce cultivators for the rice and vegetable growing industries. In 1956 the 
factory was appointed as a Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) Marking Permitted factory for the development of machine powered threshers. Kyoeisha developed its first Greens Mower in 1959 and advanced into the Turf Grass industry. During the development of the Greens Mower Mr. Hayashi pioneered the process used to strengthen mower reels, a process that is still used to this day.
In 1960 Kyoeisha Co., Ltd celebrated its 50th anniversary. In the ten years that followed Kyoeisha designed and started the production of its next three lines: the GM, HM and the Trencher Series. Kyoeisha became known nationally as a turf maintenance specialty company. In 1978 the first Baroness 5 reel hydraulic-driven tractor mower was released and helped the Baroness brand become very popular with golf courses in Japan.
Mr. Masami Hayashi became the 3rd President of Kyoeisha Co., Ltd. in 1982. The next year Kyoeisha started exporting mowers to England under the brand name Saxon. Over the next few years the Baroness line of greens mowers became well renowned in the UK. Several high level golf clubs, like Loch Lomond, now use the Baroness gear-driven greens mowers. 
From 1983 to the present day, Kyoeisha’s yearly sales have increased from $30 million to $65 million. The product lineup has increased from 39 products in 1983, to a total of 65 products today.
In Mr. Hayashi’s 3rd year as president, he emphasized his four rules of business:
- Value the customer's feedback.
- Manufacture products that fit each customer’s needs.
- Strive for 100% customer satisfaction.
- Ensure that both the company and its products are of benefit and value to the community.
 Mr. Masami Hayashi President from 1982 to present |
 Mr. Kaichi Hayashi President from 1954 to 1982 |
 Mr. Soukichi Hayashi Founder, President from 1922 to 1945 |