The Kirby Story: Over a Century of American Innovatio
It all started in 1906 with a relentless inventor named Jim Kirby. Disappointed by the heavy, inefficient cleaning tools of his era, Jim set out to create a better way to maintain a clean home. His first invention—a clever, hand-powered water-filtration vacuum called the Domestic Cyclone—sparked a lifelong obsession with engineering excellence.
By the 1920s, Jim’s innovative designs caught the attention of businessmen George H. Scott and Carl S. Fetzer. Recognizing the groundbreaking potential of Jim’s electric and multi-attachment cleaning systems, they partnered to bring his vision to the masses. In 1935, the Scott & Fetzer Company officially launched the Kirby division, introducing the Model C—the very first vacuum to proudly carry the Kirby name.
Built to Last, Generation after Generation
While the rest of the world shifted toward disposable, plastic appliances, Kirby took a different path. We chose heavy-duty, hand-crafted aluminum. From the iconic Model 505 in the post-war 1940s to the legendary Sanitronic series of the 1960s, Kirby vacuums became famous not just for their deep-cleaning power, but for their legendary durability.
In 1990, we revolutionized home care again with the introduction of the Generation Series and our proprietary Tech-Drive® power assist system, making our robust, industrial-strength machines incredibly easy to maneuver with the touch of a finger.
The Kirby Legacy Today
Today, as a proud part of the Berkshire Hathaway family, The Kirby Company remains committed to the same core principles Jim Kirby championed over 115 years ago: premium quality, American craftsmanship, and a deep-cleaning capability that stands the test of time.
Our modern systems, like the Kirby Avalir, are engineered to do it all—transforming seamlessly from a deep-cleaning upright vacuum into a carpet shampooer, tile and grout scrubber, and hard-floor polisher. We don’t just build vacuums; we build lifetime home cleaning companions.