Claude Poulan and James Conly, Jr. were driving forces behind the development of Poulan chain saws.
The first Poulan manufacturing plant, constructed in 1951, is still used today for warehousing and equipment maintenance.
knowledge of assembly procedures and chain saw design, helped set up Poulan’s first plant producing complete chain saws. Poulan then brought his two brothers, Har- ry and Fletcher into the company in key positions. Harry took over sales and devel- oped the forerunner of the
Today, that company has grown to be one of the largest manufacturers of chain saws in the world.
In 1951, the company purchased a 12- acre site in Shreveport and constructed a new building which would eventually grow o 55,000 square feet of manufactur- ing space. At the same time, the firm intro- duced its second
ignition parts purchased from an outside supplier.
Also in 1951, Poulan introduced its first chain saw manufactured completely with- in the company, the Model 5200. This clearly established the company as a major force in the chain saw industry.
Claude and his brothers inspect one of their early saws. Shown (left to right) are Harry Poulan, Chief Engineer Ernest Garrett, Claude and Fletcher Poulan.