The business was established in January 1977 by Major Raymond Owen and operated from his garden shed at his home in Penrhyndeudraeth. At this time, the concentration was primarily on two-stroke machinery, especially chainsaws and brush cutters. Major's daughter Deborah looked after the accounts with him.

As demand for outdoor power products increased and petrol powered equipment became more widely available, Major moved to his first retail premises in School Street, Penrhyndeudraeth. In 1984, he was on the move again and took up a lease on the Old Market Hall in the centre of the village and was joined by his son in-law David Burnham and son in-law to be Andy Jones. As the volume of business increased, it soon became apparent that a purpose built premises was necessary and in 1988 two acres of land was purchased at Park Road, Penrhyndeudraeth and a building of 5000 sq feet erected.

The business was incorporated in January 1990 and moved into its new premises during September of that year. Since that time, expansion has continued and this site now houses approximately 18,500 sq feet of covered trading space, incorporating showroom, workshop, parts, warehousing and administration areas.

Major R. Owen Ltd holds several key franchises and supplies grounds maintenance equipment and garden machinery to both the professional and homeowner sectors. These franchises include Kubota, Hayter, Toro, Gianni Ferrari, Stihl, Husqvarna and Honda. Over the last eight years, we have been actively developing a Construction machinery side to the business and similarly hold some key franchises including Kubota excavators, Bomag compaction equipment and Neuson dumpers. In 2011 we were delighted to be appointed as Manitou and Gehl Dealers for North Wales.

Our operating area extends throughout North and mid-Wales. Currently the company employs 26 people including a team of 14 after sales staff. We will be commencing our 35th year of trading on the 1st of January 2012...

Major retired in December 1997. Following his retirement from the business, his son-in-law, David Burnham was appointed as Managing Director, supported by Major's other son-in-law, Andy Jones as Sales Director and his daughter, Deborah Burnham as Administration Director.

David Burnham retired from Major R. Owen Ltd in early April 2008. Andy Jones was appointed as Managing Director, supported by Deborah Burnham as Finance Director.

We place great importance in after sales support and are constantly striving to improve this aspect of our operation. It is the firm intention of Major R Owen Ltd to be amongst the best in our business and to continue building upon our strengths and addressing our weaknesses.