Buhler Industries of Winnipeg has signed an agreement that will see it introduce a new line of small tractors to North America.
The diesel-powered four-wheel drive, articulating tractors that look like small front-end loaders are made by Weidemann GmbH & Co. of Flechtdorf, Germany.
The agreement also foresees Buhler building the vehicles for the North American market at a plant in Beausejour, Man., or Fargo, North Dakota.
A production plant, planned for construction within five years, would employ about 150 people.
The town of Beausejour and the government of Manitoba are developing an incentive package to attract the production plant, including land, services and a tax holiday.
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Described as “tool carriers,” the units have arms that can carry a bucket, pallet fork or combination of attachments for use in agriculture, construction and forestry.
Frank Weidemann, international sales manager, said in a news release W.M. Weidemann has developed “almost a hundred different tools in response to requests from various users.”
The tool choices include hydraulically powered post hole augers, bale shredders, sweepers, a variety of clamps and grapples, as well as arm extensions for high elevation stacking.
The Weidemann company was founded in 1960. By 1995, it had made 25,000 tractors sold throughout Europe.
Buhler and Weidemann are preparing four models for North American introduction. Ranging in horsepower from 22 to 70, they will be marketed under the name Buhler-Weidemann, the news release said.
“We are introducing proven technology to a market potential that includes, but reaches well beyond, our traditional agricultural markets,” said John Buhler.
Buhler Industries has two manufacturing plants in Manitoba producing agricultural equipment. The Farm King line manufactured at Morden consists of grain augers and tractor-powered implements.
It makes the Allied line of front end loaders at Winnipeg.
There are more than 1,000 Farm King and Allied dealers across North America, served by independent distributors, as well as eight Buhler owned distribution centres in Canada and the United States.
Buhler Industries has more than 600 employees. In the short term, the new venture will see additional jobs created by distribution and custom tooling for the Buhler-Weidemann machines.
The company also owns or has interest in companies that make furniture, doors, mirrors and structural beams.
