Morris Industries Ltd. has bought ProAg Designs, an American company
that makes hay handling equipment.
Casey Davis, Morris president and chief executive officer, said his
company has been looking for ways to expand its market in hay equipment.
That would help balance the company’s extensive line of cropping
equipment, he said.
ProAg Designs of Belgrade, Mont., brings with it machinery to handle
large rectangular bales and a market presence in the United States.
ProAg’s Auto Align Bale Runner was a key part of the deal. It allows
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one operator to pick up and stack up to 100 tons per hour.
“We wanted a large square bale hauler. It will be a growing market.
Every year we see more interest in large square bales,” he said, noting
the growth in commercial hay operations, industrial applications for
straw and the possibility of using straw to make ethanol.
“As these operations move forward, there will be more need for large
square bale movers.”
The acquisition cost was not released.
Morris will maintain production at Belgrade and keep the 20 employees
there. Morris’s Canadian plants will be able to supply some of the
components.
It plans to market the ProAg products, along with its own round bale
handling equipment, across North America, Europe and Australia.
