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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1995-08-30, Page 15McGavin's 59 years of selling the best For decades the name McGavin has been synonymous with quality farm machinery. McGavin's history dates back to 1936 when Gordon McGavin began a Cockshutt dealership on the RR4, Walton property where his son Neil and his wife Marie now reside. Ten years later McGavin's added a New Holland Baler dealership, then in 1949, in addition to being a dealer for many short lines such as Eastern, Turnco, Geo. White and Mohawk, McGavin's also became a dealer for New Idea farm machinery. In 1953, they moved the business to Walton at a location across from the Walton Hall. Four years later saw the addition of a Nuffield Tr. dealership, then in 1958, McGavin's lost the Cockshutt dealership, which was cancelled by the company because McGavin's had sold too much New Holland and Nuffield equipment. The business made another move in 1963 when they took over the old Walton school, located adjacent to the present site. The following year they built a shop on the back of the school, then in 1978 they constructed a new 40 by 80 foot addition onto the shop. They moved the parts department in the old shop. The McGavin's oldest son Brian joined the company in 1985. Another change occurred for McGavin's in 1988, when Ford purchased New Holland and asked the dealers for purity (their company only). McGavin's built a new 50 by 105 foot addition, then in 1989 the new McGavin Farm Supply Limited was started by Brian McGavin as a Ford New Holland dealership exclusively. The youngest son, Jeff (the McGavins also have two daughters, Cathy and Heather) left UCO to join the firm and will eventually take over the McGavin Farm Equipment Limited division of the company. McGavin's is a valued part of the local business community, employing a staff of 22. Total sales for both companies this year will be approximately $8 million. The definitely live by their slogan— "WE SELL THE BEST AND CAN GET THE REST'". THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 1995. PAGE 15. Brussels Agromart Ltd. Growing to serve the needs of the farming community Brussels Agromart began in 1963 when CIL set up a bag fertilizer warehouse. The location was operated by Topnotch on behalf of CIL for the first 10 years, mainly handling feed and bag fertilizer. In 1973 CIL took over operation of the site and converted it to a bulk blend location. Jim Johnston of CIL hired Jim Knight in 1973 as field operations manager to oversee the daily operation. Max McLellan came on staff full-time in 1977. A fertilizer blender and tower were installed allowing for fertilizer blends to be tailored to the growers' needs. During the late 70s a crop protection products warehouse was built on the south side of the site. A workshop was built and the concrete slab silo was installed to facilitate handling of liquid 28 per cent fertilizer. Dave Boynton became owner/manager of the location in 1980 and along with Jim Knight and Max McLellan endeavoured to meet customer needs, selling fertilizer, crop protection products, seed and feed. Dave hired Judy Hahn and William Gallaher in 1985 and 1986 respectively as the business grew. In December of 1988, the present owner, managers Merle and Rhonda Hoegy, purchased the business from Dave Boynton. Merle originates from Brodhagen, but moved to Edmonton for 13 years. He worked for a geotechnical engineering firm, travelling extensively across northern Canada and the high Arctic regions. Rhonda hails from Calgary where she worked Then —1973 with Alberta Government Telephones (AGT) before she, Merle and family moved to Brussels. Since beginning operations, Merle has increased both bulk and bag fertilizer, storage facilities and set up the south warehouse exclusively for Crop Protection Products to meet industry standards of today. Two Spra-Coupe row-crop sprayers have been added plus other equipment to handle the growing needs of the farmer. To handle the spring workload all staff give 110 per cent and work long hours to make sure the farmers' inputs are available to plant his crops on a timely basis. Peak staffing this year reached a high of 17 employees. The thrust of Brussels Agromart today, and for the future, is to supply quality products, service and technology to the farming community. "With the advances in technology coming down the pipeline over the next couple of decades we hope to be able to work with the producer of today to keep him farming profitably tomorrow." TAKE A DRIVE TO WALTON IF WE DON'T HAVE IT, WE'LL GET IT! Forage Harvesters NH 717, 718, 770, 782, 890, 892, 900 with metal alert Ford 672 Priced from $1500 up FORAGE BOXES 12 to choose from including Dion, Farmhand, New Holland and several wrecked ones if you need parts. FORAGE BLOWERS 3 year old Dion, 25, 27 & 28 New Holland, Kools NEW & USED GRAVITY BOXES From 125 bushel to 500 bushel PLOWS New Kvernlands, Kongskilde, Used Overum 5 furrow adjustable, Plus 12 other used plows JD 2500 6 x 18, DRYERS Several dryers to choose from! Order your snowblower now and get an Early Bird Discount Clearance of Lawnmowers (519) McGAVIN 887-6365 'Your Walton, Short Established EQUIPMENT -tins in Ontario (519) specialists' FARM 1936 527-0245 FARM SUPPLY AIWIfl LTD. NM 527.0245 WALTON 887.6365