AgWest expanding with new buildings in Brandon, Russell

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This article was published 02/05/2024 (878 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

AgWest, an agriculture equipment dealer, has unveiled plans to construct new buildings in Brandon and Russell to mark its first anniversary under the ownership of Mechan International.

Sales manager Martin Windus said the partnership with Mechan International has led to the company’s expansion plans.

“The partnership has led to immediate improvements, including significantly increased parts stocking levels across all locations,” he said. “The construction of the new buildings in Brandon and Russell is slated to break ground later this year.”

He said the company is prioritizing service to its customers.

“These expansions enhance AgWest’s local presence and customer service capabilities, creating additional jobs and providing farmers with easier access to support and resources,” Windus added.

Tiger Allard, sales manager for AGCO at AgWest, said the new building will be in a new industrial park in southwest Brandon.

“This will allow us to expand at our own pace and better serve our customers with a building designed for ag,” Allard told the Sun in an email, adding that it will start with an eight-bay shop with large overhead doors and a full-serve wash bay.

“As we strive to have a 90 per cent parts fulfillment rate, adequate warehousing space is essential, and this design offers just that with industry-leading design and a full mezzanine space above to house larger parts,” he said.

The company expects the new state-of-the-art facilities to help draw in additional staff needed to serve its customers, including account managers, parts associates and service technicians.

“We look forward to being a part of the growth of the local economy and are excited to partner with local businesses in many ways,” Allard said.

Allard also attributed the expansion plans to AgWest’s new ownership under Mechan International.

“Toromont Industries constructed the building approximately 15 years ago,” he said. “With Toromont’s sale of AgWest to Mechan International last year, we now have the opportunity to expand on our own with a new building that will better serve our customers’ needs.”

Operation manager Don Miller said he witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of the partnership.

“Together, we’ve surpassed key benchmarks and elevated our service standards, reinforcing our dedication to supporting Manitoba’s agriculture community,” Miller said. “Mechan International is part of Zweegers Equipment Group, a Dutch shareholder with sufficient capital for growth, guaranteeing a secure future for AgWest.”

With a network of six strategically located branches across the province, Miller added, AgWest has expanded its team and enhanced its offerings to better cater to the evolving needs of local farmers.

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