AgWest opens new digs in Cornwallis

AgWest Ltd. has opened the doors of its new Brandon location, citing the city’s role as a central agricultural hub and growing customer base.

The ag equipment dealer’s new facility, located at 1 Rusty Way in the RM of Cornwallis, just south of the Trans-Canada Highway, brings parts, service and operations together in a purpose-built space.

It was designed to improve efficiency and reduce downtime for producers during critical seasons such as seeding and harvest, chief executive officer Neil Douglas told the Sun.

“Brandon has long been a key hub for agriculture in western Manitoba, and our customer base in the Westman region has continued to grow,” Douglas said in an email.

“The timing was driven by the need to better support producers with faster service turnaround, improved parts availability and a facility that reflects how modern farm equipment is serviced today.”

The 19,000-square-foot building includes a wash bay, display area with large windows for natural lighting, a small mezzanine and space designed to accommodate future office growth. It replaces AgWest’s former site at 4015 Middleton Ave., where it had operated since about 2014.

Douglas described the project as a multimillion-dollar investment in land, facilities and infrastructure, and it signals the company’s long-term confidence in Prairie agriculture despite ongoing volatility in the sector.

“While the sector sees year-to-year volatility, the fundamentals remain strong, and we believe investing locally is essential to supporting producers through both strong and challenging cycles,” he said.

The expanded shop and parts areas allow technicians to work on more equipment at once while improving workflow and access to critical components. The new layout is intended to reflect changes in modern farming, where machinery has become larger, more complex and increasingly technology-driven.

“Farmers expect faster diagnostics, fewer delays, and service work that can be completed right the first time,” Douglas said.

The Brandon location currently employs 21 staff, with AgWest currently hiring for two account manager positions as the operation continues to grow, he said.

“Facilities like this help us attract and retain talent by offering a modern, safe and well-equipped work environment. The company continues to support apprenticeships and Red Seal certification to help develop local trades talent.”

The new space will allow the Brandon team to respond more quickly to customer needs while improving overall efficiency, branch manager Derek Papineau told the Sun.

“For our customers, this means quicker turnaround times and better access to parts and service when they need it,” Papineau said.

Assistant branch manager Mike Noto said the facility positions the company to expand its operations and strengthen its workforce over time.

“This building allows us to take on more work, improve workflow and continue building a strong team here in Brandon,” Noto said.

Douglas said the company’s immediate focus is on fully utilizing the new facility while continuing to evaluate opportunities to expand services as customer needs evolve.

AgWest, originally operated under Toromont Industries before being acquired by Europe-based Mechan International in 2023, has been pursuing a strategic expansion in Manitoba. New developments are underway not only in Brandon, but also in Russell and Benito.

» aodutola@brandonsun.com

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