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WEST BEND, WI - To thrive in business for 150 years takes product innovation, sound business decisions, strongleadership, and first-class customer service; but most of all it takes dedicated employees and dealers. The GehlCompany history began in 1859 in a blacksmith shop in a small Wisconsin community located at the westerly bend of theMilwaukee River. Since then, GEHL Company has been led by three generations of GEHL family members and still operates inthe same Midwestern town where it began 150 years ago.
Beginning with the development of agricultural implements for small farms, a best seller was created in 1880 called theHexelbank Ensilage Cutter, a predecessor to the modern forage harvester. John W. GEHL acquired the business in 1902,becoming the first GEHL family member to lead the implement company. A second generation of GEHL brothers took controlof the business in the 1930's. In the 1940's the GEHL brothers developed innovative new agricultural products, including fieldforage harvesters, self-propelled forage harvesters, multiple-row crop attachments and portable feedmakers.
In 1973 GEHL began manufacturing skid loaders for agricultural customers, necessitating a second manufacturing plant, inMadison, South Dakota. The popularity of these machines grew quickly into the expanding construction markets, as well asthe European market. Today GEHL Company has established a reputation of having one of the highest quality skid loaders inthe market.
In 1987 GEHL Company began manufacturing the GEHL Dynalift® telescopic handler in Yankton, South Dakota. Gehltelescopic handlers are known by contractors and rental businesses throughout North America for their superb performanceand high quality construction.A third-generation GEHL, William D. GEHL, began managing the Company in 1992. Under William GEHL's leadership theCompany diversified into multiple markets world-wide, including the acquisition of Mustang Manufacturing in 1997. Gehlbegan manufacturing more compact equipment than ever before, advancing technology throughout all their product lines.
GEHL Company's success after the early 1990s and into the first decade of the twenty-first century was attributed to the visionof William GEHL, the hard work of GEHL employees, and the dedicated world-wide dealer network. "Despite changes intechnology and an ever-expanding product line, GEHL has remained true to its reputation for ingenuity, innovation andreliability," said William GEHL, CEO and board chairman.
Today GEHL Company is well-known globally for providing one of the most extensive lines of compact equipment in themarket place. Products GEHL Company manufactures and distributes include telescopic handlers, skid loaders, track loaders,compact excavators, all-wheel-steer loaders, articulated loaders, and asphalt pavers.
GEHL is continually designing and manufacturing state-of-the-art compact equipment with the customer in mind. Gehlrecently opened their new research and development center in West Bend, Wisconsin, next to where the business began 150years ago.
The new research and development center includes the latest technology to develop the most innovative compact equipmentin the industry. The center includes a certified sound chamber, which allows developmental sound-level testing, as well ascertification and audit testing to the various worldwide standards. Other test cells are available to allow 24-hour operation ofequipment for performance and durability evaluations.
The Company is proud of the involvement of the countless hard-working people who helped to make this impressivemilestone a reality.To commemorate their 150-year milestone, GEHL Company has published an illustrated hard cover book that details theevents of the Company's evolution. Copies can be ordered on the GEHL website, www.gehl.com, on the "GEHL Gear" page.
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