Gehl Co. Celebrates 150 Years

Gehl Co., the West Bend, Wis.-based manufacturer of compact equipment, has announced that the company is celebrating its 150^th anniversary in 2009.

To commemorate the 150-year milestone, the company has published an illustrated hardcover book that details the events of Gehl’s evolution. Copies can be ordered on the Gehl Web site.

The Gehl Co. began in 1859 in a blacksmith shop in a small Wisconsin community. Since then, Gehl Co. has been led by three generations of Gehl family members and still operates in the same Midwestern town where it began.

The company began with the development of agricultural implements for small farms. 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 control of the business in the 1930s.

In 1973, Gehl began manufacturing skid loaders for agricultural customers, necessitating a second manufacturing plant in Madison, S.D.

A third generation Gehl, William D. Gehl, began managing the company in 1992. Under his leadership, the company diversified into multiple markets worldwide, including the acquisition of Mustang Manufacturing in 1997. Today, Gehl Co. provides an extensive line of compact equipment, including telescopic handlers, skid loaders, track loaders, compact excavators, all-wheel-steer loaders, articulated loaders and asphalt pavers.

More information is available online.