April 19, 2010 – Brandt Tractor and Topcon Positioning Systems announced today one of the company’s largest distributors -- Land Measurement Systems (LMS) of Calgary, Alberta, with offices in Winnipeg, Vancouver and Edmonton -- has been purchased by Brandt Tractor.
Brandt is part of The Brandt Companies, the largest privately owned company in Saskatchewan. With 21 locations across Western Canada, Brandt is also the largest privately held John Deere dealership in the world.
Brandt has worked closely with LMS to distribute Topcon machine control products for Western Canada for more than two years.
With the acquisition of LMS, Brandt will now represent the full line of Topcon positioning products for surveying and construction. Brandt will also assume the Topcon Regional Repair Center operations, capable of servicing Topcon Equipment from all across Canada and the United States. Additionally, Brandt will assume ownership of Topcon’s Real Time Kinetic (RTK) Network in western Canada.
Jamie Williamson, Topcon senior vice president, said, “This joining of the LMS operations with Brandt will bring incredible benefits to customers and potential customers in Western Canada. Topcon will get a direct benefit from the world class sales and service organization of Brandt, and the company’s large geographic footprint across Western Canada.
“Additionally,” he said, “Brandt brings exemplary business management skills and financial resources to the dealership. This allows both Brandt and Topcon to leverage the history of building strong relationships and great technical expertise that is the legacy of LMS.”
He said, “The sale is effective immediately and this is a great move to help both companies grow the business in the future.”
Shaun Semple, President of Brandt Tractor Ltd. said, “We are very excited to have the LMS organization join the Brandt family. We are equally excited about adding a quality product line such as Topcon to our premium product offerings like John Deere and Ditch Witch that we have offered our customers for many years. Topcon gives Brandt a strategic advantage as we look to the future of machine control and positioning technologies.
Randy Hudson, Division Manager - Positioning Technologies with LMS, said, “This transaction is a win-win-win situation for all three companies. LMS has a history of building relationships with its customers by servicing all their needs. We worked closely with Topcon to build our business and with a company like Brandt Tractor taking a leadership role in the Topcon distribution network, the company will continue to grow.”
VALUE PACKED.
Brandt Rental Customers
To serve your needs, Brandt Tractor is pleased to announce that we have entered into an exclusive distribution agreement for BOMAG parts, equipment and service in western Canada. With 21 Brandt locations across western Canada to serve you, BOMAG Light equipment and parts are now conveniently located near you. Plus, our trusted service technicians and over 200 service trucks mean quick and easy access to the service you need.
With Brandt Tractor as your new, exclusive dealer of BOMAG Light, you will benefit from increased access, service and value, while continuing to count on the best-trained and equipped sales, parts and service team in the business. Best of all, Brandt will maintain the same rental discount for all equipment and parts that you receive today.
We’re looking forward to working with you to meet all your BOMAG Light equipment and service needs. Enclosed is a binder containing the 2009 price list, rental "Booking" program, ordering information, brochures and warranty claim info. A Brandt representative will contact you in the near future to answer any questions and discuss your current and future needs.
For more information with regards to equipment, warranty, service or parts, please contact our Product Support Center at 1-866-903-3293.
Sincerely,
Shaun Semple
President
Brandt Tractor
Gavin Semple Honoured by Canadian Manufacturers
Gavin Semple, President of the Brandt Group of Companies was one of six individuals inducted into the Canadian Manufacturing Hall of Fame at a ceremony held in Windsor, Ontario on March 31, 2009. The Canadian Manufacturing Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the economic, political, educational or technological development of the Canadian manufacturing industry.
Though proud of its history, which began in 1932 by electrical contractor Abram Peter Brandt, the company of today holds little or no likeness to its predecessor. Brandt's founder passed away in 1957, at which time he left the company to his family. It remained largely this way, as a multi-shareholder package, until a young, competent, ambitious and visionary salesman by the name of Gavin Semple came to work for Brandt in the early 1970's. Growing revenues five-fold by 1976, Semple, by now president and general manager, acquired a 15 per cent share of the company. He parlayed that into a majority shareholder position by 1982. Today, the Brandt Group of Companies consists of five businesses headquartered in Regina, Saskatchewan.
Brandt is the largest privately held company in Saskatchewan and has received many awards including Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies Platinum Member for 2008, awarded for being a 50 Best Managed Company for eight consecutive years and an induction into the Saskatchewan Business Hall of Fame in 2005. More recently, Gavin Semple was given the Saskatchewan Order of Merit for 2008.