Berry Tractor & Equipment Co. is celebrating its 50^th anniversary this year. The Wichita, Kan.-based equipment distributor and rental company started as a single company with three locations and has grown to a seven-company organization with 24 locations in five states.

Formerly known as the Sam H. Denney Road Machinery Co., Fred Berry Jr. and his brother Paul acquired the company in 1957 and renamed it Berry Tractor & Equipment Co.

Berry Tractor began as an International Harvester dealer with branches in Garden City and Russell, Kan. The company purchased an International Harvester dealership in Topeka in 1975, and acquired its Springfield location in 1982.

Founder Fred Berry continues as chairman of the board, while his son Walter serves as president.

Always active in charity, Fred Berry served as chairman of the United Way in the past and the company donated more than $100,000 to it in 2006.

The Berry Cos. Is No. 84 on the RER 100, based on $15.2 million in 2006 rental volume and $179.1 million in total volume.