Empire Machinery to Acquire Arizona Agricultural Equipment Dealer

May 10, 2010
Empire Southwest last month agreed to acquire the agricultural industry-related assets of Arizona Production Machinery & Supply, a Casa Grande, Ariz.-based agricultural machinery dealer. The acquisition will expand Empire’s current product line of Caterpillar and Challenger machines to include agricultural machines from AGCO, Claas and Massey Ferguson. APM&S owner Tim Robinson will become general manager of Empire’s agricultural division.

Empire Southwest last month agreed to acquire the agricultural industry-related assets of Arizona Production Machinery & Supply, a Casa Grande, Ariz.-based agricultural machinery dealer. The acquisition will expand Empire’s current product line of Caterpillar and Challenger machines to include agricultural machines from AGCO, Claas and Massey Ferguson. APM&S owner Tim Robinson will become general manager of Empire’s agricultural division.

“Empire has a longstanding commitment to the agriculture industry, and this greatly strengthens our ability to support it,” said Jeff Whiteman, Empire chairman and CEO. “Our parts and service capacity and APM&S’ industry expertise are extremely well-matched. Combined they provide Ag professionals with a comprehensive, one-stop resource to provide unrivaled machinery and customer support to the agriculture industry.”

“The acquisition of Arizona Production Machinery & Supply by Empire Southwest LLC is consistent with our strategy to strengthen our North American dealer network,” said Alistair McLelland, vice president distribution development for AGCO. “Empire and APM&S have been consistent high performers for AGCO for many years but integration will definitely benefit our customers and grow our business in the territory.”

McLelland said Empire has requested and AGCO has approved a new Empire Ag location in Blythe, Calif., which will carry the Massey Ferguson, Challenger and Spra-Coupe brands. Empire also plans to add a store in Casa Grande.

Empire Machinery is also a major rental provider and is No. 32 on the RER 100.